Concentrations Of Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Hydrogen Gas-Grilling in Meat: Impact on Odor Profile and Contents of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Volatile Organic Compounds.

The effect of fuel (hydrogen vs. butane) on the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was evaluated for grilled horse meat (very low-fat and low-fat) cooking vertically. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze PAHs and VOCs. An electronic nose was used to evaluate the odor profile. Total high-molecular-weight PAHs ranged from 19.59 to 28.65 µg/kg with butane and from 1.83 to 1.61 µg/kg with hydrogen. Conversely, total low-molecular-weight PAHs went from 184.41 to 286.03 µg/kg with butane and from 36.88 to 41.63 µg/kg with hydrogen. Aldehydes and alkanes were the predominant family in a total of 59 VOCs. Hydrogen gas-grilling reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the generation of VOCs related to lipid oxidation. The odor profile was not modified significantly despite the change of PAHs and VOCs. The findings indicate that hydrogen is a viable alternative to butane for grilling horse meat. Hydrogen gas-grilling may be regarded as a safe cooking procedure of meat from a PAH contamination point and perhaps sustainable environmentally compared to a conventional technique. The present study provides the basis for the use of hydrogen gas in grilled meat.

“Component flow” conditions and its effects on enhancing production of continental medium-to-high maturity shale oil

Based on the production curves, changes in hydrocarbon composition and quantities over time, and production systems from key trial production wells in lacustrine shale oil areas in China, fine fraction cutting experiments and molecular dynamics numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the effects of changes in shale oil composition on macroscopic fluidity. The concept of “component flow” for shale oil was proposed, and the formation mechanism and conditions of component flow were discussed. The research reveals findings in four aspects. First, a miscible state of light, medium and heavy hydrocarbons form within micropores/nanopores of underground shale according to similarity and intermiscibility principles, which make components with poor fluidity suspended as molecular aggregates in light and medium hydrocarbon solvents, such as heavy hydrocarbons, thereby decreasing shale oil viscosity and enhancing fluidity and outflows. Second, small-molecule aromatic hydrocarbons act as carriers for component flow, and the higher the content of gaseous and light hydrocarbons, the more conducive it is to inhibit the formation of larger aggregates of heavy components such as resin and asphalt, thus increasing their plastic deformation ability and bringing about better component flow efficiency. Third, higher formation temperatures reduce the viscosity of heavy hydrocarbon components, such as wax, thereby improving their fluidity. Fourth, preservation conditions, formation energy, and production system play important roles in controlling the content of light hydrocarbon components, outflow rate, and forming stable “component flow”, which are crucial factors for the optimal compatibility and maximum flow rate of multi-component hydrocarbons in shale oil. The component flow of underground shale oil is significant for improving single-well production and the cumulative ultimate recovery of shale oil.

Protective effect of rutin on acrylamide induced ovarian inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and hormonal changes: Based on in silico and in vivo study.

Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogenic compound that affects people due to its frequent use in laboratories and industry as well as the high-temperature cooking of foods with high hydrocarbon content. AA is known to cause severe reproductive abnormalities. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of rutin (RU), a phytoactive compound, against AA-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats. Initially, rats were exposed to AA (40 mg/kg for 10 days). Therapy of RU was given after AA intoxication consecutively for 3 days. After 24 h of the last treatment, all the animals were sacrificed. The study evaluated reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, membrane-bound enzymes, DNA damage, histological findings, and an in silico approach to determine the protective efficacy of RU. The results indicated that RU significantly protected against inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage induced by AA, likely due to its antioxidant properties.

Shale oil recovery by CO2 injection in Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

Laboratory experiments, numerical simulations and fracturing technology were combined to address the problems in shale oil recovery by CO2 injection. The laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the displacement mechanisms of shale oil extraction by CO2 injection, and the influences of CO2 pre-pad on shale mechanical properties. Numerical simulations were performed about influences of CO2 pre-pad fracturing and puff-n-huff for energy replenishment on the recovery efficiency. The findings obtained were applied to the field tests of CO2 pre-pad fracturing and single well puff-n-huff. The results show that the efficiency of CO2 puff-n-huff is affected by micro- and nano-scale effect, kerogen, adsorbed oil and so on, and a longer soaking time in a reasonable range leads to a higher exploitation degree of shale oil. In the “injection + soaking” stage, the exploitation degree of heavy hydrocarbons is enhanced by CO2 through its effects of solubility-diffusion and mass-transfer. In the “huff” stage, crude oil in large pores is displaced by CO2 to surrounding larger pores or bedding fractures and finally flows to the production well. The injection of CO2 pre-pad is conducive to keeping the rock brittle and reducing the fracture breakdown pressure, and the CO2 is liable to filter along the bedding surface, thereby creating a more complex fracture. Increasing the volume of CO2 pre-pad can improve the energizing effect, and enhance the replenishment of formation energy. Moreover, the oil recovery is more enhanced by CO2 huff-n-puff with the lower shale matrix permeability, the lower formation pressure, and the larger heavy hydrocarbon content. The field tests demonstrate a good performance with the pressure maintained well after CO2 pre-pad fracturing, the formation energy replenished effectively after CO2 huff-n-puff in a single well, and the well productivity improved.

