Abstract
Analysis of a crude oil spilled at Harbor Island, Texas, USA, has shown rapid loss of low molecular weight alkanes and more volatile aromatics. Persistence of higher molecular weight n-alkanes (greater than C 22) and of the alkyl-substituted naphthalenes and phenanthrenes has been observed with concentrations decreasing slowly towards background levels. During the 24-month study, only slight differences in the carbon isotopic composition of the whole crude extract were noted when compared with the original oil. Changes in δ 13C of the order of 0·5ℵ were observed in the hexane and benzene eluates of a column chromatographic separation of the oil. This stability of the isotopic ratio is supportive of its use in the tracking of petroleum pollutants. Extrapolation of concentration decreases lead us to expect thatbaseline levels will not be achieved for at least another five years. Since this wasa small spill, and was weathered under harsh conditions, the potential long-term effect of a large spill in a salt marsh is emphasised.
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