Detection of petroleum contamination in river sediments from Quebec City region using GC–IRMS |
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| Authors: | K M Rogers M M Savard |
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| Institution: | a Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, PO Box 31-312, Lower Hutt, New Zealand;b Delta Lab, GSC-Québec, Centre Géoscientifique de Québec, 2700 rue Einstein, CP 7500, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada G1V 4C7 |
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| Abstract: | Isotopic analysis by compound specific gas chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC–IRMS) is used to detect and characterize petroleum pollution in surficial sediments along the St Lawrence River, near Quebec City. Unusually mature n-alkane distributions have been found in some recent intertidal sediments in the region. GC–IRMS results suggest that the n-alkanes are not derived from indigenous organic sources because they carry δ13C values between −30.0 and −27.0‰, as well as very small isotopic differences between odd and even numbered n-alkanes, which are both typically associated with petroleum products. Comparison of these sediments with bunker fuel, an oil used in the shipping industry, has shown a close isotopic correlation in some sites, which is further supported by biomarkers. Overall, the contamination has been dispersed along the river but is generally localized around the industrial region where hydrocarbon transfer from shore storage to ships takes place. This study illustrates how GC–IRMS can be used effectively in the detection and characterization of petroleum pollutants in sediments. |
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| Keywords: | Hydrocarbon pollution n-Alkanes GC– IRMS GC– MS Stable carbon isotopes |
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