Biomarkers and compound-specific stable carbon isotope of n-alkanes in crude oils from Eastern Llanos Basin, Colombia

Abstract

Representative samples of crude oils from Cusiana, Cupiagua, Apiay, Castilla and Chichimene fields in the Eastern Llanos Basin of Colombia were analyzed to determine its compound-specific stable carbon isotope composition (CSIA) using gas chromatography–isotopic ratio–mass spectrometry (GC–IRMS). GC–IRMS analyses of n-alkanes allowed differentiating between Cretaceous and Cretaceous/Tertiary oil samples. Cretaceous sourced samples have δ13C-enriched values than Cretaceous/Tertiary sourced samples; the heavier isotope composition of these samples is due to their major terrigenous organic matter input. Their isotope distribution patterns suggest significant algal and/or bacterial contribution (marine origin). The analysis of the n-alkane fractions by GC–IRMS confirms that the organic matter has marine origin in those samples from Cusiana, Cupiagua and Apiay while Castilla and Chichimene have marine origin with terrestrial inputs. The results were confirmed by gas chromatography/FID and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Basic geochemical composition show that samples from Cupiagua/Cusiana fields and Apiay/Castilla/Chichimene fields in the Llanos basin, Colombia present different characteristics reflecting a specific for each depositional environment.