Discrimination in the assimilation of n-alkanes in fish

VERY large quantities of hydrocarbons have been and continue to be introduced into the seas and oceans by the various activities of man1,2 but estimates of this input and comparisons with biogenically-derived material or seepage from fossil hydrocarbon deposits are difficult to make. An assessment of the general effects of non-biogenic hydrocarbons on the marine ecosystem is equally difficult.