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Stable Isotopes in Understanding Origin and Degradation Processes of Hydrocarbons and Petroleum

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Hydrocarbons, Oils and Lipids: Diversity, Origin, Chemistry and Fate

Part of the book series: Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ((HHLM))

Abstract

In this essay we provide a short introduction to some basics of stable isotope geochemistry and an overview of few common applications in petroleum geochemistry. We identify the processes that are responsible for the carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions of biological and geological organic matter and indicate the utility of stable isotopes in oil-source rock correlations. Stable isotope analyses are also exploited in the investigation of different alteration processes within oils and petroleum reservoirs. State of the art work is presented, and future research needs are identified.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Organic Geochemistry, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany

    A. Vieth-Hillebrand

  2. Organic Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany

    Heinz Wilkes

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  1. A. Vieth-Hillebrand
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  2. Heinz Wilkes
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Correspondence to A. Vieth-Hillebrand .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Organic Geochemistry, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany

    Heinz Wilkes

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Vieth-Hillebrand, A., Wilkes, H. (2020). Stable Isotopes in Understanding Origin and Degradation Processes of Hydrocarbons and Petroleum. In: Wilkes, H. (eds) Hydrocarbons, Oils and Lipids: Diversity, Origin, Chemistry and Fate. Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90569-3_36

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