Possible Origins of a Novel Carotenoid in Sediments from two Organic-rich Sites

Samples of Recent sediment taken from box core samples from the Peru Continental Shelf (12°01.8'S; 77°29.3'W) and the Namibian Shelf (23°35.0'S; 13°45.0'E) were examined for pigments. Two 'novel' carotenoids, previously reported from the Namibian Shelf were identified, one (Peru 2/Walvis 2) as a major component at both sites. The sediments at these sites represent organic-rich diatomaceous oozes formed as a result of high primary productivity.

Comparison of the sediment chemistry of the sites suggests that the novel carotenoid Peru 2/Walvis 2 may have its origin in a previously uncharacterised biological source, although the possibility that it is a transformation product of fucoxanthin cannot be ruled out.