The Effect of Individual Hydrocarbons in the Composition of Diesel Fuel on the Effectiveness of Depressant Additives

The use of depressant additives is the most effective and cost-effective way to improve the low-temperature properties of diesel fuels, like the cloud point, cold filter plugging point and pour point. However, the effectiveness of depressant additives depends on the composition of the diesel fuel and the content of certain groups of hydrocarbons in it. In this work, the effect of adding individual hydrocarbons of various groups and structures on the effectiveness of depressant additives is studied. This study is carried out on model aromatic (toluene, tetralin) and n-paraffin hydrocarbons (cetane, heptadecane, heneicosane, docosane) in various concentrations. It is shown that the most negative effect on the depressant additives’ effectiveness is due to the content of the most polar aromatic hydrocarbons and light n-paraffins in the composition of diesel fuel, and the most positive effect is exerted by the content of heavy n-paraffins in small quantities. It is proposed to involve small concentrations (1–3% vol.) of heavy n-paraffin hydrocarbons (heneicosane, docosane) to increase the effectiveness of the depressant additive. It has been established that for the more effective action of the depressant, it is necessary to take into account the content and structure of individual hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel’s composition.

Investigation of emission characteristics of a marine cargo ship in real-world conditions

Pollution caused by ship emissions will considerably impact coastal areas. A test system that matched the actual conditions of a ship was designed based on a portable emission measurement system (PEMS), and the emission characteristic of gaseous and particle emissions and the particle size distribution of the ship's main engine were investigated under real-world operating conditions. The results showed that the emission concentrations of the main pollutants fluctuated greatly under the departure, anchoring, and docking conditions, and the peaks of CO, CO2, and NOx emissions appeared under these transient conditions. The emission concentrations of CO2, hydrocarbons, particle number (PN), and particulate mass increased with the increase in speed. The PN-based particle size distribution of the engine presented a unimodal distribution under daily operating conditions. The maximum emission factor of NOx based on the engine power was 29.53 g/kWh at the engine speed of 66 r/min. The results of the study may contribute to supplementing the emission factors of this type of ship, and provide data support for monitoring and assessment of the marine environment.

The Influence of Biochar on Heavy Metals Phytoaccumulation by Okra and Fluted Pumpkin Plants in Soil Contaminated With Petroleum Hydrocarbons

ABSTRACTThe study is aimed at assessing the impact of biochar on the phytoaccumulation of heavy metals by okra and fluted pumpkin plants in soil polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons, and its corresponding environmental and health‐related risks. A field experiment was conducted at the automobile workshop (commonly called mechanic village) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The field was divided into plots and three replicates. Maize stalk biochar (MSB) and nipa palm biochar (NPB) were treated differently in each plot at a rate of 20 t ha−1. Plots containing no biochar were used as controls. The soil samples were analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbon content (PHCt), selected heavy metals as well as some other soil physicochemical properties. Plant samples were only analyzed for heavy metal contents. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data generated. The PHCt and heavy metal content in the soil were compared with the target values set by the Department of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria whereas heavy metals in plants were compared with FAO/WHO guidelines. Okra and fluted pumpkin were evaluated for phytoaccumulating potential using bioaccumulation factor (BAF). Ecological risk assessment was done using a hazard quotient (HQ). The PHCt, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) were significantly decreased following the application of biochar. The NPB recorded the lowest values for PHCt (64.4 mg kg−1), lead (16.0 mg kg−1), and Ni (12.8 mg kg−1) contents while MSB had the lowest values for Cd (0.3 mg kg−1) and Cr (7.6 mg kg−1) contents. The HQ analysis showed that Cr (2.93 mg kg−1) and Pb (156.83 mg kg−1) posed a very high ecological risk to the local ecosystem. The phytoaccumulated heavy metals in plants were above the maximum allowable levels, except Ni where the content was below the maximum allowable levels. Fluted pumpkin had the highest BAF values for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni. Therefore, fluted pumpkin can be used as an efficient phytoremediator for soil contaminated with Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni.

