Investigation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fingerprints of Water and Sediment Samples of the Nestos River Estuary in Northern Greece

Sophia Mitkidou,Antoaneta Ene,Elissavet Emmanouilidou,Nikolaos Kokkinos,Yusuf Yohannah,Thomas Spanos,Christina Chatzichristou

doi:10.3390/app12031636

Sophia Mitkidou, Antoaneta Ene + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031636

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Abstract

The oil and gas industry is definitely considered the main contributor in the energy sector, acting as the lifeblood of our planet. However, environmental contamination by crude oil and petroleum products due to anthropogenic activities is of great concern. Nestos River springs from Bulgaria and has a total length of 234 km, from which 135 km belong on Greek land. It is globally recognized as nature’s miracle accommodating a variety of habitats, flora, and fauna species at the deltaic area protected by the RAMSAR Convention. In the current study, water and sediment samples from three different sites along the river course and other six sites of the delta region and the surrounding sea area were selected in order to investigate the potential environmental impact of the nearby oil and gas industry in the Prinos-Kavala basin that operates over 40 years. The samples were analyzed by fingerprinting techniques using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Crude oil samples and different petroleum products were also analyzed to disclose specific markers (biomarkers) that characterize the different sources of oil spills. The analytical data revealed that the distribution of biomarkers is a valuable tool in oil spill identification as well as in their correlation to suspected sources. Extract ion chromatograms of the reference samples showed significant differences in the distribution of n-alkane, isoprenoid, sterane, triterpane, and dibenzothiophene compounds. The results on the analyzed water and sediment samples bared no evidence of environmental hazards associated with the hydrocarbon exploration and production activities of the neighboring oil and gas company.

Highlights

Introduction iationsEnvironmental contamination by petroleum products comprises a crucial issue over the years, which mainly involves anthropogenic activities such as exploration, production, refining, storage, and transportation of crude oil and its products
Identification of petroleum hydrocarbons and differentiation between crude oil and petroleum products were based on the total ion chromatographs (TICs) (Figure 2) and the extracted ion chromatographs (EICs) of the examining water and sediment samples [42]
The shape of chromatograms conforming to the standards peaks; The ratio between n-alkanes with even and odd numbers of carbon atoms; The ratio between phytane and pristine; The presence of parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); The presence of alkyl-substituted and unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons; The presence of sulfur heterocyclic aromatic compounds

Summary

Introduction

Environmental contamination by petroleum products comprises a crucial issue over the years, which mainly involves anthropogenic activities such as exploration, production, refining, storage, and transportation of crude oil and its products. Characterization of spilled oils and their linking to potential sources are very important issues for environmental damage assessment, as accidental oil spills can cause severe harm to the environment and ecosystem [3,4]. Toxicological health problems to humans and animals are associated with petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants [5]. The type of oil, as well as the extent of exposure, are some basic factors that affect humans’. Respiratory issues, and mental health impacts are some of the human health effects caused by acute or chronic exposure to crude oil and its products [7,8]

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