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Chemical analysis of flotsam ambergris
Steven J Rowland1, Paul A Sutton1, C Anthony Lewis1
1Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK.
Natural Product Research
|July 1, 2024
Summary
Researchers chemically analyzed a rare, large piece of flotsam ambergris. Analysis confirmed the presence of ambrein and identified unique metal distributions, offering insights into sperm whale diets.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Ambergris, a natural product from sperm whales, is typically found as beach jetsam.
- Flotsam ambergris is exceptionally rare, with limited scientific documentation.
- Understanding ambergris composition provides insights into sperm whale ecology and diet.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive chemical analysis of a rare, large piece of flotsam ambergris.
- To identify key chemical components and elemental composition.
- To compare the findings with known characteristics of jetsam and body ambergris.
Main Methods:
- Subsampling and dichloromethane extraction of the ambergris coprolith.
- Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
- Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Radiocarbon dating and stable isotope ratio analysis (13C/12C).
- Elemental analysis for metal distribution.
Main Results:
- The flotsam ambergris sample (>100kg) contained approximately 95% dichloromethane-soluble material.
- FTIR, APCI-MS, and GC-MS confirmed the presence of ambrein.
- Radiocarbon dating placed the sample post-1950s; isotope ratios were typical for whale body ambergris.
- Elemental analysis revealed a dominance of copper and zinc, consistent with squid prey.
- Squid beaks were found within the coprolith, supporting the dietary findings.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first detailed chemical analysis of a large flotsam ambergris piece.
- The chemical and elemental composition supports its origin from sperm whale feeding on squid.
- The findings enhance our understanding of ambergris formation and sperm whale feeding ecology.
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