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Source identification for oil-based drill cuttings on the seabed based on stable carbon isotopes

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates how stable carbon isotopes can be utilized to identify the source of oil-based drill cuttings discharges and estimate the time of their deposition. The base-oil used in drilling mud systems may be biodegraded by seabed microflora. Effects of such processes make it difficult to identify sources of discharges based on the oil’s molecular structure. However, the stable isotope fingerprint of the base oil may vary for each batch of base-oil. Because carbon isotopic ratios in compounds with more than ten carbons are resistant to fractionation during biodegradation, this may be used as a tool to identify the source of drill cuttings discharges.

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Acknowledgments

Frode Uriansrud (StatoilHydro) is thanked for providing valuable background information and StatoilHydro is acknowledged for funding this study. Dr. Ian Allan is thanked valuable improvements of the language.

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  1. Bent Barman Skaare

    Present address: Department of Environmental Technology, Institute for Energy Technology, P.O. Box 40, 2027, Kjeller, Norway

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway

    Bent Barman Skaare & Morten Schaanning

  2. Institute for Energy Technology, P.O. Box 40, 2027, Kjeller, Norway

    Pål Tore Mørkved

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  1. Bent Barman Skaare
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  2. Morten Schaanning
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  3. Pål Tore Mørkved
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Correspondence to Bent Barman Skaare.

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Skaare, B.B., Schaanning, M. & Mørkved, P.T. Source identification for oil-based drill cuttings on the seabed based on stable carbon isotopes. Environ Chem Lett 7, 183–189 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-008-0165-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-008-0165-y

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