Organic Contaminant Analysis from Arafura Sea Marine Survey

Geoscience Australia's marine survey S282 detected fatty acid amides, chemical antioxidants, and UV absorbers in sediment samples. The study identified plastic sampling bags and sunscreen as contamination sources for these compounds. Analysis also revealed branched alkanes and alkyl cyclohexanes that could be mistaken for natural petroleum evidence.

Use Cases

• Identify fatty acid amides and butylated hydroxytoluene in sediment samples to trace contamination from specific plastic sampling bag brands.
• Analyze octabenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate concentrations to assess contamination introduced via direct contact with sunscreen.
• Distinguish branched alkanes with quaternary carbon atoms (BAQCs) and alkyl cyclohexanes from naturally occurring petroleum hydrocarbons in geochemical samples.
• Evaluate solvent extraction results from potential sources like PVC core liners and lubricants to prevent misinterpretation of hydrocarbon seepage evidence.

Strengths

• Data originates from a defined marine survey (S282) conducted by a national geoscience organization.
• Identifies specific contaminant compounds (e.g., Irganox 1076, octyl methoxycinnamate) and their probable sources.
• Analysis includes detailed examination of hydrocarbon series like branched alkanes with quaternary carbon atoms.

Limitations

• Sample size and row count are unknown, limiting statistical assessment.
• Data is presented in HTML format, not a structured tabular dataset, complicating direct analysis.
• Findings are specific to one survey (S282) in the Arafura Sea, which may limit generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

Solvent extraction and analysis of sediment samples and potential contamination sources collected during marine survey.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Arafura Sea (from marine survey S282)