Sources Of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Sources and depositional changes of aliphatic hydrocarbons recorded in sedimentary cores from Admiralty Bay, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica during last decades

Organic biomarkers, as aliphatic hydrocarbons, are present in sedimentary organic matter and have been largely applied to the evaluation of recent environmental changes in the marine environment around the globe, including the Antarctic continent. Five sediment cores were taken in the Admiralty Bay, South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica to evaluate changes in the signature of aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-alkanes (n-C10 to n-C40) and isoprenoids as pristane and phytane, over the last decades. The total n-alkanes concentration ranged from 0.17 to 1.67 μg g−1 (mean = 0.74 ± 0.42) which is considered low and similar to pristine sediments. Aliphatic hydrocarbons present in the sedimentary pool came mostly from terrestrial sources as Antarctic lichens and mosses, and from marine sources as the macroalgae forest debris and emergent macrophytes. Anthropogenic inputs of aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., petroleum and their by-products) may be neglected based on the multi-proxy approach used to distinct sources of these organic compounds. In general, no significant changes in the sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons were observed along the sediment cores; however, an increased aliphatic hydrocarbons input registered between 1975 and 1992 may be related to the increase in meltwater runoff and the relatively high abundance of marine producers more adapted to increased sea temperatures.

Edremit Körfezi’nden yakalanan barbunya (Mullus barbatus) ve bakalyaro (Merluccius merluccius) balıklarında alifatik hidrokarbonların incelenmesi

In this study, aliphatic hydrocarbon levels were investigated in red mullet and european hake fish caught by trawler from Edremit Bay (Western Aegean, Turkey) in spring and autumn 2015. For this purpose, trawling was carried out from 3 different regions of the Edremit Bay in both seasons. As a result of the analyzes, total aliphatic hydrocarbon (TAH) levels in red mullet were found to be higher than that of european hake. TAH concentrations found for red mullet were in the range of 456-2090 ng/g, while it was found in the range of 61-746 ng/g for european hake. In general, TAH concentrations in red mullet were higher than that of european hake for both seasons. In addition, EOM amounts were found higher in red mullet like TAH. According to correlation, cluster and primary component analysis results, it was observed that the compounds affecting TAH levels in red mullet are C11 and C12 aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds, while european hake have C15, C17 and Pristane compounds. These results indicate that the source of aliphatic hydrocarbons in Edremit Bay fish is biogenic in european hake samples, although not exact, it may be petrogenic in red mullet samples.

Determination of hydrocarbon sources in major rivers and estuaries of peninsular Malaysia using aliphatic hydrocarbons and hopanes as biomarkers

In this study, levels and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons and hopanes in surface sediments collected from rivers and estuaries of Peninsular Malaysia were assessed. The concentrations of total n-alkanes ranged from 21.19 to 364.54, and the concentrations of hopanes ranged from 0.23 to 2.45 mg kg−1 dry weight. Evaluation of aliphatic diagnostic indices including Carbon Preference Index (CPI), low molecular weight/high molecular weight ratio (LMW/HMW), terrigenous to aquatic ratio (TAR), carbon preference index (CPI), average chain length (ACL) and pristine to phytane indicate mostly petrogenic input especially in estuaries, which is indicative of anthropogenic activities in the study areas. The results also indicate biogenic origin n-alkanes masked by the anthropogenic features in some stations. The hopane ratios indicate hopanes from the Prai and Malacca Rivers were similar to Middle East Crude Oil (MECO), indicating MECO as one of the sources of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Occurrence and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in anthropogenic impacted soils from petroleum tank-farms in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract The occurrence and compositional pattern of priority pollutants are vital in understanding the anthropogenic contributions, origin, and risks of these pollutants to the surrounding environment. Thus, the focus of this study was to determine the concentrations, compositional profiles, and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) in anthropogenic impacted soils from petroleum tank-farms environment in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Forty-five soil samples were collected from the vicinity of petroleum tank-farms at the top (0-15 cm), sub (15-30 cm), and bottom (30-45 cm) soil depths. The concentration of AHCs was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) after extraction by ultrasonication with hexane/dichloromethane and clean-up in silica gel/alumina packed column. The mean concentrations of AHCs in the samples ranged from 0.52 ± 0.90 to 35.26 ± 35.69 mg/kg. The AHCs results show that the equivalent carbon number index (ECn-) ECn-13-35 had the highest concentration when compared to ECn-8-12 and ECn-36-40. The linear regression and ANOVA indicate that there is no significant positive correlation between TOC and the total concentration of AHCs in the soil profiles, and a significant variation in AHCs levels between soil profiles respectively. Results also showed that soils from the tank-farms are moderately contaminated with AHCs when compared to the UNEP recommended limit. However, when compared to other regulatory thresholds, the observed concentrations of AHCs, human and environmental health risks are likely. Source apportionments depict that the principal sources of AHCs were petrogenic and plant diagenesis. Appropriate clean-up and mitigation measures and further study to determine the occurrence, composition, and exposure risks of other priority pollutants in water and sediment samples from the surrounding creeks should be determined.

