Identifying source correlation parameters for hydrocarbon wastes using compound-specific isotope analysis.
A preliminary evaluation of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) as a novel, alternative method for identifying source correlation compounds in soils contaminated with residual heavy or weathered petroleum wastes is presented. Oil-contaminated soil microcosms were established using soil (sandy-loam, non-carbonaceous cley) amended with ballast-, crude- or No.6 fuel oil. Microcosms were periodically sampled over 256 days and delta(13)C values (which express the ratio of (13)C to (12)C) determined at each time point for five n-alkanes and the isoprenoid norpristane using gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS). Although some temporal variation was observed, no significant temporal shifts in the delta(13)C values for the five n-alkanes were measured in all three oils. Isoprenoid isotope ratios (delta(13)C) appeared to be least affected by biotransformation, especially in the No.6 fuel oil. The research suggests that the delta(13)C of isoprenoids such as norpristane, may be of use as source correlation parameters.
Hough
Rupert L
RL
Integrated Waste Management Centre, Sustainable Systems Department, School of Industrial and Manufacturing Science, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK.
Whittaker
Martin
M
Fallick
Anthony E
AE
Preston
Tom
T
Farmer
John G
JG
Pollard
Simon J T
SJ
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000737:chemistry*; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007220:Industrial Waste; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D007220:Industrial Waste; D010578:Petroleum; D012989:Soil Pollutants