Abstract
This study analyses the possibility of optical detection of trace amounts of oil in natural waters. Since petroleum and its derivatives induced by ultraviolet light exhibit a high intensity of fluorescence, this phenomenon can be used to detect petroleum products penetrating both the surface and subsurface waters. The challenge is to discriminate the fluorescence signal originating from petroleum substances from the total signal originating from both petroleum products and the natural substances. Issues connected with fluorescence methods of detection of oil substances diffused in aquatic environment are analysed. Based on fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorometric indices of petroleum products for two forms (dissolved in n-hexane and dispersed in water) are discussed. The excitationemission spectra (EEMs) were determined in the range of excitation wavelengths 240-450 nm and 270-600 nm for emission. Selected parameters of oil fingerprinting are discussed: similarity ratio, intensity ratio and wavelength-independent fluorescence peaks (Ex max/Em max). The latter was compared with the typical fluorescing natural marine residues. The results indicate that Ex max/Em max and intensity ratio appear to be efficient indices for the discrimination of oil pollution from autochthonous seawater fluorescent substances.
Highlights
This study analyses the possibility of optical detection of trace amounts of oil in natural waters
In a typical case, when an oil spill occurs on the sea surface as an oil film, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite radar system or airborne radar SLAR (Side-Looking Airborne Radar) [1] provide the best chance of rapid detection of such oil pollution (in Europe, for example, it is the CleanSeaNet system operated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) [2]
This paper presents the excitation-emission spectra for two selected types of oils, as representatives of lubricant oils potentially found in the marine environment due to their use in shipping engines
Summary
This study analyses the possibility of optical detection of trace amounts of oil in natural waters. In a typical case, when an oil spill occurs on the sea surface as an oil film, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite radar system or airborne radar SLAR (Side-Looking Airborne Radar) [1] provide the best chance of rapid detection of such oil pollution (in Europe, for example, it is the CleanSeaNet system operated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) [2]. When an oil spill is detected, accurate tracking of its spread is available using standard surveillance equipment. These methods are unhelpful for chronic or multi-point pollution, which usually occurs along maritime traffic routes or in port vicinities. If sampling is possible, measurements can be carried out in a laboratory, for example, to determine the oil chemical composition or possible separation markers to establish the pollution source [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