First Investigation of Seasonal Concentration Behaviors and Sources Assessment of Aliphatic Hydrocarbon in Waters and Sediments from Wadi El Bey, Tunisia.

The contents, composition profiles, and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons were examined in surface sediment and water samples collected from Wadi El Bey, in Tunisia, during different year seasons in 14 stations receiving domestic effluent, industrial discharge, and agricultural drainage wastes. The target substances were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS). Total concentrations of n-alkanes (n-C14-n-C38) ranged from 0.08 ± 0.01 to 18.14 ± 0.1µg/L in waters and 0.22 ± 0.04 to 31.9 ± 24.6µg/g in sediments, while total aliphatic fraction ranged from 0.08 ± 0.01 to 196 ± 140µg/L in waters and 0.22 ± 0.04 to 1977 ± 1219µg/g in sediments, which means that almost all sites were affected by hydrocarbon contents in sediments exceeding the recommended limit (100µg/g). Various diagnostic indices (ADIs) were used to identify the hydrocarbon sources, namely the concentration ratios of individual compounds (n-C17/pristane, n-C18/phytane, pristane/phytane, n-C29/n-C17, n-C31/n-C19) as well as cumulative quantities (Carbon Preference Index, natural n-alkanes ratio, terrigenous/aquatic compounds ratio, unresolved complex mixture percentage, low molecular weight vs. high molecular weight homologues, Alkane Proxy and Terrestrial Marine Discriminants). In general, these indexes indicated that the origin of aliphatic hydrocarbons affecting sediments and waters of Wadi El Bey were linked to both biogenic and petrogenic inputs, attesting the impact of plankton and terrestrial plants and of oil contamination, respectively. The average carbon chain length computation (ACL), used to further index the chemical environment, ranged from 25.5 to 31.1 in sediments and 47.9-116 in waters. This finding could depend on the severe disturbances suffered by the ecosystem as a consequence of heavy anthropogenic inputs. Petroleum contamination associated with high eutrophication rates in Wadi El Bey must be strictly controlled, due to possible harmful effects induced on ecosystem and humans.

Geochemical imprints of occurrence, vertical distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic ketones, hopanes and steranes in sediment cores from ten Iranian Coral Islands, Persian Gulf

The levels, vertical distribution and sources of hydrocarbons and petroleum biomarkers were estimated for the first time in sediment cores (0–40 cm) from ten coral Islands of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Discrepant hydrocarbons, including linear n-alkanes (n-C11 to n-C40) and isoprenoids (AHs), aliphatic ketones (AKs), hopanes and steranes were measured in all core samples, showing mean concentrations ranging from 209 to 5388 μg g−1dw (∑30AH), 2–244 μg g−1-dw (∑13AK), 189–3713 ng g−1dw (∑31hopane) and 42–3864 ng g−1dw (∑15sterane), respectively. All sediment cores were found to be petroleum polluted, with ∑30AH > ∑31hopane > ∑15sterane > ∑13AK, with higher levels recorded at 10–20 cm, mainly at industrial sites. Various diagnostic indices revealed that hydrocarbons derived mainly from anthropogenic inputs, with significant contribution of biogenic origin at sites less polluted. Moreover, total organic carbon (0.24–23.45 mg g−1-dw), terrestrial and marine organic matter had an overwhelming effect on hydrocarbons deposition in sediment cores. Overall, findings provide relevant information for monitoring and preventing petroleum pollution in the sensitive ecosystems of the Persian Gulf.

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface seawater of the GULF of Trieste (northern ADRIATIC)

Concentrations, spatial distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in surface seawater of the Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic. This area is one of the most industrialized and urbanized areas in the northern Adriatic with intense maritime traffic. The surface seawater samples were collected at 31 sites and total hydrocarbon concentrations were determined. In general, concentrations (0.1 to 43.2 μg l−1, mean 4.8 μg l−1, Chrysene equivalents) were higher in summer. Concentrations of total aliphatic hydrocarbons were from 17.2 to 2326.5 μg l−1 (mean 543.3 μg l−1). The major component was the unresolved complex mixture (UCM), comprising from 78% to 97% of the total aliphatic hydrocarbons. Total PAH concentrations varied from 89 ng l−1 to 294 ng l−1 (mean 179 ng l−1). The most contaminated sites were the marina of San Giusto and the municipal harbor of Piran.Different evaluation indeces were applied to determine the origin of hydrocarbons. The prevailing origin of aliphatic hydrocarbons is petrogenic, with the significant contribution of the biogenic at some sites. The results presented indicate the fresh inputs of hydrocarbons, which are subject to intense degradation processes. The PAH group profile showed the predominance of 2–3 ring PAHs. PAHs were of mixed origin with more pronounced petrogenic origin, presumably due to oil spills from ships and boats. The presence of a relatively high content of perylene in seawater is an indication of its terrestrial input.According to the presented results and compared to results from different areas worldwide, the seawater in the Gulf of Trieste can still be considered slightly to moderately polluted with PAHs.

The aliphatic hydrocarbon distributions of terrestrial plants around an alpine lake: a pilot study from Lake Ximencuo, Eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

As part of an investigation of the sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons to the sediments of alpine Lake Ximencuo, leaves of the eight dominant vascular plants were collected and their hydrocarbon contents were analyzed. A series of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons were identified in the plant leaves; in particular, Festuca sp. contain a series of n-alkadienes that have rarely been reported in previous studies. The comparison of n-alkane proxies (ACL27–33, ACLT, Paq, and CPI) and δ13Corg among plant leaves, surface soils, and lake sediments suggests that organic proxies have been altered to varying degrees during the transport and burial process of organic materials. It is believed that microbial reworking and source changes have great impacts on organic proxies in the alpine lake system. In addition, the cluster analysis for plant leaves depending on n-alkane compositions and the ACLT proxy generates similar results. Accordingly, we postulate that the average chain length of plant waxes might be a potential indicator of plant classification in regions such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Occurrence and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in soils within the vicinity of hot mix asphalt plants in Obigbo and Igwuruta Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the occurrence and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) in soils within the vicinity of hot mix asphalt (HMA) plants. Soil samples were collected from two HMA plants and analysed with gas chromatography - flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). Sample collection was from both surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soils at an increasing distance of 10 m from the HMA plants while the control samples at both depths were collected at 1 km away from the plants. The AHCs concentration (nC9-nC38) in soils from both HMA Plants ranged from 8.16 - 433.04 mg/kg and 5.91-177.83 mg/kg for surface and subsurface soils respectively while the concentration in the control samples ranged from 5.97 - 23.95 mg/kg and 2.52 - 13.31 for surface and subsurface soil respectively. The sources of the AHCs were determined using isoprenoid ratios, carbon preference index (CPI) and maximum carbon chain (Cmax). The isoprenoid ratios and CPI values of the samples closer ( 20 m from the HMA plants showed mixture of both anthropogenic and biogenic sources. Keywords : Asphalt Plants; Soil; Aliphatic hydrocarbons; Pristane; Phytane.

