Marine Sediment Contaminant Sources From Survey S282

Geoscience Australia's marine survey S282 collected sediment samples from the Arafura Sea, analyzing them for organic contaminants. The dataset details specific compounds like fatty acid amides, butylated hydroxytoluene, Irganox 1076, octabenzone, and octyl methoxycinnamate, tracing their origins to plastic sampling bags and sunscreen. It was published by the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Use Cases

• Identify contamination sources like plastic bags or sunscreen by correlating detected compounds such as fatty acid amides and octyl methoxycinnamate with sample handling metadata.
• Assess sample purity for hydrocarbon seepage studies by analyzing features like branched alkanes with quaternary carbon atoms (BAQCs) and alkyl cyclohexane distributions.
• Develop protocols for clean sampling by studying the relationship between contaminant levels and specific materials like PVC core liners and lubricants used on the research vessel.
• Model contaminant transport by examining the presence and concentration of chemical antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene and Irganox 1076 across different sediment samples.

Strengths

• Identifies specific contaminant compounds and their direct sources, such as plastic bags and sunscreen.
• Provides a case study from a defined marine survey (S282) in the Arafura Sea.
• Includes analysis of hydrocarbons that could be mistaken for natural petroleum, aiding in accurate interpretation.

Limitations

• Sample size and row count are unknown, limiting statistical power.
• Geographic scope is limited to the Arafura Sea from a single survey.
• Column names and data structure are unspecified, complicating direct analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, from Geoscience Australia marine survey S282.

Collection Method

Sediment samples collected during a marine survey, with solvent extraction and analysis of potential contamination sources like plastic bags and lubricants.

Time Range

Survey S282 timeframe, specific dates not provided.

Freshness

Last updated date is 2026-04-04.

Geography

Arafura Sea.