Generation of biosurfactants by P. aeruginosa gi |KP163922| on waste engine oil in a free and immobilized cells system

AbstractThis study investigated biosurfactant production by the bacterial strain of P. aeruginosa gi |KP 163922| for a free and immobilized cells system using waste engine oil (WEO) as a substrate. The polyurethane foam (PUF) cubes (1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm) were used as carriers for the immobilization. The batch experiments were performed in Erlenmeyer flasks and monitored at every 24‐h interval for both cell systems. The microbial population was counted using the plate count method, and the hydrocarbon degradation percentage was calculated to evaluate the bacterial activity. Surface tension was measured at regular intervals to ensure the presence of biosurfactants. The maximum reduction was 37 and 35 mN/m in a free and immobilized cells system. Immobilization of cells using PUF was found to be efficient in supporting bacterial growth, and after 48 h of incubation, the growth was 2.5 (±0.58) × 1011 CFU/mL. The chemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the obtained product as rhamnolipid. Crude biosurfactant yield was found to be maximum in the case of the immobilized system, which was approximately 18 g/L. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the used PUF cubes showed the strong adherence of biofilm to the cube surface and the potential of its reuse in multiple cycles. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirms that the immobilized strain of P. aeruginosa exhibited superior biodegradation capabilities compared to free cells. Specifically, it was capable of reducing the concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and converting more significant aliphatic compounds into metabolic byproducts such as alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, and carbonyl groups.

Investigation of the utilization of forest woodchips in a commercial small-scale open-top gasifier

The present work investigates the gasification of forest woodchips, which also contain needles, branches and cones, in an 85-kW open-top gasifier with 60 %–100 % load. This lower quality fuel has higher contents of ash, bark and fines compared to typical requirements of commercial small-scale gasifiers. The woodchips were utilized in unsieved and sieved (>10 mm) fraction. By using gas analysis and temperature measurements at a high local and temporal resolution, three main novel results were found: 1) The results of this work confirm that preferential paths in the fuel bed, caused by the fines content, led to a worse gas quality. The positive effects of a load reduction (i.e., increasing hydrogen and decreasing tars contents) were not found with the unsieved fuel. 2) Opposite trends for the methane concentration with the load were found with unsieved and sieved fuel. The preferential paths probably prevented the complete decomposition of longer-chain hydrocarbons and increased the intermediate product methane, while the non-methane hydrocarbon content reduced at a similar rate with both fuel fractions. 3) When using unsieved fuel, reducing the load massively decreased the fluctuations of the air mass flow and the total hydrocarbon content. With sieved fuel, however, a satisfying process stability was already achieved in all loads. Therefore, an appropriate load management was identified to enable the utilization of fuels with higher fines contents. With these new findings, forest chips in unsieved and sieved form can be successfully used in small-scale open-top gasification.

Cattle manure thermochemical conversion to hydrogen-rich syngas, through pyrolysis and gasification

The fundamental significance of using cattle manure as a case study is the risk of continuing pollution, caused by its poor management in connection to the increasing demand for animal-derived food. Pyrolysis and gasification, effective solutions with real valorization potential, are the proposed techniques of converting this type of waste into valuable products. After a complete initial characterization, cattle manure is converted into hydrogen-rich syngas, using a modular hybrid fixed-bed reactor, at a generous thermal range, 700 °C to 875 °C, under different process agents, without the use of steam or the addition of catalysts. In comparison to gasification, the quantification of syngas demonstrates higher yields in pyrolysis processes, but with a lower energy potential. The content of the syngas in hydrogen, ⁓ 25 vol% and hydrocarbons, ⁓ 25 vol%, emphasized by an energetic value of ⁓ 17 MJ/m3, holistically places the gasification process in a slight advantage in relation to pyrolysis, exceeding the values presented by other studies on similar matrices and technical conditions. The forecast investigation of syngas composition through polynomial functions shows a significant drop in hydrogen and hydrocarbon concentrations after the 80-min sampling period.

