Matching fluorescence spectra of oil spills with spectra from suspect sources

Abstract

Fluorescence spectroscopy is ideally suited to the analysis of oil spills as it allows chemical information of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to be acquired quickly, sensitively and selectively. Unlike infrared spectra which have detailed peak information, many fluorescence spectra have only a few broad peaks. Nine different samples of crude and diesel oils were used for testing point-to-point matching across the spectral range. Five of them were discriminated by point-to-point matching algorithms and the other four very similar samples were not. Principal components analysis (PCA) did successfully discriminate among all similar samples. PCA could also distinguish the extent of weathering of different samples, an important factor in matching environmental spills.

Comparing the weathering patterns of six oils using 3-way generalized Procrustes rotation and matrix-augmentation principal components

“…4 months from the oil layer of six controlled spillages in special containers (more frequently during the first stages of weathering, as usual [18]). Four different crude oils (Ashtart, Brent, Maya, and Sahara Blend) and two fuel oils (a Marine fuel oil (IFO) and the Prestige fuel oil) were selected to simulate the different characteristics of the oils transported frequently close to the Galician coast.…”

“…In total, 32 aliphathic hydrocarbons were analyzed and the so-called 'indicators of biodegradation' ratios calculated; namely, n-C 17 /pristane, n-C 18 /phytane, n-C 17 /n-C 18 and pristane/phytane.…”

Fluorescence Spectroscopy as a Potential Tool for In-Situ Monitoring of Dissolved Organic Matter in Surface Water Systems

“…Similar effect has been observed at petrol adulterated with kerosene, in a more recent study performed by Divya and Mishra (2008). Beside adulteration, the effects of age on petroleum products have been studied (Li et al, 2004;. It is well-known that the persistence of PAHs in the environment depends on numerous factors as: physical and chemical characteristics of PAHs and medium, concentration, dispersion and bioavailability of PAHs.…”

“…The authors explained that the sudden drop in fluorescence intensity, on the 17 th day, could be caused by the presence of antioxidants in the oil sample which inhibited degradation until the antioxidants were consumed. Li et al (2004) evaluated the fluorescence signal of more aged products, but using a different method for adulteration, compared to . Weathering was induced after preserving the samples in a refrigerator for no more then 15 days.…”

Studies of the laser-induced fluorescence of explosives and explosive compositions.

“…Of the over 400 components in diesel fuel, only a few are expected to fluoresce over the wavelength range under observation. The diesel fuel fluorescence is due primarily to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (Li et al 2004). Other polycyclic aromatic species, such as sulfur-containing dibenzothiophenes and nitrogen-containing carbazoles, are also fluorescent, but their contribution is relatively small.…”