Sedimentary organic matter composition of Arctic Kongsfjorden sediments – A study emphasizing the biochemical composition and indices

Abstract

Kongsfjorden is a glacial fjord system influenced by the Atlantic and Arctic water masses. The spatial variability in the biochemical composition of the fjord sediments was studied during July 2016 and July 2017. The presence of the sedimentary Proteins, Carbohydrates and Lipid components was analyzed and studied with the support of biochemical indices and elemental ratios. The Kongsfjorden sedimentary system was dominated by the carbohydrate concentration in comparison with proteins and lipids. The labile fraction was maximum towards open ocean influenced by Atlantic water masses and minimum near to the glaciers. The fjord sediments were found to be enriched with an aged or degraded organic matter with a low quality labile organic matter.