High-molecular weight sulfur-containing aromatics refractory to weathering as determined by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Biomarkers and low-molecular weight polyaromatic compounds have been extensively studied for their fate in the environment. They are used for oil spill source identification and monitoring of weathering and degradation processes. However, in some cases, the absence or presence of very low concentration of such components restricts the access of information to spill source. Here we followed the resistance of high-molecular weight sulfur-containing aromatics to the simulated weathering condition of North Sea crude oil by ultra high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The sulfur aromatics in North Sea crude having double bond equivalents (DBE) from 6 to 14 with a mass range 188-674 Da were less influenced even after 6 months artificial weathering. Moreover, the ratio of dibenzothiophenes (DBE 9)/naphthenodibenzothiophenes (DBE 10) was 1.30 and 1.36 in crude oil and 6 months weathered sample, respectively reflecting its weathering stability. It also showed some differences within other oils. Hence, this ratio can be used as a marker of the studied crude and accordingly may be applied for spilled oil source identification in such instances where the light components have already been lost due to environmental influences.