1 Scope
This Technical Report (TR) describes a methodology to firstly identify the specific
nature of oils spilled in marine, estuarine and aquatic environments and secondly
compare the chemical composition of spilled oil or oily samples with that of suspected
sources. Specifically, the TR describes the detailed analytical methods and data processing
specifications for identifying the specific nature of waterborne oil spills and establishing their correlation to suspected sources. Even when samples
or data from suspected sources are not available for comparison, establishing the
specific nature (e.g., refined petroleum, crude oil, waste oil, etc.) of the spilled
oil may still help constrain the possible source(s) of the spilled oil.
This methodology is restricted to petroleum and petroleum products containing a significant
proportion of hydrocarbon-components with a boiling point above 200°C. Examples are:
crude oils, higher boiling condensates, diesel oils, residual bunker or heavy fuel
oils, lubricants, and mixtures of bilge and sludge samples. While the specific analytical methods may not be appropriate for lower boiling
oils (e.g. kerosenes, jet fuels, or gasoline), the general concepts described in this
methodology, i.e., statistical comparison of weathering -resistant diagnostic ratios, may have applicability in spills involving lower boiling
oils.
This method is not directly intended for oil spills impacting groundwater, vegetation,
wildlife/tissues, soils, or sediments, and although its application in these matrices
is not precluded, it requires caution. The reason for caution is that the extractable
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