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Several series of alkylated phenols were detected for the first time in the extractable bitumens of organic matter-rich sediments from the Nordlinger Ries (southern Germany). Most abundant and significant constituents comprise those with n-octadecyl, n-eicosanyl, phytanyl, and iso-pentadecyl and anteiso-pentadecyl substituents. The structures of these compounds are suggested from mass spectrometric and retention time data and coinjection with synthetic standards. Diagenetic alteration of phenolic algal lipids is suggested as a possible way to the formation of these compounds in the Nordlinger Ries sediments.

The distribution of trace metals between crude petroleum and its heavy products has been studied by emission spectrography. The highest concentration of V, Ni, Sb and Mg was associated with the asphaltic fraction. A correlation has been established between the V/Ni, V/Sb and Ni/Sb indices and the geologic age of petroleum. Examination of gas and diesel oils for suitability as catalytic cracking feedstocks has been made on the basis of their Ni equivalent. Lubricating oil was found to retain little or no trace metals from the parent crude oil. The relatively high V content of fuel oil can affect refinery equipment, distillation units and linings of industrial furnaces. Other trace metals are non-destructive or only slightly destructive.

Molecular geochemical properties of crude oils and surface petroleum seeps from the southern part of the Gulf of Suez were evaluated. The characterizations of individual aliphatic, aromatic, and biomarker compounds were based on gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. The results provided strong evidence for a close genetic association of these samples. The geochemical characteristics suggest an origin from Tertiary source rocks deposited in a normal marine environment that received continental runoff. The molecular signatures of the investigated samples were very similar to those of the Lower Miocene Rudeis Formation source rock in the southern Gulf of Suez. Further, biomarker fingerprints of the investigated oil seeps were compared with those of the Dead Sea asphalt, as well as the bitumen from some Egyptian mummies reported in the literature. The results demonstrate that oil seeps from the southern end of Gebel El Zeit were used by ancient Egyptians for embalming. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and monobutyltin (MBT) compounds were quantitatively determined in surface-sediment samples collected from 23 sites in the commercial harbor of Alexandria City, Egypt. Butyltin concentrations in sediments varied widely depending on the sample location, ranging from less than 0.1 to 186 ng g−1 of Sn for MBT, less than 0.1 to 379 ng g−1 of Sn for DBT, and 1 to 2,067 ng g−1 of Sn for TBT. Elevated TBT concentrations, ranging from 727 to 2,067 ng g−1 of Sn were observed in harbors, marinas, and near ship-repair facilities, indicating that the butyltin-containing, antifouling paints of boats and vessels are the major source of butyltin contamination. The TBT concentration decreased rapidly away from potential source areas of boat docking and repair facilities. The high relative concentrations of TBT in the sediments indicated that degradation processes in the sediments are minor, probably due to the anoxic sedimentary conditions at the sampling sites and/or relatively fresh input of TBT to these sites.

Series of C-ring monoaromatic steroid hydrocarbons (C21, C22, C27 C29) and triaromatic steroid hydrocarbons (C20, C21, C26 C28) have been recognized in the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction of Alamein crude oil from the western desert, Egypt. Detection of these compounds were based on mass fragmentography of the key ions m/z 253 and m/z 231 and comparison of the mass spectra and relative retention times with literature data. The predominance of the C29 monoaromatic steroids and C28 triaromatic steroids provide further evidence for a land plant origin of Alamein oil. The results substantiate previous evidence of the occurrence of an aromatization process with increasing maturation and indicate a moderate maturity level for Alamein oil.

Alkaline hydrolysis of kerogen from a Miocene lacustrine sediment (Nordlinger Ries, southern Germany) afforded a series of cembrenoid diterpenes characterized by a 14-membered ring system together with a second, probably related, series of yet unidentified structure. This is the first report of the occurrence of these compounds in fossil organic matter. The interpretation of cembrenoids as molecular markers of arid or semiarid climate is consistent with other information about the depositional environment of the former Nordlinger Ries crater lake.