Mapping of hydrocarbon condensation onset temperature and its sensitivity analysis for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooling technology is one of the key technologies of the engine to meet the Euro 7 emission standard. Nevertheless, the hydrocarbon (HC) condensation in the cooler leads to uncontrolled thermal-hydraulic performance, and the onset temperature of HC condensation is still debated, which is one of the obstacles to implementing the Euro 7 standard. Here, we first established a database of key parameters (carbon number, concentration, and pressure); then theoretically calculated the onset temperatures of various condensation types (wall condensation, heterogeneous nucleation, and homogeneous nucleation), plotted the entire map and verified its veracity; and finally, elucidated the contribution of each parameter through sensitivity analysis. The results show that (i) HC species are C12 to C25, from 25 to 1717 ppm concentrations, and pressures are from 1 to 4 bar. (ii) The map diagrams for the onset temperature of HC condensation have broad applicability and strong practicality. (iii) The temperature ranges of the onset of wall condensation, heterogeneous nucleation, and homogeneous nucleation are from 4 to 218 °C, from 1 to 209 °C, and from −6 to 195 °C, respectively. (iv) Carbon number has the most significant contribution, followed by HC concentration and pressure. The results can provide a valuable reference for more accurate EGR cooler design and management.

Numerical investigation of soot formation in methane/n-heptane laminar diffusion flame doped with hydrogen at elevated pressure

The addition of hydrogen in a dual-fuel mode based on natural gas and diesel offers great potential for improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions. Therefore, detailed numerical simulations have been used to explore the effects of soot formation characteristics of natural gas-diesel dual-fuel engines doped by hydrogen at elevated pressure. Numerical simulations are compared with available experimental data, the effects of H2 addition on soot formation in laminar CH4 + n-heptane, H2 + CH4 + n-heptane, FH2 + CH4 + n-heptane diffusion flames at 2, 4, 6 and 8 atm are simulated, FH2 is added to separate the H2 chemical effects. The results show that the dilution and thermal effects of H2 inhibit soot formation, while the chemical effects of H2 promote soot formation under different pressures. The addition of H2 increases the concentration of H and OH radicals, which promotes the formation of C2H2 and benzene (A1). By simplifying the reaction path and analyzing the production rate of A1, the mechanism of H2 addition to promote A1 formation is illustrated. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pyrene (A4), benzo(ghi)fluoranthene (BGHIF) and benzo(a)pyrene (BAPYR) are inhibited at higher pressures that result in lower inception and condensation rates. Therefore, the increase of hydrogen abstraction acetylene addition (HACA) rate is the main reason for the increase of soot formation under chemical effects. While the O2 oxidation rate decreases and the OH oxidation rate increases, that is due to the decrease of O2 concentration and the increase of OH concentration in the soot formation area under chemical effects.

Catabolic gene indices of hydrocarbon diminution in Ultisol treated with cropped Bacillus altitudinis-amendments

This study evaluated catabolic gene expression as an index of hydrocarbon breakdown in ultisol treated with Bacillus altitudinis-Cropped Biofertilizers derived from Biosolid and Brewer Spent Grain (BSG) using phenotypic and molecular methods. We observed significant reductions in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) concentrations with both amendments, albeit the biosolid based amendment was markedly more effective. Concurrently, there was a substantial increase in hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. Notably, the bulk of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in biosolid (95.77 %) and BSG (93.00 %) amended Ultisol were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetes, which are key players in hydrocarbon bioremediation. We observed the presence of eleven hydrocarbon-degrading genes through M5nr analysis. These genes encompass essential catalysts for aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation and hydrocarbon desulfurization. Notably, these enzymes/genes include Bacterial Flavin-bound Monooxygenase (AlmA), Alkane Monooxygenase (AlkM), Alpha Ketoglutarate Dependent Dioxygenase (alkB), Propane Monooxygenase (PrM), Cytochrome P450 (cP450), Methane Monooxygenase/Ammonia Monooxygenase (MMO/AMO) subunits A, B, and C, Alkane Sulfonate Monooxygenase (ssuD), Alkane Sulfonates Transport System Permease Protein (ssuC), Dibenzothiophene Monooxygenase (dszC), Dibenzothiophene-Sulfone Monooxygenase (dszA), and Dibenzothiophene-5,5-Dioxide Monooxygenase (dszB). These genes play pivotal roles in the degradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon desulfurization. Interestingly, unique gene expression patterns were observed for each amendment, with Actinomycetales and Bulkhoderiales orders expressing the majority of identified genes. These findings have revealed the amendment-specific microbial and genetic alterations and, the diversity and potential of the annotated genes induced by the Bacillus altitudinis-Cropped Biofertilizers (biosolid and BSG amendments) for effective remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

