Sedimentary processes and trace metal contaminants in the buccaneer oil/gas field,northwestern gulf of Mexico

Sediments are the ultimate sink for contaminants in the marine environment, and physical processes of sedimentation influence the distribution and accumulation of these contaminants. Evaluation of contaminant levels in sediments is one approach to assessing environmental impact; data interpretation depends on consideration of sediment texture and mineralogy, however, which profoundly influence chemical composition. In this study, comparison of potentially contaminated sediments from the production field with control populations was done only within the context of similar (as to texture and organic carbon and carbonate content) sample groups as determined by cluster analysis. Ba, Cd, and Sr are identified as contaminants. Supported by the identification of a well-crystallized expandable clay—possibly bentonite—drilling fluids are a potential source of Ba. Ba and Sr may be unnaturally high because of their abundance in discharged produced formation waters, but may also be naturally controlled by the unique faunal assemblage associated with the structures. Cd is probably derived from corrosion of the structures and assorted debris on the seafloor. In general, contamination is limited to an area within 100 m of the platforms. Furthermore, substantial erosion around platforms has probably effectively removed and dispersed the bulk of the contaminants introduced into the marine environment by the offshore exploration/production operations.     

The effects of exploratory petroleum drilling in the northwest gulf of mexico on trace metal concentrations in near rig sediments and organisms

For a typical offshore petroleum well, 500–1000 t (dry weight excluding cuttings) of drilling fluid solids are discharged into the sea. In this study, concentrations of selected trace elements present in drilling fluids (Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, V), were determined in surface sediments and macroepifauna around a Gulf of Mexico exploratory drilling site before, during, and after drilling operations. Observed significant increases in the levels of Fe in organisms and Ba and Cr in sediments were attributable to drilling discharges. Shrimp, which constitute the largest commercial fishery in the region, were intensively studied. Shrimp collected during the last few days of drilling had abdominal muscle Fe concentrations more than twice those in shrimp sampled before or after drilling. Enhanced Fe solubility (bioavailability) in sea-water, caused by soluble organic chelating agents in the drilling fluids, is the most likely explanation for the observed increases. Significant increases in sediment Ba were observed at all sampling radii but large increases (up to 7.5 fold) were only observed within a few hundred meters of the drilling site. An accurate mass balance of total discharged (excess) Ba present in sediments within 1000 m of the drilling site was determined. Only 9.3% of the total Ba used, and presumably other similar drilling mud components traced by Ba, was present within 1000 m at the conclusion of drilling. After 2.6 mo, only 6.6% was present. Significant sediment resuspension and transport occurring in the high current nearshore study site (24 m water depth) was responsible for the low retention and rapid loss of discharged Ba in the sediment. The largest mean increase in sediment Cr (26%) occurred at the 1000 m sampling radii. This report has been reviewed by the Minerals Management Service and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the service, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.     

Organic petrology and source rock potential of sediments in the Eromanga Basin, South Australia

Cuttings and cores from the Poolowanna 1 well, Eromanga Basin, South Australia (in which oil was discovered in Lower Jurassic reservoirs) and the Macumba 1 well (no oil) have been analyzed petrographically to assess the nature of the coals and dispersed organic matter present. The Jurassic and Cretaceous coals have medium to high vitrinite contents, low to relatively high exinite, and medium to low inertinite contents. The dispersed organic matter has comparatively less vitrinite, more exinite and/or more inertinite than the associated coals. The microlithotype compositions of the coals indicate that the original vegetation was largely woody in character and was buried before much oxidation had occurred.The Jurassic sediments contain up to 2% dispersed organic matter by volume, 0–75% of which is exinite, including alginite. Vitrinite reflectances range from 0.5 to 0.7%. Where sufficiently mature, the Jurassic sediments are good potential source rocks for hydrocarbons.Statistical testing of the analytical results for the Jurassic Poolowanna Formation using Kendall's τ as a measure of dependence shows that there is a significant association between the macerals in coal and dispersed organic matter. The ratio of exinite to inertinite in dispersed organic matter is reasonably well predicted by the corresponding ratio in the associated coal.     

