A survey of molecular marker compounds in sediments of San Francisco Bay, California

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Abstract

An areal survey of surficial sediments in San Francisco Bay has been conducted to evaluate the presence of extractable organic compounds. Molecular marker compounds studied include hydrocarbons (PAH's), chlorinated pesticides, and other organic compounds that provide information on sources of organic input into the Bay. Fairly uniform source profiles are seen throughout the Bay. Biomarker profiles contain mature constituents indicating anthropogenic influences and extensive sediment reworking. The dominant input signatures in San Francisco Bay sediment are those of anthropogenic PAH's from combustion and other sources, and long chain n-alkanes and n-aldehydes from terrigenous vascular plants. A comparison of the sums of the combustion PAH's and the terrigenous n-alkanes shows that an anthropogenic influence is dominant in the most urban parts of the Bay close to shore, and in mid-Bay channel areas, and a terrigenous signature is dominant nearshore in San Pablo Bay and at the southernmost station in South Bay.

 

Study Area

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title A survey of molecular marker compounds in sediments of San Francisco Bay, California
Year Published 1994
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) San Francisco Bay-Delta, Pacific Regional Director's Office
Description 12 p.
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program--Proceedings of the Technical Meeting, Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 20-24, 1993, Water-Resources Investigations Report 94-4015
First page 735
Last page 746
Conference Title U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: Proceedings of the Technical Meeting
Conference Location Colorado Springs, CO
Conference Date September 20-24, 1993
Country United States
State California
County San Francisco
City San Francisco
Other Geospatial San Francisco Bay
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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