[Composition of n-alkanes in soils of the Yellow River Estuary Wetlands and their potential as organic matter source indicators].

Abstract: Surface soil samples from the Yellow River Estuary Wetlands were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC) and n-alkanes. Molecular indicators of n-alkanes were calculated and their potential as organic matter source indicators was discussed and compared among different sampling areas and times. C25-C33 n-alkanes with odd-to-even predominance were observed in most surface soils of the wetlands, suggesting the dominant contribution of terrestrial higher plants for the soil organic matter (SOM), and the ubiquitous presence of unresolved complex mixture indicated the presence of petroleum contamination. Total n-alkane concentrations in soils varied from 0.57 microg x g(-1) to 3.90 microg x g(-1), and distinct spatial and temporal differences were observed. In April 2009 (dry season), total n-alkane concentration was higher than that in June 2009 (during water-sediment regulation) with the maximum concentration observed at the core area of the wetlands, followed by the north side of the Yellow River after the last pontoon bridge, and the abandoned channel area of the Yellow River. The opposite trend of total n-alkane concentration was observed in June. The variation of total n-alkane concentration at two sampling time points were positively correlated with TOC and negatively correlated with sediment grain size, suggesting the influence of hydro-environment on the accumulation of soil organic matter. Molecular indicators of n-alkanes, such as average chain length (ACL), odd-even predominance (OEP), alkane index (AI), carbon preference index (CPI) and Terrigenous/ Aquatic Ratio (TAR) indicated that the maturity of organic matter in soils of the wetlands was low, and the dominant source of the SOM was terrestrial higher plants and mainly herbaceous plants. Compared with other indicators, TAR is better in reflecting the variation of hydro-environment.

[Phosphorus forms of the suspended particulate matter in the Yellow River downstream during water and sediment regulation 2008].

Suspended particulate matter samples were collected from Lijin Station on the Yellow River during the 2008 water and sediment regulation. Using water elutriation method, samples were physically separated according to grain size, and phosphorus forms were detected by the improved SEDEX technology. Results show that authigenic apatite phosphorus and organic phosphorus are the dominant forms of the particulate phosphorus. During water and sediment regulation, concentrations of total particulate phosphorus, loosely adsorbed phosphorus, organic phosphorus and refractory phosphorus are lower than those in other time of the year, while the concentration of detrital fluorapatite phosphorus is higher than that in other time. Grain size is the primary variable in the determination of the content of various particulate phosphorus forms. In fine particles, loosely adsorbed phosphorus, organic phosphorus and refractory phosphorus concentrations are high, while detrital fluorapatite phosphorus concentration is high in coarse particles. About 28.3% of the total particulate phosphorus is in the form of bio-available phosphorus, of which organic phosphorus is the major component. During the water and sediment regulation, the fluxes of sediment, particulate phosphorus and particulate bio-available phosphorus are 6.63 x 10(7) t, 3.42 x 10(4) t, and 8.30 x 10(3) t, which are 83.2%, 78.6%, and 80.2% each of the total fluxes in 2008.