The oceans contain a great biodiversity of marine organisms. They include a rich variety of unusual genes and biochemistries and hence a diverse array of organic compounds ranging from colourful carotenoids and chlorophylls to lipids with structures ranging from the simple to the complex. This volume brings together ten chapters on the occurrence and identification of the lipid biomarkers and of pigments in marine waters. It describes how they can be used in conjunction with stable isotopes and molecular biology to ascertain the sources and fate of organic matter (both natural and pollutant) in the sea and underlying sediments. The authors are each experts in their field and the chapters provide both an overview of the state-of-the-art and knowledge gaps together with abundant detail to satisfy the needs of specialists and non-specialists alike.

Table of contents :
Sources and Cycling of Organic Matter in the Marine Water Column....Pages 1-25
Lipid Markers for Marine Organic Matter....Pages 27-70
Pigment Markers for Phytoplankton Production....Pages 71-104
Molecular Tools for the Analysis of DNA in Marine Environments....Pages 105-126
Biological Markers for Anoxia in the Photic Zone of the Water Column....Pages 127-163
Atmospheric Transport of Terrestrial Organic Matter to the Sea....Pages 165-208
Controls on the Carbon Isotopic Compositions of Lipids in Marine Environments....Pages 209-249
Isotopic Tracers of the Marine Nitrogen Cycle: Present and Past....Pages 251-293
Degradation and Preservation of Organic Matter in Marine Sediments....Pages 295-321
Sources and Fate of Organic Contaminants in the Marine Environment....Pages 323-370