| The analysis of humic compounds by elemental analysis, PY-GC-MS and HPLC techniques permitted determination of the origin of organic inputs, essentially terrestrial, and the effects of environmental conditions in the deposits along a north-south transect through the Rhone delta, from the river mouth to the open sea. In the prodelta the sedimentation of fine particles enriches the sediments in organic matter. The humic compound contents were relatively low in sediments, perhaps due to a rapid burying of organic matter which leads to anoxic conditions. In sediments fulvic acids are more abundant than humic acids. Elemental analysis indicated that fulvic acids were enriched in hydrogen and nitrogen as compared to humic acids. Furthermore, H/C and N/C ratios... |