Organic matter in the bottom sediments of the Ob Bay: Distribution,nature, and sources

The lateral variability of main geochemical parameters of dispersed organic matter (DOM) in the bottoms sediments of the Ob Bay was studied using materials of areal geological survey. It was found that they correspond to background compositions of estuarine-delta facies of the Western Arctic shelf, being mainly determined by the influx of river run-off and coastal abrasion. The distribution of DOM and its components is controlled by the hydrodynamic regime of the water area and grain-size composition of sediments. The molecular composition of hydrocarbon markers (n-alkanes, cyclanes, and arenes) confirms the dominant role of terrigenous humic material in the formation of DOM of the bottom sediments, while temporal stability of quantitative and qualitative geochemical characteristics indicates the stability of the Ob Bay ecosystem.     

Palynofacies characterization for hydrocarbon source rock evaluation in the Subathu Formation of Marhighat,Sirmaur district,Himachal Pradesh

This paper deals with the hydrocarbon source rock evaluation of the Subathu Formation exposed at Marhighat on Sarahan–Narag road in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Hydrocarbon potential of these sediments is estimated on the basis of palynofacies analysis and thermal alteration index (TAI) values based on the fossil spores/pollen colouration. The analyses are based on the classification and hydrocarbon generation potential of plant derived dispersed organic matter present in the sediments. The palynofacies analysis of Subathu Formation in the area reveal moderate to rich organic matter, with amorphous organic matter constituting the bulk of the total organic matter, followed by charcoal, biodegraded organic matter, fungal remains, spores/pollen and structured terrestrial organic matter. The TAI value for the organic matter in these sediments has been ascertained as 3.00. A dominance of the sapropelic facies (amorphous organic matter) and the measured TAI values for the Subathu sediments in the Marhighat area suggests a good source-rock potential for the hydrocarbon generation.     

Organic Facies Characteristics of Quaternary Sediments,Gulf of Izmit,Marmara Sea,Turkey

The classification of organic facies from samples obtained by submarine drilling between Hersek Burnu and Kaba Burun in the Gulf of Izmit was determined using organic geochemistry methods. The host sediment is composed of pebbles, sand, silt, and clay, some of which are rich in organic matter. Results indicate an early diagenesis stage according to total organic carbon (0.11-1.78%) and vitrinite reflectance (0.12-0.32%) values. Rock-Eval pyrolysis data display hydrogen indices (HI) of 3 to 97 mg HC/g TOC and oxygen indices (OI) of 29 to 245 mg HC/g CO₂. Microscopic studies show that the dominant organic matter is oxic and terrestrial. These data demonstrate that the organic facies were developed in this environment. The CD facies reflects a mixture of source materials including terrestrial plant detritus, and reworked and fine-grained amorphous organic matter. The D facies consists of highly decomposed, reworked organic matter. These types of organic facies generally appear to be weakly sorted in marine and lake sediments.     

澳大利亚北卡那封盆地中上三叠统Mungaroo三角洲陆源有机质分布特征

北卡那封盆地中上三叠统Mungaroo组发育巨型浅水辫状河三角洲——Mungaroo三角洲。利用钻井、岩心资料,并结合区域地质背景,将Mungaroo三角洲划分为近端三角洲平原、远端三角洲平原、三角洲前缘、前三角洲4个沉积亚相,其中近端三角洲平原与远端三角洲平原亚相分布广泛,三角洲前缘与前三角洲亚相欠发育。陆源有机质分析表明:(1)研究区目的层段沉积时期,在环特提斯洋巨型季风洪水的影响下,泥炭沼泽普遍遭受冲刷改造,有机质类型主要为分散有机质,仅远端三角洲平原发育薄煤层;(2)不同相带受季风洪水的影响差异较大,近端三角洲平原受洪水改造强烈,砂砾岩发育,夹薄层泥岩,泥岩中有机质显微组分主要为惰质组,镜质组大部分遭受氧化;(3)远端三角洲平原的沼泽沉积尽管受到洪水频繁冲刷,但仍发育多套薄煤层,泥岩中陆源有机质最为丰富,显微组分以镜质组为主;(4)三角洲前缘和前三角洲相带窄,沉积物中陆源有机质含量较低。远端三角洲平原烃源岩有机质生烃潜力最大,除发育广泛的薄煤层外,暗色泥岩中平均TOC含量可达4.11％。上述沉积相带与陆源有机质分布规律体现了强季风洪水影响下大型辫状河三角洲的沉积特点。     

