Comparison of three pretreatment methods for the analysis of distributions and hydrogen isotopic compositions of leaf waxn-fatty acids in natural samples

Abstract

Our study indicates that the three different pretreatment methods might not seriously influence the interpretations of δ(2)H values of sedimentary long-chain n-FAs as a terrestrial paleohydrological proxy; however, the release of ester-bound n-FAs by alkali- and acid-catalysed chemical reactions means that users should be cautious when interpreting and comparing distribution data of n-FAs from natural samples with different pretreatment protocols.