Petrochemical Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Exploring polyhydroxyalkanoates biosynthesis using hydrocarbons as carbon source: a comprehensive review.

Environmental pollution caused by petrochemical hydrocarbons (HC) and plastic waste is a pressing global challenge. However, there is a promising solution in the form of bacteria that possess the ability to degrade HC, making them valuable tools for remediating contaminated environments and effluents. Moreover, some of these bacteria offer far-reaching potential beyond bioremediation, as they can also be utilized to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a common type of bioplastics. The accumulation of PHAs in bacterial cells is facilitated in environments with high C/N or C/P ratio, which are often found in HC-contaminated environments and effluents. Consequently, some HC-degrading bacteria can be employed to simultaneously produce PHAs and conduct biodegradation processes. Although bacterial bioplastic production has been thoroughly studied, production costs are still too high compared to petroleum-derived plastics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent scientific advancements concerning the capacity of HC-degrading bacteria to produce PHAs. It will delve into the microbial strains involved and the types of bioplastics generated, as well as the primary pathways for HC biodegradation and PHAs production. In essence, we propose the potential utilization of HC-degrading bacteria as a versatile tool to tackle two major environmental challenges: HC pollution and the accumulation of plastic waste. Through a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses in this aspect, this review aims to pave the way for future research in this area, with the goal of facilitating and promoting investigation in a field where obtaining PHAs from HC remains a costly and challenging process.

Enhancing bioremediation of petroleum sludge-polluted soil: The impact of fungal-bacterial consortium's application strategy

Many microbial consortia have demonstrated superior capabilities in petrochemical sludge bioremediation. However, their vast potential remains underutilized due to the lack of application strategies. In this study, different fungal-bacterial consortia and inoculation strategies were evaluated in biopiles of oily-sludge-contaminated soil with a total petrochemical hydrocarbons (TPH) concentration of 124,000 mg/kg. Strategies using sequential inoculation, one dose administered at the beginning and another at day 30, of a consortium comprising either Bacillus sp. and Acremonium sp. (treatment 1) or Bacillus sp. and Phanerochaete sp. (treatment 3), resulted in higher removal efficiency compared to their corresponding batch inoculation treatments (i.e., treatments 2 & 4) with the same total inoculation dose over a period of two months. Notably, treatment 5, involving sequential inoculation of the consortium of Bacillus sp., Acremonium sp., and Phanerochaete sp., achieved an impressive 91.2 ± 1.6 % TPH removal efficiency, one of the highest reported levels for this level of contamination. Furthermore, sequential inoculation of the same consortium led to enhanced removal of hydrocarbon fractions compared to batch inoculations. The sequential inoculation approach also increased the microbial population and dehydrogenase activity in the soil more effectively than batch inoculation. These findings demonstrate that sequential inoculation allows microbial consortia to function more efficiently than batch inoculation in the bioremediation process. Consequently, the application of sequential inoculation with fungal-bacterial consortia holds potential for large-scale soil bioremediation, contributing to improved soil fertility and sustainability in an effective manner.

Microbial colonization patterns and biodegradation of petrochemical and biodegradable plastics in lake waters: insights from a field experiment.

Once dispersed in water, plastic materials become promptly colonized by biofilm-forming microorganisms, commonly known as plastisphere. By combining DNA sequencing and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), we investigated the plastisphere colonization patterns following exposure to natural lake waters (up to 77 days) of either petrochemical or biodegradable plastic materials (low density polyethylene - LDPE, polyethylene terephthalate - PET, polylactic acid - PLA, and the starch-based MaterBi® - Mb) in comparison to planktonic community composition. Chemical composition, water wettability, and morphology of plastic surfaces were evaluated, through Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and static contact angle analysis, to assess the possible effects of microbial colonization and biodegradation activity. The phylogenetic composition of plastisphere and planktonic communities was notably different. Pioneering microbial colonisers, likely selected from lake waters, were found associated with all plastic materials, along with a core of more than 30 abundant bacterial families associated with all polymers. The different plastic materials, either derived from petrochemical hydrocarbons (i.e., LDPE and PET) or biodegradable (PLA and Mb), were used by opportunistic aquatic microorganisms as adhesion surfaces rather than carbon sources. The Mb-associated microorganisms (i.e. mostly members of the family Burkholderiaceae) were likely able to degrade the starch residues on the polymer surfaces, although the Mb matrix maintained its original chemical structure and morphology. Overall, our findings provide insights into the complex interactions between aquatic microorganisms and plastic materials found in lake waters, highlighting the importance of understanding the plastisphere dynamics to better manage the fate of plastic debris in the environment.

