Identification of Weathered Oil Films Found in the Marine Environment.

摘要

A study was undertaken to develop a rapid, efficient method for identifying the source of spilled oil. Fifty-seven different petroleum products were weathered under controlled conditions in laboratory simulators. Samples were taken periodically and examined by a variety of analytical techniques. The analytical methods were graded on their abilities to (1) classify petroleum products as to generic type and (2) identify the actual source of the spilled oil. Four types of analyses were identified as being especially useful: thin-layer chromatography, infrared fingerprinting, gas chromatographic fingerprinting and liquid-liquid chromatography. The application of these techniques is discussed in detail and examples are given. By use of a combination of these four technques all oils studied in this project could be uniquely identified. (Author)