Geochemical Characterization of Some Biodegraded Oils from the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the compositional changes resulting from biodegradation, fathom the extent of degradation, and provide clues for interpreting the evolution and the overall effects on the quality of the oils. Ten oil samples from onshore-offshore fields were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. GC results indicate variable loss of low molecular weight (LMW) alkanes, besides the presence of unresolved complex mixture (UCM). Saturated, aromatic, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) compositions and low saturate/aromatic ratio confirmed evidence of biodegradation. Biodegradation levels of the considered oils range from light to moderate, based on Peters and Moldowan scale. This influenced shifts in the ‘primary compositions’ of oils probably from paraffinic or paraffinic-naphthenic oils to aromatic-naphthenic oils. Total ion chromatograms of well 1 and 2 from Northern depobelt, show presence of LMW alkanes, co-existing side by side with UCM, suggesting multiple charges. However, biomarker fingerprints of the oils lack evidence of in-reservoir mixing of biodegraded and non-biodegraded oils. Nevertheless, the possibility of oil mixing cannot be excluded, because biodegradation is progressive and is ongoing. This study, shows the process has dramatically impacted the fluid properties, commercial worth, and economic producibility of the investigated oil accumulations in the basin.