Nitrogen and oxygen containing photoproducts were observed in the aqueous phase under oil exposed to simulated sunlight using dansyl chloride (DNS-Cl) and <i>o</i>-phthalaldehyde (OPA) derivatization, HPLC with fluorescence, and electrospray ionization−tandem mass spectrometry (ESI−MS/MS). Oil samples were spread over water in a jacketed beaker at 27.0 °C and exposed to simulated sunlight. The aqueous phase was collected after irradiation and derivatized with DNS-Cl or OPA. Both reagents selectively react with amines, but DNS-Cl can also react with phenols. Photoproducts were detected in the aqueous phase after irradiation but were not present in dark control samples. Total dissolved nitrogen analysis was performed to determine the amount of nitrogen present in the aqueous samples. The combination of derivatization with HPLC-fluorescence or with ESI-MS/MS simplifies identification of photoproducts by minimizing interference from the immense number of other compounds in the oil. Results from this study will provide an understanding of the effect photochemistry has on the fate of oil in the environment and will assist in decision-making for remediation efforts after an oil spill.

Identification of water soluble oil photodegradation products containing N and O atoms

2019 Fall National Meeting

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