A Synchrotron Radiation Based Study of BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Samples.

Samples from BP's Deepwater Horizon oil spill were studied by synchrotron radiation-based analytical techniques. The techniques used were X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray tomography and infrared spectroscopy. X-ray absorption spectroscopy of nickel and vanadium K edges indicated the fate of these metal-bearing porphyrinic compounds. Emulsification seemed to have degraded the nickel-bearing porphyrinic structure. X-ray absorption spectroscopy also showed that the sulfur speciation changed from mostly thiophenic to sulfatic. Expulsion of the paraffins from the asphaltenic structure is evident from X-ray diffractometry. The longer chain alkanes, usually more resistant to weathering are also more evident in the weathered oil. Heavy metal traces from the oil spill riser oil/NWF oil sample near Venice, LA south of Morgan City, LA and controlled burn/emulsified oil/tar balls from Grand Isle, LA and Dauphine Island, AL.