A series of laboratory and field studies was conducted to better understand published seabed geochemical results and determine which hydrocarbon extraction methods best characterize anomalous hydrocarbons in near-surface sediments.Geochemical analysis should include a full range of hydrocarbon types; light hydrocarbon (C1 to C5), middle boiling point gasoline range (C5 to C12), and high molecular weight hydrocarbons (C12+). Two types of samples should be collected; one to capture the volatile light hydrocarbons (C1 to C12) and non-hydrocarbon gases; and a second for the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons (C12+). The light hydrocarbons require special handling and containers to limit volatile loss and prevent post sampling microbial alteration.The full range of sediment extracted hydrocarbons provides a good framework to better understand the presence of anomalous hydrocarbons and their potential origins. Additional sediment measurements such as sediment type, organic content, and regional geology provide additional information to best evaluate the petroleum source to make sure the extracted hydrocarbons are not reworked source rock or contaminants.

Extraction and analysis of anomalous hydrocarbons in marine sediments

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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