Response of petroleum-contaminated soil to chemical oxidation combined with biostimulation

In this study, a microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Na2S2O8 preoxidation combined with biostimulation on petroleum-contaminated soil remediation. The response of microbial community during this process was explored using BIOLOG ECO microplate carbon utilization method and 16 s rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that use of 10 mg/g Na2S2O8 removed 19.8 % of the petroleum hydrocarbons, reduced soil biotoxicity and did not affect soil microbial activity compared to other concentrations. Therefore, sodium persulfate of ca. 10 mg/g was used to oxidize petroleum in soil before the biostimulation experiment with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Our finding showed that the content of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in soil was reduced by 43.3 % in inorganic fertilizer treatment after 60 days. The results of BIOLOG ECO microplate carbon utilization analysis and 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing further confirmed that biostimulation quickly restored the microbial activities in oxidant treated soil. The main marker bacteria in chemical oxidation combined with biostimulation remediation were Arthrobacter and Paenarthrobacter, and their relative abundances were both significantly negatively correlated with the content of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil.

Evaluation and modelling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bioavailability in soils affected by coal tar asphalt

There are large masses of coal tar asphalt present in old roads, containing high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Uncertainty surrounding the risk they pose causes problems during road reconstruction and for the reuse of the asphalt present. To help elucidate potential risks, a parsimonious linear equilibrium partitioning model for the bioavailability of PAHs in soils contaminated by tar asphalt particles was developed. Furthermore, a set of partitioning coefficients for PAHs between sampled coal tar binders and water were determined experimentally, as well as measurements of freely dissolved concentrations using polyoxymethylene samplers in batch tests and column recirculation experiments with various mixtures of different soils (peat and sandy loam) and tar asphalts. The model predictions of freely dissolved concentrations were conservative and within an order of magnitude of measurements in both batch and column tests. The model presented here only relies on soil organic carbon content and the fraction coal tar binder in the soil to model PAH partitioning. This model could be used for more realistic. Low tier risk assessments towards rational prioritization of sensitive areas for risk reduction efforts.

Parameterization of H2SO4 and organic contributions to volatile PM in aircraft plumes at ground idle

ABSTRACT Volatile Particulate Matter (vPM) emissions are challenging to measure and quantify, since they are not present in the condensed form at the engine exit plane and they evolve to first form in the aircraft plume and then continue to grow and change as they mix and dilute in the ambient atmosphere. To better understand the issues associated with the initial formation and growth of vPM, a modeling study has been undertaken to examine several key parameters that affect the formation and properties of the vPM that is created in the initial cooling and dilution of the aircraft exhaust. A modeling tool (Aerosol Dynamic Simulation Code, ADSC) that was developed and enhanced over a series of past research projects supported by NASA, DoD’s SERDP/ESTCP, and FAA was used to perform a parametric analysis of vPM. The parameters of fuel sulfur content (FSC), emitted condensable hydrocarbon (HC) concentrations, and the species profile of the HCs were used to construct a computational matrix that framed a wide range of expected parameter values. This computational matrix was executed for two representative commercial aircraft engines at ground idle and results were obtained for distances of 250 m and 1000 m downstream. From prior results, the most significant vPM emissions occur at the lowest power settings, so an engine power condition of 7% rated thrust was used. A primary goal of the parametric study is to develop an updated vPM modeling methodology and also to help interpret data collected in experimental campaigns. The parameterization proposed here allows the vPM emission composition and particle numbers to be estimated in greater detail than current methods. The aim is to provide additional understanding on how the vPM properties vary with fuel and engine parameters to increase the utility of vPM predictions. Implications: Volatile Particulate Matter (vPM) is an important contribution to the total PM emitted by aviation engines. While vPM is not currently a part of engine emissions certification regulations, vPM is used in aviation environmental impact assessments and for air quality modeling in and around airports. Current methods in use, such as FOA, were developed before many recent advances in experimental data acquisition and in understanding of vPM processes. The parameterization proposed here allows the vPM emission composition and particle numbers to be estimated in greater detail than current methods. These estimates can be used to develop inventories and provide a better estimate of total emission for most aviation engines. Its use in international regulatory tools can inform possible future regulatory actions regarding vPM.

