Wax esters and triacylglycerols in sinking particulate matter in the Peru upwelling area (15°S, 75°W)

The flux and composition of wax esters and triacylglycerols were measured in particulate matter collected by free-drifting sediment traps in the Peru upwelling area. The purpose was to assess diurnal variations in sources and vertical transport of these lipids. Traps were deployed for periods of 8–12 h during both day and night at the base of the euphotic zone (10–14m) and at about 50m. Although the flux of total particulate organic carbon varied 4×, the flux of wax esters varied by 84× and triacylglycerols by 30×. POC, wax esters, and triacylglycerols also showed different temporal patterns. The highest wax ester flux was measured in shallow traps at night and is attributed to increased inputs from zooplankton which feed near the surface at night. Triacylglycerol flux was high in both shallow and deep nocturnal traps, consistent with inputs of both phytoplankton and zooplankton lipids. The composition of these lipids was also quite variable and attests to the complex nature of the lipid sources.