Abstract
Several methods of extraction and analytical determination for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHCs) in aqueous and solid samples are reviewed. Infrared spectroscopy is one of the efficient methods that are being replaced today pursuant to getting rid of some halogenated solvents classified as ozone-depleting substances. The gravimetric method which uses n-hexane as an extraction solvent for the determination of oil and grease, as well as the nonpolar materials, has become a preferred choice, despite being not suitable for volatiles because of the mandatory evaporation step. Other frequently used methods include gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (FID) or mass spectrometric detector (MSD) which has the capacity to reveal the type of hydrocarbons present and is applicable to both volatile and semivolatile samples. Ultraviolet fluorescence is another method that is available both as a portable field device and as off-site laboratory equipment. Each of the methods has its own advantages and disadvantages; hence, the choice of method is guided by the type of data needed as discussed in detail in this review. The distribution of TPHC in water and sediments across the globe and the factors influencing the distribution were also reviewed.
Highlights
Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are prominent among organic contaminants which are frequently disposed into the marine environment in lower concentrations in the form of urban runoffs, automobile wastes, stormwater, industrial effluents, or domestic wastes [1,2,3] and occasionally in higher concentrations as a major oil spill [4, 5]
Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHCs) is sometimes determined as the sum of concentrations of n-alkanes and unresolved complex mixtures (UCM) [19] or as the total concentration of all hydrocarbons eluting from n-nonane (C9) to n-hexatriacontane (C36) excluding the priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [20]
We review the existing methods of extraction for petroleum hydrocarbon in water and solid samples, compare methods of final determination, and assess the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in the aquatic environments across the globe and the available tools for source tracking using nalkanes as reference compounds
Summary
Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are prominent among organic contaminants which are frequently disposed into the marine environment in lower concentrations in the form of urban runoffs, automobile wastes, stormwater, industrial effluents, or domestic wastes [1,2,3] and occasionally in higher concentrations as a major oil spill [4, 5]. TPHC is sometimes determined as the sum of concentrations of n-alkanes and UCM [19] or as the total concentration of all hydrocarbons eluting from n-nonane (C9) to n-hexatriacontane (C36) excluding the priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [20]. They are mostly found in the higher-molecular-weight range of the hydrocarbons and sometimes in the low-molecular-weight range [21]. We review the existing methods of extraction for petroleum hydrocarbon in water and solid samples, compare methods of final determination, and assess the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in the aquatic environments across the globe and the available tools for source tracking using nalkanes as reference compounds
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