Production of green diesel from waste cooking oil via catalytic deoxygenation reaction using metal doped eggshell catalyst

Abstract Green diesel production via catalytic deoxygenation of waste cooking oil (WCO) over metal doped eggshell catalyst was investigated in this work. The catalyst was prepared through liquid-liquid precipitation of 5 transition metal solutions and ground eggshell (ES) as the catalyst support. The prepared catalyst, Fe-ES, Cu-ES, Co-ES, Zn-ES, and Ni-ES were characterized using BET surface area and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. BET surface area data and SEM images of the catalyst shows a promising catalyst physical properties that tailor to the deoxygenation reaction. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) was used to determine the hydrocarbon composition of the oil yield product from the reaction. The reaction also produces gas, soap and liquid acid phase while the remaining unreacted WCO becomes coke. The percentage of all products and coke were calculated using mass balance. Deoxygenation of WCO with Ni-ES catalyst produced highest oil yield at 61.6% with the hydrocarbon content of 56.11%. Ni-ES also produced 22.9% coke; the least percentage compared to other catalyst. The findings proved that Ni-ES catalyst exhibited the highest conversion of WCO into gas and liquid product with a greater yield of oil and minimal coke formation. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of using eggshell catalysts as substitutes for commercial catalysts in green diesel production.

Circular fuel production through steam reforming of waxy crude sludge: Enhancing syngas production using transition bimetallic catalyst

Waxy crude sludge (WCS) is an ignitable and hazardous semi-solid mixture containing petroleum, water, and heavy metals. Due to its high hydrocarbon content, WCS is a promising feedstock for syngas production. The carbon and hydrogen conversions were found to depend on temperature, primarily due to endothermic reactions. Ni and Cu metals were successfully doped onto dolomite to synthesize mono-metallic and bi-metallic catalysts to enhance the steam reforming. Notably, bimetallic Ni-Cu/dolomite catalysts exhibited high H2 and CO conversions. The 5 %Ni-5 %Cu/dolomite catalyst achieved the highest conversion yield, with total CO and H2 conversions of 21.15 % and 28.93 %, respectively, resulting in a H2 to CO molar ratio of 1.36 and a lower heating value (LHV) of 5.35 MJ/m3. These findings indicate that the surface-active site of dolomite-supported Ni-Cu catalysts exhibit enhanced activity and reduced carbon deposition. The study also demonstrated that using bimetallic catalysts with inexpensive mineral supports like dolomite is a viable solution for generating syngas from waxy sludges encountered during petroleum drilling operations. Additionally, this process aligns with the principles of the circular economy, facilitating energy generation and efficient hydrogen production.

Generative potential of rocks of the Urikhtau deposit

This article is devoted to the study of the processes of transformation of organic matter in the bowels of the earth under the influence of high temperatures and pressure in order to generate hydrocarbons. The main attention is paid to the use of the pyrolysis method on the Rock-Eval instrument to determine the degree of hydrocarbon generation and assess the oil-generating potential of the rock. The study highlights the key role of the total organic carbon (TOC) parameter in determining the content of kerogen and hydrocarbons in the rock of the Caspian oil and gas basin. The geological structure of the basin is also identified as an important factor for understanding promising research areas, especially on the eastern side of the basin. Estimates of the genesis of hydrocarbons in the specified region are assessed as essential for the development of the oil and gas industry, setting directions for subsequent exploration.

Evaluating Natural Source Zone Depletion and Enhanced Source Zone Depletion in laboratory columns via soil redox continuous sensing and microbiome characterization

To optimally employ Natural Source Zone Depletion (NSZD) and Enhanced Source Zone Depletion (ESZD) at sites impacted by light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL), monitoring strategies are required. Emerging use of subsurface oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) sensors shows promise for tracking redox evolution, which reflects ongoing biogeochemical processes. However, further understanding of how soil redox dynamics relate to subsurface microbial activity and LNAPL degradation pathways is needed. In this work, soil ORP sensors and DNA and RNA sequencing-based microbiome analysis were combined to elucidate NSZD and ESZD (biostimulation via periodic sulfate addition and biosparging) processes in columns containing LNAPL-impacted soils from a former petroleum refinery. Results show expected relationships between continuous soil redox and active microbial communities. Continuous data revealed spatial and temporal detail that informed interpretation of the hydrocarbon biodegradation data. Redox increases were transient for sulfate addition, and sequencing revealed how hydrocarbon concentration and composition impacted microbiome structure and naphthalene degradation. Periodic biosparging did not result in fully aerobic conditions suggesting observed biodegradation improvements could be explained by alternative anaerobic metabolisms (e.g., iron reduction due to air oxidizing reduced iron). Collectively, data suggest combining continuous redox sensing with microbiome analysis provides insights beyond those possible with either monitoring tool alone.