Natural 14C in Saccoglossus bromophenolosus compared to 14C in surrounding sediments

Abstract

The natural radiocarbon ( 14 C) content of whole, gut voided Saccoglossus bromophenolosus collected in Lowes Cove, Maine, USA, was compared with that of a non-voided worm, sectioned individuals, and the natural product 2, 4-dibromophenol (2, 4-DBP) isolated from S. bromophenolosus. In all cases, the 14 C content was greater than that of the sediment from which the enteropneusts were collected. The 14 C content of 2 polychaetes, Glycera dibranchiata and Clymenella torquata, also collected from Lowes Cove, were similarly enriched in 14 C compared to the bulk sediment. These results show that all 3 species consumed recently fixed carbon that was much newer than organic carbon in the bulk sediment. The value (+10.4 ‰) obtained for 2, 4-DBP isolated from S. bromophenolosus in this study differs from that reported in a previous study (-170 ‰). The discrepancy is attributed to methodological differences. The importance of selecting an appropriate method when isolating compounds for natural abundance 14 C analysis is discussed.

Will Climate Change Influence Production and Environmental Pathways of Halogenated Natural Products?

“…BPs also have anthropogenic sources, which include wood preservatives, intermediates and breakdown products of brominated flame retardants, chlorination of wastewater, and chlorination of seawater used for cooling coastal nuclear power plants. − Tribromopyrroles are produced by chlorine dioxide disinfection of drinking water rich in bromide . PBDDs and PBDFs are formed in combustion processes. , Pollution and/or diagenesis of organic matter may be responsible for some halogenated compounds in sediments. ,,, Clues to natural versus anthropogenic origin are given by the occurrence of certain compounds in sediment layers − or biota specimens , that date before the industrial era, patterns of halogens or other substituents, ,,,, and radiocarbon analysis. − …”