Naturally occurring organic matter as a chemical trap to scan an ecosystem for natural products

A model is proposed that tests an ecosystem for natural products (NPs) using a nonpolar extract of naturally occurring organic matter (NOM), which we demonstrate to be an efficient chemical trap for relatively nonpolar organic molecules. To test the model we collected twenty-six samples of NOM from various locations on the Suwannee River, from its headwaters in the Okeefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico. We have tentatively identified stearic acid, DDT, chincodine, and a potential precursor to bryostatin. Our data provide evidence that NOM can trap, hold for several decades, concentrate, and transport NP in the environment.