Qy. Wu et al., Liquid-saturated hydrocarbons resulting from pyrolysis of the marine coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica, MAR BIOTEC, 1(4), 1999, pp. 346-352
Two nanoplanktonic marine coccolithophores, Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyroca
psa oceanica, were grown at 23 degrees C with a 16-hour light and 8-hour da
rkness regimen. The cells were dried at room temperature and then subjected
to pyrolysis at 100 degrees to 500 degrees C under anoxygenic conditions t
o produce hydrocarbons. Temperature-dependent profiles of the liquid-satura
ted hydrocarbons (saturates) produced during pyrolysis were very similar fo
r the two strains, although the total amount was higher in E. huxleyi than
in G. oceanica. The amount of saturates produced was only 0.05% to 0.15% be
low 200 degrees C, but about 2.1% to 2.8% at 300 degrees C. Their major com
ponents were normal alkanes in a series ranging from nC(11) to nC(35) with
the predominant peak at nC(15). At 400 degrees and 500 degrees C most of sa
turates transformed into gaseous compounds. The major saturates identified
in all pyrolysates were normal C-31 monounsaturated and diunsaturated alken
es, a series of normal alkanes. phytenes, C-28 sterenes, and steranes. Prof
iles of saturates in gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy varied with incre
asing pyrolysis temperature and also differed between E. huxleyi and G. oce
anica. The two coccolithophores are useful candidates for the production of
renewable liquid fuel through pyrolysis-especially E. huxleyi. which has h
igher production. The results also provide information for further studies
on the characterization, source, and paleogeographic distribution of marine
sediment.