Sterols, biomarker molecules

Compound-specific A C values for 31 different lipid biomarker molecules are shown in Figure 8 for sedimentary horizons corresponding to pre-bomb (before ad 1950) and post-bomb (1950-1996) eras. These organic compounds represent phytoplank-tonic, zooplanktonic, bacterial, archaeal, terrestrial higher plant, and fossil carbon sources. The lipid classes include long-chain n-alkanes, alkanoic (fatty) acids, -alcohols, C30 mid-chain ketols and diols, sterols, hopanols, and C40 isoprenoid side chains of the ether-linked glycerols of the Archaea. 

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