Evaluation of the toxicity of a rhamnolipid biosurfactant for its application in the optimization of the bio-electrokinetic remediation of petrochemical contaminated soil

The combination of bioremediation, biosurfactants and electrokinetic remediation as a hybrid system was evaluated for the possibility of enhancing the removal of petrochemical hydrocarbons from contaminated soil as a sustainable and effective replacement for ineffective conventional remediation methods in an optimized manner. To begin with, the toxicity of the biosurfactant was determined by examining the effect of the biosurfactant on plant growth and microbial growth. The independent effect of biosurfactant concentration, voltage, the distance between electrodes and multifactor interactions on the bio-electrokinetic remediation of petrochemical contaminated soil using a bench-scale electrokinetic system were then evaluated. The results revealed that the rhamnolipid biosurfactant did not have any observable inhibition effects on the growth of the test bacteria in 5 days since the growth under test solutions of 0 mg/L, 10 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L did not have any significant differences. On the other hand, the biosurfactant affected root elongation and germination of the three test vegetables. Still, SDS had more substantial adverse effects represented by extremely low values of germination index as compared to the biosurfactant. The bio-electrokinetic remediation of soil revealed that a combination of the highest voltage of 30 V, the lowest electrode spacing of 185 mm and the highest biosurfactant concentration of 84 g/L had the highest microbial growth of 11.52 CFU/mL and hydrocarbon removal of 92% as compared to other configuration combinations. Microbial growth and hydrocarbon removal were mainly affected by voltage and biosurfactant concentration as the independent variables. • The rhamnolipid biosurfactant does not inhibit bacterial growth. • The rhamnolipid biosurfactant inhibits plant growth. • SDS is more toxic than the rhamnolipid biosurfactant. • Biosurfactant enhanced bio-electrokinetic remediation is very efficient. • High voltage and biosurfactant dosage are major factors for hydrocarbon removal.

Fatty Acids Derivatives From Eukaryotic Microalgae, Pathways and Potential Applications.

The exploitation of petrochemical hydrocarbons is compromising ecosystem and human health and biotechnological research is increasingly focusing on sustainable materials from plants and, to a lesser extent, microalgae. Fatty acid derivatives include, among others, oxylipins, hydroxy fatty acids, diols, alkenones, and wax esters. They can occur as storage lipids or cell wall components and possess, in some cases, striking cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical properties. In addition, long chain (>20) fatty acid derivatives mostly contain highly reduced methylenic carbons and exhibit a combustion enthalpy higher than that of C14–20 fatty acids, being potentially suitable as biofuel candidates. Finally, being the building blocks of cell wall components, some fatty acid derivatives might also be used as starters for the industrial synthesis of different polymers. Within this context, microalgae can be a promising source of fatty acid derivatives and, in contrast with terrestrial plants, do not require arable land neither clean water for their growth. Microalgal mass culturing for the extraction and the exploitation of fatty acid derivatives, along with products that are relevant in nutraceutics (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids), might contribute in increasing the viability of microalgal biotechnologies. This review explores fatty acids derivatives from microalgae with applications in the field of renewable energies, biomaterials and pharmaceuticals. Nannochloropsis spp. (Eustigmatophyceae, Heterokontophyta) are particularly interesting for biotechnological applications since they grow at faster rates than many other species and possess hydroxy fatty acids and aliphatic cell wall polymers.

