Progress of Long-Chain Alkyl Diols in Marine Environmental Reconstruction

Long-chain alkyl diols contain an alkyl chain with alcohol groups at C1 and at the middle position of carbon chain, which exist widely in seas, rivers and lakes. It has been proven that these compounds are relatively resistant to degradation and have an extended occurrence in the geological record. In addition, they are relatively easy to identify. Therefore, long-chain alkyl diols can be used as potential biomarkers to trace the past change in paleoenvironment and paleoclimate. Although the sources of long-chain alkyl diols are still uncertain, the studies indicate that 1, 13 and 1, 15-diols are mainly produced by eustigmatophytes, while 14-diols are mainly from diatom Proboscia. So far, some proxies based on long-chain alkyl diols have been established to indicate the change in diatom productivity, upwelling intensity, salinity, sea surface temperature, riverine organic matter input and surface seawater nutrient concentration, which are significant for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Current research and application of long-chain alkyl diols proxies were summarized, which would be helpful for further studying the source of long-chain alkyl diols and the application of relevant proxies in China’s marginal sea.