Transformation mechanisms, marine

Cindy Lee is a Professor at the Marine Sciences Research Center of Stony Brook University. Dr. Lee s research examines the distribution and behavior of biogenic organic compounds, in particular the rates and mechanisms of transformation reactions occurring as these compounds undergo alteration. Her research investigates organic compounds in the sediments and waters of open ocean and coastal areas, salt marshes, lakes, as well as the atmosphere above these areas. Her expertise centers on the analytical techniques used to measure organic matter in the ocean. Dr. Lee is cur-... 

The hydrocarbons released into the water and in the sediments by biosynthesis from various life forms or issued from non-marine sources are subjected to physical, chemical and biological transformations, some of these affecting the molecular structure of the more labile compounds. There have been several studies of the modification of hydrocarbons in the ocean, initiated mainly by an attempt to evaluate the persistence of crude oil in the sea. The mechanisms affecting petroleum products are closely related to those for natural hydrocarbons with one important exception many biogenic hydrocarbons are unsaturated compounds and probably disappear rapidly in the water column. This is an important consideration in evaluating the persistent contribution of biogenic hydrocarbons to dissolved and particulate lipids of sea water and sediments. 

Oshima, Y., Chemical and enzymatic transformation of paralytic shellfish toxins in marine organisms. In Harmful Marine Algal Blooms, Lassus, R, et al., eds., Lavoisier Intercept Ltd., Paris, p. 475, 1995. Shimizu, Y., Chemistry and mechanism of action. In Seafood and Freshwater Toxins, Botana, L.M., ed., Marcel Dekker, Basel, p. 151, 2000. 

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