Measuring device for rapid on-site analysis, multivariate data analysis
Source: BAM
As the number of large oil spills decreases due to stricter regulations and safety measures, the topic of how to control minor oil spills arises. There are few or no easily affordable on-site analytical methods available for first responders or other law enforcement professionals to quickly test for crude oil and early management of locally contaminated sites. The developed method combines various competencies of BAM. It uses well-documented computer-assisted multivariate data analysis of fluorescence fingerprints intrinsic to crude oils to construct a multivariate model for quick crude oil categorization and property prediction. Using a dedicated robust portable reader, the method allowed for the classification and accurate prediction of various properties of crude oil samples such as density, viscosity, and composition parameters such as volume fractions of paraffins or aromatics. The device enables autonomous operation on-site or in-the-field through a tablet-operated readout system and can directly analyze undiluted and untreated samples, resulting in a robust and simple analytical test with outstanding performance. Testing in real-life scenarios resulted in the effective categorization and prediction of a variety of oil spill samples, as well as weathered samples that closely mimic those gathered by first responders. The developed method was published in open access format for maximum dissemination in the community, plus some initial contacts were made with depollution agencies for potential technology transfers.
On-Site Analytical Tool Based on Crude Oil Fluorescence and Chemometrics for the Rapid Determination of the Nature and Essential Properties of Oil Spills
Mansurova, Maria, Johann, Sergej, Kohlhoff, Harald, Rurack, Knut, Bartholmai, Matthias, Bell, Jérémy
ACS ES&T Water