Petroleum Degradation, Biosurfactant and Laccase Production by Fusarium neocosmosporiellum RH-10: A Microcosm Study

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of crude oil removal by fungal strains isolated from Arak refinery. The results showed that the RH10 strain is a potent strain as a surfactant producer and degrader of petrochemical hydrocarbons. The strain was identified as a Fusarium neocosmosporiellum and could degrade 58% of hydrocarbons in the minimal medium and reduce the surface tension from 45 to 26.5 mN m−1. Moreover, residual crude oil analysis with Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry showed that this strain was able to degrade 50% of aliphatic compounds. To investigate the mechanism of degradation, oxidase enzymes were assayed and it was found that F. neocosmosporiellum can produce 1.94 U L−1 of laccase in 10 g L−1 crude oil. Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and soil pattern optimization in a microcosm study showed that this strain removed 44% and 27% of the crude oil from contaminated soil in 1% and 5% crude oil concentrations, respectively. Under optimum condition, 9.66 g kg−1 crude oil was removed by F. neocosmosporiellum when the initial oil concentration was 50 g kg−1, at the end of 150 days microcosm experiment. The results demonstrated the promising potential of fungi strain for cleaning of contaminated soil.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain 5DMD: an efficient biosurfactant-producing bacterium for biodegradation of diesel oil and used engine oil

This study relates to the application of newly isolated bacterium, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain 5DMD, from the drilled mud of Suleman exploratory oil well no. 1 of Oil and Gas Development Company limited, located at District Khairpur, for biodegradation of two petrochemical hydrocarbons, i.e., diesel oil and used engine oil. The bacterium was identified by routine microbiological techniques followed by the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and homology studies. The experiments were performed using mineral salts medium supplemented with diesel oil and used engine oil as a sole carbon and an energy source under specified culture conditions (35 °C, 160 rpm, 24 days). The hydrocarbon biodegradation rates were estimated in terms of % removal using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, while characteristic spectral changes in both hydrocarbons were confirmed through Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry. Consequently, significant degradation rates of 88.5 and 71.8% for were achieved during the experiment. Moreover, the bacterium has also displayed excellent potential for the production of biosurfactants (oil displacement assay = > 6 mm; surface tension = 33.9 and 34.4 m N m−1) and lipase enzyme (Lipolytic zone = 1.8 ± 0.1 cm and 2.2 ± 0.3 cm). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analyses exhibited substantial changes in % transmittance in the frequency range for characteristic of functional groups of aliphatic (1000–600 and 3000–2800 cm−1) and aromatic (1500–1300 and 1055–1000 cm−1) hydrocarbons in diesel oil and used engine oil, confirming the biodegradation. Therefore, S. maltophilia strain 5DMD could be exploited further for future environmental applications and biosynthesis of surfactants or enzymes.

Modelling competitive BTEX compounds removal from industrial wastewater in packed-bed columns using polystyrenic resin

Abstract The competitive simultaneous removal of petrochemical hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isomers of xylene (BTEX) from an aqueous solution by polystyrenic resin (PAD 910) was investigated at dynamic conditions in a packed bed column. The column was operated under conditions of bed length (Z = 30–90 cm), flow rate (Q = 18.5–53.5 cm/min), bed diameter (D = 2.5–5 cm) and initial concentration of (C0 = 5–14.5 mg/l) to investigate the adsorption characteristics of BTEX at an influent pH of 6.85. There was evidence of improved column performance with increasing operating height and decreased flow rate. Breakthrough curves of fixed-bed adsorption process were developed by the constant-pattern approach using a constant driving force model in the liquid phase. A fairly good fit to the experimental data was obtained using the constant-pattern approach and a Langmuir isotherm model obtained from previous work. In addition, a prediction of volumetric mass transfer coefficient correlation in the liquid phase was suggested. Desorption from polystyrenic resin adsorbed with BTEX was investigated by using two different organic solvents as desorbates.

Identification of Electrode Respiring, Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacterial Strain Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MK2 Highlights the Untapped Potential for Environmental Bioremediation.

Electrode respiring bacteria (ERB) possess a great potential for many biotechnological applications such as microbial electrochemical remediation systems (MERS) because of their exoelectrogenic capabilities to degrade xenobiotic pollutants. Very few ERB have been isolated from MERS, those exhibited a bioremediation potential toward organic contaminants. Here we report once such bacterial strain, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MK2, a facultative anaerobic bacterium isolated from a hydrocarbon fed MERS, showed a potent hydrocarbonoclastic behavior under aerobic and anaerobic environments. Distinct properties of the strain MK2 were anaerobic fermentation of the amino acids, electrode respiration, anaerobic nitrate reduction and the ability to metabolize n-alkane components (C8–C36) of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) including the biomarkers, pristine and phytane. The characteristic of diazoic dye decolorization was used as a criterion for pre-screening the possible electrochemically active microbial candidates. Bioelectricity generation with concomitant dye decolorization in MERS showed that the strain is electrochemically active. In acetate fed microbial fuel cells (MFCs), maximum current density of 273 ± 8 mA/m2 (1000 Ω) was produced (power density 113 ± 7 mW/m2) by strain MK2 with a coulombic efficiency of 34.8%. Further, the presence of possible alkane hydroxylase genes (alkB and rubA) in the strain MK2 indicated that the genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation are of diverse origin. Such observations demonstrated the potential of facultative hydrocarbon degradation in contaminated environments. Identification of such a novel petrochemical hydrocarbon degrading ERB is likely to offer a new route to the sustainable bioremedial process of source zone contamination with simultaneous energy generation through MERS.

English

Petroleum and petrochemical hydrocarbons for some places are serious sources of environmental pollutants. To remediate these contaminants, phytoremediation, a relatively low cost and an environmental friendly technique is recommended more widely, now more than ever. Successful and effective applying of hydrocarbons phytoremediation depends mainly on the soil and plant types and conditions and microbial activities and the interactions between these three factors. Although for the last several decades, various plant and organism’s species for the phytoremediation processes have been extensively studied, evaluating and characterizing soil properties, as an important objective for sustainable remediation and land use management, which had negligible considerations. An ideal soil for phytoremediation should have proper physical, chemical and biological characteristics to let the plant grow well and produce biomass as high as possible. It also should provide favorable conditions for microbial activities to perform efficient remediation. Soil physical characteristics such as texture, structure, water status and aeration are important factors affecting the microbial activities and consequently the degree of remediation potential. A better understanding of soil physical properties in conjunction with proper soil-plant-microbe management could be exploited to enhance the remediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils and thus sustainable healthy environment. Key words: Phytoremediation, petroleum, hydrocarbon.

A Novel Electrophototrophic Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris Strain RP2, Exhibits Hydrocarbonoclastic Potential in Anaerobic Environments.

An electrophototrophic, hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris stain RP2 was isolated from the anodic biofilms of hydrocarbon fed microbial electrochemical remediation systems (MERS). Salient properties of the strain RP2 were direct electrode respiration, dissimilatory metal oxide reduction, spore formation, anaerobic nitrate reduction, free living diazotrophy and the ability to degrade n-alkane components of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) in anoxic, photic environments. In acetate fed microbial electrochemical cells, a maximum current density of 305 ± 10 mA/m2 (1000Ω) was generated (power density 131.65 ± 10 mW/m2) by strain RP2 with a coulombic efficiency of 46.7 ± 1.3%. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed that anaerobically grown cells of strain RP2 is electrochemically active and likely to transfer electrons extracellularly to solid electron acceptors through membrane bound compounds, however, aerobically grown cells lacked the electrochemical activity. The ability of strain RP2 to produce current (maximum current density 21 ± 3 mA/m2; power density 720 ± 7 μW/m2, 1000 Ω) using PH as a sole energy source was also examined using an initial concentration of 800 mg l-1 of diesel range hydrocarbons (C9-C36) with a concomitant removal of 47.4 ± 2.7% hydrocarbons in MERS. Here, we also report the first study that shows an initial evidence for the existence of a hydrocarbonoclastic behavior in the strain RP2 when grown in different electron accepting and illuminated conditions (anaerobic and MERS degradation). Such observations reveal the importance of photoorganotrophic growth in the utilization of hydrocarbons from contaminated environments. Identification of such novel petrochemical hydrocarbon degrading electricigens, not only expands the knowledge on the range of bacteria known for the hydrocarbon bioremediation but also shows a biotechnological potential that goes well beyond its applications to MERS.

