Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography in Petroleum Derived Samples: A Review on Advances in Source and Weathering Studies of Spilled Oil

Abstract

Since its introduction comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) has been widely applied to analyze complex samples due to its enhanced peak capacity and selectivity, thereby increasing the number of identifiable peaks and improving coelution issues. Even though it is still undergoing development, GC × GC provides many advantages in the analysis of petroleum-derived samples, whether in reservoir geochemistry applications or in environmental studies associated with spilled oils. In general, it facilitates more thorough fingerprinting and compositional evaluation. In environmental studies, it helps enhance understanding of weathering processes and the environmental behavior of hydrocarbons, as its chromatographic retention indices can robustly estimate liquid vapor pressures, aqueous solubility and other physical chemical properties. This review presents a brief history of GC × GC instrumentation, discussing recent and significant advances in petroleum applications, from data handling techniques to reservoir geochemistry and environmental forensics, as well as some specific advantages achieved and certain limitations that continue to be encountered.

Keywords:

• GC × GC
• oil spill
• reservoir geochemistry

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel – Brazil (CAPES) under Grant Finance Code 001 for PPG-Química-UFF and PPG-Geoquímica-UFF; Petrobras; Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) under Grant Proc. E-26/210.745/2021 and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) under the MCB research Grant Proc. 309474/2022-1. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico;Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior;