Preliminary discussion on the source identification of oil spills based on the nitrogen isotopic characteristics

摘要

A preliminary evaluation of nitrogen isotope analysis as a novel, alternative method for identifying spilled oils is presented. The nitrogen isotopic compositions of crude oil from different oilfields in China may be significantly different, which provides a way of screening possible sources for spilled oil of unknown origin, especially in areas of heavy tanker traffic carrying oils from different geographical regions. The value of delta N-15 increases gradually with the degree of biodegradation. This findings can be applied for correlation and differentiation of spilled oils at their lightly to moderately weathered stages.