Biodegradation of Petrochemical Hydrocarbons Using an Efficient Bacterial Consortium: A2457

Petrochemical hydrocarbons are considered to be the most significant environmental pollutants and need to be removed. In present study, the biodegradation of used engine oil and diesel oil was achieved under shake flask conditions using an efficient bacterial consortium A2457: comprising bacterial strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus pumilus. The strains were isolated and screened by enrichment technique. The bacterial strains were identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence homology. The percent removal and biodegradation of the petrochemicals was evaluated through UV–Vis spectrophotometer and FTIR spectrometry. The bacterial consortium resulted in significant degradation of diesel oil (94.13 %) and used engine oil (99.77 %) under experimental conditions. FTIR spectra of the hydrocarbons, before and after biodegradation experiments, also revealed significant changes in the characteristic peaks in the wavenumber range of 4000–600 cm−1. The consortium displayed significant biosurfactant production and lipase activity during 28 days of incubation and reduced the surface tension of culture medium to 27.95 ± 0.3 mN m−1. The petrochemical hydrocarbon degradation by the bacterial consortium: A2457 of present study could be attributed with the production of biosurfactants and lipases to utilize diesel oil and used engine oil as sole source of carbon and energy.

Isolation and characterization of an n-hexadecane degrading Acinetobacter baumannii KSS1060 from a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant

Hydrocarbons are widespread in the environment, but because of the massive utilization of petroleum products, they are nowadays strongly involved in environmental pollution. Bioremediation is the obliging technology for the treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. Therefore, to investigate the potential of petrochemical hydrocarbon (HC)-degrading indigenous microorganisms in wastewater samples collected from Fajr petrochemical wastewater treatment plants, a strain of Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated from this hydrocarbon-contaminated wastewater and examined for its ability to utilize hexadecane. This strain was capable to grow on n-hexadecane as the sole source of carbon and energy. The ability of the isolate to degrade n-hexadecane was assessed by growth assays and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Using GC analysis, it was shown that the strain KSS1060 was able to degrade 62 % of n-hexadecane within 6 days, which mostly (51.6 %) occurred within the first 24 h. Identification of this hexadecane-degrader bacterium was carried out using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Additionally, characterization of chemical composition of wastewater samples by the use of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of Hexanal, Benzene methanol, Indanol, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester, diisobutyl phthalate, and Phenol,4,4′-(1-methylethylidene) in the major constituents of wastewater. In conclusion, this study can focus on more cost-efficient applications of native bacterial strains for the large-scale biodegradation of wastewater samples from petrochemical plant in industry, where it causes disturbing problems due to its harmful effects on different organisms and human beings.

A decision support system for drinking water production integrating health risks assessment.

The issue of drinking water quality compliance in small and medium scale water services is of paramount importance in relation to the 98/83/CE European Drinking Water Directive (DWD). Additionally, concerns are being expressed over the implementation of the DWD with respect to possible impacts on water quality from forecast changes in European climate with global warming and further anticipated reductions in north European acid emissions. Consequently, we have developed a decision support system (DSS) named ARTEM-WQ (AwaReness Tool for the Evaluation and Mitigation of drinking Water Quality issues resulting from environmental changes) to support decision making by small and medium plant operators and other water stakeholders. ARTEM-WQ is based on a sequential risk analysis approach that includes consideration of catchment characteristics, climatic conditions and treatment operations. It provides a holistic evaluation of the water system, while also assessing human health risks of organic contaminants potentially present in treated waters (steroids, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, bisphenol-a, polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petrochemical hydrocarbons and disinfection by-products; n = 109). Moreover, the system provides recommendations for improvement while supporting decision making in its widest context. The tool has been tested on various European catchments and shows a promising potential to inform water managers of risks and appropriate mitigative actions. Further improvements should include toxicological knowledge advancement, environmental background pollutant concentrations and the assessment of the impact of distribution systems on water quality variation.

Complete Genome of Rhodococcus pyridinivorans SB3094, a Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone-Degrading Bacterium Used for Bioaugmentation.

