1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers the broad concepts of sampling and analyzing waterborne oils for identification and comparison with suspected source oils. Detailed procedures are referenced in this practice. A general approach is given to aid the investigator in planning a program to solve the problem of chemical characterization and to determine the source of a waterborne oil sample.

1.2 This practice is applicable to all waterborne oils taken from water bodies, either natural or man-made, such as open oceans, estuaries or bays, lakes, rivers, smaller streams, canals; or from beaches, marshes, or banks lining or edging these water systems. Generally, the waterborne oils float on the surface of the waters or collect on the land surfaces adjoining the waters, but occasionally these oils, or portions, are emulsified or dissolved in the waters, or are incorporated into the sediments underlying the waters, or into the organisms living in the water or sediments.

1.3 This practice as presently written proposes the use of specific analytical techniques described in the referenced ASTM standards. As additional techniques for characterizing waterborne oils are developed and written up as test methods, this practice will be revised.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D3325 Practice for Preservation of Waterborne Oil Samples

D3326 Practice for Preparation of Samples for Identification of Waterborne Oils

D3328 Test Methods for Comparison of Waterborne Petroleum Oils by Gas Chromatography

D3414 Test Method for Comparison of Waterborne Petroleum Oils by Infrared Spectroscopy

D3650 Test Method for Comparison of Waterborne Petroleum Oils By Fluorescence Analysis

D4489 Practices for Sampling of Waterborne Oils

D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures

D5037 Test Method for Comparison of Waterborne Petroleum Oils by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

D5739 Practice for Oil Spill Source Identification by Gas Chromatography and Positive Ion Electron Impact Low Resolution Mass Spectrometry

E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts

Keywords

oil analysis; oil identification; spilled oils; waterborne oils; weathering; Petroleum oils; Waterborne oils ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 75.080 (Petroleum products in general)

DOI: 10.1520/D3415-98

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