Determination of Metals in Crude Oil by Atomic Spectroscopy

Abstract

Following an introduction to the origin and concentration of metals in crude oils, a brief overview of the major atomic spectroscopic methods, i.e., inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry, and flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and an overview of sample preparation/sample introduction are presented. Results are presented of a number of studies with V and Ni being the most widely determined metals in crude oil.

Keywords:

• Metals
• Crude oil
• Atomic spectroscopic methods

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge, with thanks, the support of Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, R‐82958401‐1. One of the authors (CH) acknowledges the financial support from Calcasieu Parish School Board, Southwest Louisiana, for sabbatical leave at McNeese State University for 2003–2004.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carey Hardaway

On sabbatical leave for 2003–2004 from Sulphur High School, Sulphur, Louisiana 70663, USA.