Organic and inorganic geochemistry of northwestern Niger Delta oils

Abstract

A detailed geochemical study of oil samples from an onshore field in the Niger Delta was carried out for their characterization and correlation. The samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatographic (GC), Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometric (ICP-MS) analytical techniques. The results showed that CPI, Pr/Ph, Pr/nC₁₇, Ph/nC₁₈ and odd/even ratios ranged from 0.91 to 1.17, 3.07 to 6.04, 0.39 to 0.80, 0.14 to 3.30 and 1.33 to 1.39 respectively. The concentration levels of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and V ranged from 0.9 to 32, 6.2 to 24, 3.31 to 19.4, 11.4 to 1241, 26.3 to 144 and 11.0 to 29.7 pbb respectively. The Pr/nC₁₇ vs. Ph/nC₁₈ plot revealed two oil types; non-degraded and minor degraded oils, which were derived from organic matter deposited in transitional environments. This suggests that both oil types have identical source rocks. Also, CPI values of 0.91 to 1.17 indicated that the oils are thermally mature. Biomarker data also discriminated the oils into two groups on the basis of biodegradation and revealed that the oils are mature and generated at almost the same thermal maturity level. The results of Ni vs. V, Co/Ni vs. V/Ni cross plots and cluster analysis similarly revealed identical two oil types. The similarity in the results of both organic and inorganic geochemistry of these oils shows that an integrated organic and inorganic geochemical data provide a reliable tool for the evaluation, characterization and correlation of crude oils.