First Investigation of Seasonal Concentration Behaviors and Sources Assessment of Aliphatic Hydrocarbon in Wastewater and Sediment from Wadi El Bey, Tunisia

The contents, composition profiles and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons were examined in surface sediment and water samples collected from Wadi el Bey watershed, Tunisia, during different year seasons in 14 sites receiving domestic effluent, industrial discharge and agricultural drainage wastes. The target substances were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MSD). Total concentrations of n-alkanes (C14-C38) ranged from 0.08 ± 0.01 to 18.14 ± 0.1 μg/L in waters and 0.22 ± 0.04 to 31.9 ± 24.6 μg/g in sediments, while total aliphatic fraction ranged from 0.08 ± 0.01 up to 196 ± 140 μg/L in waters and 0.22 ± 0.04-1977 ± 1219 μg/g in sediments, which means that almost all sites were affected by hydrocarbon contents in sediments exceeding the recommended limit (100 μg/g). Various diagnostic indices (ADIs) were used to identify the hydrocarbon sources, namely the concentration ratios of individual compounds as well as cumulative quantities. These indexes indicated that the origin of aliphatic hydrocarbons affecting sediments and waters of Wadi el Bey were linked to both biogenic and petrogenic inputs, attesting the impact of plankton and terrestrial plants and of oil contamination, respectively. The average carbon chain length computation (ACL), used to further index the chemical environment, ranged from 25.5-31.1 in sediments and 47.9-116 in waters; this finding could depend on the severe disturbances suffered by the ecosystem as a consequence of heavy anthropogenic inputs. In conclusion, petroleum contamination associated with high eutrophication rates in the Wadi el Bey Watershed must be strictly controlled, due to possible harmful effects induced on ecosystem and humans.

Distribution and Sources of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments of Al-Arbaeen Lagoon, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Al-Arbaeen lagoon, in the central part of Jeddah city, well-known for tourists and fisheries, receive high inputs of organic matter mostly anthropogenic. Samples of surficial bottom sediments were collected from eighteen stations along the Al-Arbaeen lagoon and have been analyzed and characterized in terms of their contents of biogenic and anthropogenic hydrocarbon biomarkers. The analysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons in surficial sediments, based on GC/ MS and biomarkers (triterpane and sterane) fingerprinting, showed that these hydrocarbons were mainly derived from petroleum sources. The coastal sediments analyses of all sites of the study area indicate that levels of petroleum hydrocarbons (60.13-2510.35 μg/g dry wt total hydrocarbons) are generally far higher than those from sediments adjacent to effluent discharge sites of a sewage treatment plant in Chesapeake Bay, USA. The continuous deposition of hydrocarbons in Al-Arbaeen lagoon might be connected with different pollutant sources (petrogenic and/or biogenic) via the effluent discharge point and/or the highly urbanized areas located very close to the lagoon.

Distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons and fatty acids in surface sediments of a tropical estuary south west coast of India (Cochin estuary).

Surface sediments samples from the Cochin estuary were measured for elemental, stable isotopic and molecular biomarkers (aliphatic hydrocarbons and fatty acids) to study the sources and distribution of sedimentary organic matter. Concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and stable isotopic ratios of carbon (δ(13)C) ranged from 0.62 to 2.74%, 0.09 to 0.25% and -27.5 to 21.7 ‰, respectively. Sedimentary n-alkanes ranged from 6.03 to 43.23μgg(-1) with an average of 16.79μgg(-1), while total fatty acids varied from 22.55 to 440.69μgg(-1). The TOC/TN ratios and δ(13)C suggest a mixture of marine- and terrestrial-derived organic matter in the surface sediments with increasing contributions from marine-derived organic matter towards the seaward side. Long-chain n-alkanes derived from higher plants predominated the inner part of the estuary, while short-chain n-alkanes derived from planktonic sources predominated the bar mouth region. The even carbon preference of the C12-C22 n-alkanes may refer to the direct biogenic contribution from bacteria, fungi and yeast species and to the potential direct petroleum inputs. The presence of odd mid-chain n-alkanes in the sediments indicates the organic matter inputs from submerged and floating macrophytes (water hyacinth). Various molecular indices such as carbon preference index, terrestrial to aquatic ratio, average chain length and the ratios of mid-chain n-alkanes support the aforementioned inferences. The high contribution of odd and branched chain fatty acids along with very low contribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggest the effective utilisation of algae-derived organic matter by bacteria and the effective recycling of labile organic matter in whole settling and deposition processes. The distributional variability of n-alkanes and fatty acids reveals the preferential utilisation of marine-derived organic matter and the selective preservation of terrestrial-derived organic matter in surface sediments of the Cochin estuary.