Here, we present the complete genome of Rhodococcus pyridinivorans SB3094, a methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK)-degrading strain used for bioaugmentation relating to the treatment of wastewater contamination with petrochemical hydrocarbons. The genome highlights important features for bioaugmentation, including the genes involved in the degradation of MEK.

Complete Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas monteilii SB3078 and SB3101, Two Benzene-, Toluene-, and Ethylbenzene-Degrading Bacteria Used for Bioaugmentation.

Pseudomonas monteilii SB3078 and SB3101 are benzene-, toluene-, and ethylbenzene-degrading strains used for bioaugmentation in relation to treatment of wastewater contaminated with petrochemical hydrocarbons. Complete genome sequencing of the bioaugmentation strains confirms that they are very closely related (100.0% average nucleotide identity). Both strains contain extensive integration of phage elements, with the main difference being insertion of additional phage elements in the SB3078 genome.

The effects of microwave plasma torch on the cracking of Pyrolysis Fuel Oil feedstock

Cracking of Pyrolysis Fuel Oil (PFO) using a microwave plasma torch in liquid has developed a new process for production of valuable petrochemical hydrocarbons. Main parameters, including the power and flow rate of the carrier gases on the cracking operation were studied. The major products obtained were hydrogen and light C1, C2, C3, and C4 hydrocarbon compounds. Increasing of the power and gas flow improved the cracking of PFO, but, they were unable to change the selectivity of products. Optimal conditions were 850W for power and 5000sccm (ml/min) for flow rate and the production rate of C4 and H2 were 27.37sccm and 446.31sccm, respectively.

Removal of volatile compounds from the wastewaters by use of pervaporation

The increasing contamination of soil and waters with volatile organic compounds, such as halogen derivatives or petrochemical hydrocarbons, poses a serious hazard due to the carcinogenic effect of most of the compounds. Their low concentrations as well as the presence of other hindering substances make it difficult to treat. Therefore, the standards concerning the contamination of both wastewater and drinking water are constantly getting stricter and stricter. The key issue is therefore to find a process which would facilitate the treatment of any contaminated water and pervaporation seems to comply with such requirements. The objective of this work was to apply dense polymer membranes to pervaporative separation of toluene from wastewaters. The investigation studies involved the tests on composite membranes made up from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as well as polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS). The membranes were made and offered for investigation by GKSS/Forshungszentrum Geesthacht, Germany. Both membranes tested showed very good properties in the separation of toluene, reaching 90% removal of that compound, although better selectivity and enrichment of the permeate was achieved for POMS membrane. Compared to POMS, much higher fluxes were accomplished for PDMS membrane, especially the water flux. It was probably due to the more hydrophilic character of the PDMS polymer itself. The results of experiments confirm that pervaporation applied to the separation of organic compounds from waters and wastewaters is a very promising method. As a result of the process it is possible to achieve high concentrated permeate and almost complete removal of contamination.

Comprehensive Gas Chromatography−Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Using Soft and Selective Photoionization Techniques

The hyphenation of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revolutionized organic analysis. In GC/MS coupling, usually electron impact ionization is applied, and molecules are identified by their fragment pattern. Although mass spectrometry in principle is a separation method, it is used predominantly as a spectrometric technique. However, if soft (i.e., fragmentation-free) ionization techniques are applied, the inherent separation character of MS is emphasized, which has similarities to a GC boiling point separation. By combining polar column GC separation and fast soft ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology, a comprehensive separation of complex petrochemical samples can be obtained (GC x MS approach). Compounds of comparable physical-chemical properties are characteristically grouped together in a two-dimensional retention time-m/z representation. This resembles the separation characteristics of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) and, thus, represents a novel multidimensional separation approach. In this work, a gas chromatograph equipped with a polar separation column was coupled to a home-built laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Laser-based, single-photon ionization was used for universal soft ionization and resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization for selective ionization of aromatic compounds. A novel capillary-jet inlet system was used for the coupling. Multidimensional comprehensive analysis of complex petrochemical hydrocarbon samples using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with soft and selective photo ionization sources is first demonstrated.