Chemical pollution from the lab

[han]

Hello, everyone:

I have a question about possible chemical pollutions from the lab. I analyzed organic compounds (n-alkane, alcohols, fatty acids) in the sediments. So I used ultrasonic extraction, filtering, saponification, Hexane extraction (neutral conditions to get alkanes and alcohols and acid conditions to get fatty acids). I ran 2 blank samples on GC, I saw strong C16:0 and C18:0 fatty acids in acid fractions and n-alkanes in both fractions. I am wondering where these compounds are most likely to come from? Thank you!

[Peter Apps]

Why do you think that they did not come from the sediments ?

If they were not in the sediments, and you were not wearing gloves, finger oil is a good candidate.

Peter

[DR]

Plants produce C-16 & C-18 chains too (the fatty acid varieties)

[han]

Thanks, Peter and Dr.
The reason I think they do not come from the sediment is that I found them in blank
I did wear gloves when I am doing experiment. Any other possibilities?

Thank you!