Photochemical Production of Aldehydes and Ketones from Petroleum Films on Seawater

While numerous reports have demonstrated that sunlight results in oxygenation of petroleum in environmental systems, few details are available regarding the specific mechanisms of these reactions. Previous studies have not been able to identify specific chemicals formed when oil is subjected to photochemical transformation. In this study, we have utilized several petroleum samples to investigate the formation of aldehyde and ketone photoproducts. These samples included oil from the MC252 well (source of the Deepwater Horizon spill), surrogate oil provided by BP to represent the MC252 oil, and residual fuel oil (NIST 2717a). Thin films of oil (~100 μm) were placed over water and irradiated with a solar simulator for the equivalent of 1.5-12 days. After irradiation, the water was carefully separated from the oil and derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, a selective derivatization agent for aldehydes and ketones. The derivatized material was then analyzed by HPLC. Additional analysis by electrospray MS was also performed, and absorbance and fluorescence spectra of the underivatized aqueous phase were recorded. For all oils, exposure to sunlight resulted in release of aldehydes and ketones to the aqueous phase. The amount of released photoproducts was proportional to the length of solar exposure, but no production was seen for dark controls. Despite some similarities, the pattern of product formation varied from oil to oil. Addition of dispersant (Corexit 9500a or 9527a) resulted in larger amounts of aldehydes and ketones detected in the aqueous phase after solar irradiation of the oil. Electrospray mass spectrometry was utilized in an attempt to provide structural information about the aldehydes and ketones formed. Results of this study demonstrate that aldehydes and ketones are important photoproducts resulting from solar irradiation of oil on water. These products will affect the transport and bioavailability of oil spilled in aquatic systems.