Marine Sediment Contaminant Analysis From Survey S282

Fatty acid amides, chemical antioxidants, and UV absorbers were identified as contaminants in sediment samples from Geoscience Australia's marine survey S282. The study traces these compounds to specific sources like plastic sampling bags and sunscreen used during handling. The data was published by the Australian Ocean Data Network, with a record last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Identify contamination sources like plastic bags or sunscreen by analyzing concentrations of fatty acid amides, butylated hydroxytoluene, and octabenzone.
• Distinguish naturally occurring petroleum from introduced hydrocarbons by comparing sediment profiles of branched alkanes with quaternary carbon atoms (BAQCs) and alkyl cyclohexanes.
• Assess sample handling protocols by correlating contaminant levels, such as Irganox 1076 and octyl methoxycinnamate, with specific collection or storage materials.
• Support quality control in multi-disciplinary studies by establishing baseline contaminant profiles for sediment samples collected during marine surveys.

Strengths

• Analysis includes a variety of specific organic contaminants like fatty acid amides, butylated hydroxytoluene, Irganox 1076, octabenzone, and octyl methoxycinnamate.
• Study identifies concrete contamination sources, including two brands of plastic sampling bags and sunscreen from handlers.
• Examines multiple potential contamination vectors, including PVC core liners and lubricants, for hydrocarbon misinterpretation.

Limitations

• The exact number of sediment samples analyzed and the quantitative data for each contaminant are not provided.
• Geographic scope is limited to samples from a single marine survey (S282) in the Arafura Sea.
• Data format is HTML, which may require extraction and structuring for quantitative analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, based on Geoscience Australia's marine survey S282.

Collection Method

Solvent extraction and analysis of sediment samples and potential contamination sources collected during a marine research voyage.

Time Range

Survey S282 (specific dates not provided).

Freshness

Record last updated in April 2026.

Geography

Samples collected in the Arafura Sea.