The use of long-chain alkylbenzenes and alkyltoluenes for fingerprinting marine oil wastes

Petroleum long-chain alkylbenzenes and alkyltoluenes are characterized and used for chemical fingerprinting of marine oil spills. Their distributions, extending from C10 to C35 can be used for a general oil type classification. Moreover, the relative distributions of specific components, namely the 3-methyl and 2-methyl-1-alkylbenzenes (m- and o-isomers), and the aryl isoprenoid 1-methyl-3-phytanylbenzene, are proposed as diagnostic markers for source identification. This approach has been exemplified in two case studies involving the spill of bilge oils, where a preliminary screening of the potential source was obtained.

► The paper contributes to enhance forensic investigations of marine oil spills.
► Long chain alkylbenzenes and toluenes are fully characterized in crude oils.
► New diagnostic indices are proposed for chemical fingerprinting of marine oil spills.
► The usefulness of this approach is confirmed by two case studies.