Identification of petroleum sources in an area impacted by the Amoco Cadiz oil spill

Samples of oiled sediment and tar were taken at locations in the area of Brittany, France known as the ‘Pink Granite Coast’. Each sample was analysed for hydrocarbons by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine the probable source of any petroleum residues present. The results show numerous recent inputs of various petroleum products including crude oils and light fuel oils at various locations. By 1985, the data indicate that the contribution from remaining weathered residues of Amoco Cadiz oil to the hydrocarbon baseline is small compared to more recent inputs of petroleum.