Deciphering microbial carbon substrates in PAH contaminated sediments using phospholipid fatty acids, and compound specific δ13C and Δ14C

Stable and radiogenic carbon isotopes (δ13C and Δ14C) of organic compounds and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) ratios were used to determine sources and fates of organic contaminants in highly contaminated, and less contaminated sediments of Hamilton Harbour. The highly contaminated sediments had an order of magnitude more total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) compared to the less contaminated …