Occurrence and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in surface soils from Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia

Soil particles contain a variety of anthropogenic and natural organic components derived from many sources such as industrial and traffic fossil fuel emissions and terrestrial biota. The organic contents of soil and sand from the Arabian region have not fully characterized. Thus, samples of fine soil particles (sieved to <125μM) were collected from the Riyadh area in November 2006 (late summer) and February 2007 (late winter). The samples were extracted with a mixture of dichloromethane/hexane and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS) in order to characterize the chemical composition and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons. The results showed that both anthropogenic and natural biogenic inputs were the major sources of the aliphatic hydrocarbons in these extracts. Vehicular emission products and discarded plastics were the major anthropogenic sources in the fine particles of the soils and ranged from 64% to 96% in November 2006 and from 70% to 92% in February 2007. Their tracers were n-alkanes, hopanes, sterane, plasticizers and UCM. Vegetation was also a major natural source of hydrocarbon compounds in samples ranging from ∼0% to18% in November 2006 and from 1% to 13% in February 2007 and included n-alkanes and triterpenoids.

Distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Sergipe River estuarine system

The assessment of aliphatic hydrocarbons was performed in the Sergipe River estuarine system, northeastern Brazil. Aliphatic hydrocarbons concentration ranged from 9.9ugg−1 up to 30.8ugg−1 of dry sediment. The carbon preference index (CPI, based on nC24 to nC34 range), indicated predominance of petrogenic input in two of the sites analyzed (P4 and P5). The unresolved complex mixture (UCM) was found to be present in seven of the nine sites sampled (except for P4 and P5). Overall, the results of this work suggest that there is a mix of organic matter sources to the sediment. Although the coast of Sergipe has an intense off shore petroleum exploration and the Sergipe River crosses the entire city of Aracaju, the capital city of Sergipe, non-significant anthropogenic fingerprint was assessed.

Temporal trends of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the Bohai Sea, China: Evidence from the sedimentary record

This work reports the historical trends and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in two 210Pb dated sediment cores extracted from the central mud areas of Bohai Sea (Bohai). The TOC/TN ratio of the bulk organic matter (OM) and the composition of the n-alkanes suggest that the sedimentary organic matter was of mixed marine and terrigenous sources. The coarser sediment grain size and decreasing C/N ratios since ∼1976 could be attributed to the relocation of the Yellow River mouth causing a decreased influence of Yellow River derived sediments and associated OM into the central Bohai. The concentration of total 16 PAHs in the two cores ranged from 34.2–202 ng/g (mean, 91.5) for BC1, and from 53.3–186 ng/g (mean, 103) for BC2, with a high abundance of 2–3 ring PAHs. Perylene in the two cores mainly originated from terrigenous sources via riverine discharge and thus could be potentially related to changes in the sediment load from the Yellow River into the Bohai over time. Petroleum inputs could be revealed by ratios of methylphenanthrenes to phenanthrene (MP/P) and the patterns of more stable geochemical biomarkers (hopanes and steranes) along the two cores, in addition to the presence of unresolved complex mixtures (UCM) in the surface layers. Source diagnostic ratios of PAHs indicated a pyrogenic origin from biomass and coal combustion with a minor petroleum contribution. Downcore trends of compositional PAHs profiles were in agreement with the socio-economic development in China in the past decades. This temporal variation of sedimentary PAHs can also reflect a different evolution stage of energy structure in China as compared with those of the western developed countries.

Distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in fish from the Arabian Gulf

Distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons in fish from the Arabian Gulf