Fatty acids as Biomarkers in the Mangrove sediments of Cochin

The biogeochemistry of mangroves are the least understood ecological properties because of their sediment complexicity due to the tidal influx of allochthonous organic matter and the autochthonous inputs.In order to understand the relative importance of biogeochemical processes,it is necessary not only to characterise and qualify the organic matter but also to identify its major sources .The present study is a preliminary investigation to identify the sources of organic matter in three mangrove systems of Cochin Estuary using fatty acid biomarkers,δ13 C of total organic matter,elemental composition and biochemical composition.