苏北滨海平原全新世沉积物物源研究--元素地球化学与重矿物方法比较

运用元素地球化学与重矿物方法对苏北滨海平原全新世沉积物物源进行的比较研究表明,沉积物形成主要由长江与黄河提供物质来源,且又以黄河物源为主。全新世早期长江物质对本区影响范围大于黄河,黄河供给泥沙量较少,对本区影响主要在北部、中部地区。全新世最大海侵之后,黄河曾由苏北入海并携带了大量泥沙,其影响范围明显大于长江,长江仅由狭窄的汊道提供有限的物质而影响范围较小。最近2000年来本区沉积物物源主要由黄河提供。分析表明元素地球化学方法在沉积物物源判别时,可有效的避免水动力因素影响,而相对重矿物方法取得较好的效果。     

苏北滨海平原全新世沉积物物源研究--元素地球化学与重矿物方法比较

运用元素地球化学与重矿物方法对苏北滨海平原全新世沉积物物源进行的比较研究表明,沉积物形成主要由长江与黄河提供物质来源,且又以黄河物源为主。全新世早期长江物质对本区影响范围大于黄河,黄河供给泥沙量较少,对本区影响主要在北部、中部地区。全新世最大海侵之后,黄河曾由苏北入海并携带了大量泥沙,其影响范围明显大于长江,长江仅由狭窄的汊道提供有限的物质而影响范围较小。最近２０００ 年来本区沉积物物源主要由黄河提供。分析表明元素地球化学方法在沉积物物源判别时,可有效的避免水动力因素影响,而相对重矿物方法取得较好的效果。     

Organic carbon isotope ratios of recent sediments from coastal lagoons of the Gulf of Mexico,Mexico

The stable carbon isotope composition sedimentary organic carbon was determined in the sediments of seven coastal lagoons of the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico. For most of the lagoons the δ¹³C values for sediments ranged from ?20.1 to ?23.9%. Anomalously low values, ?26.8 to 29.3%. were determined in sediments of two of the studied lagoons, probably due to the presence of organic carbon from anthropogenic sources, naturally absent in these environments. The δ¹³C values determined in the tissues of oysters collected at the same time in the different lagoons were very similar to those recorded in the sediments.     

受污染湖泊沉积物中氮素转化对有机污染物降解的促进效应与机制

目前有关硝化反应动力学及其共代谢降解有机污染物的研究多为实验室微生物纯培养体系,来源于野外环境样品的很少.以受污染湖泊严家湖1号塘沉积物为研究对象,野外钻探采样,并选取不同深度沉积物进行室内外加氮源的硝化实验.结果表明:表层土和钻井一处50～100 cm沉积物发生明显的硝化反应,同时有机污染物中六氯苯含量降低最多,分别...     

Spatial and temporal variations in terrestrially-derived organic matter from sediments of the Delaware estuary

Terrestrially-derived organic matter in sediments of the Delaware Estuary originates from riverine transport of soils and fresh litter, sewage and industrial wastes, and marsh export of organic matter. The quantity, composition, and spatial distribution of terrigenous organic matter in sediments was determined by elemental (C and N), lignin, and stable carbon isotope analyses. Sediments in the upper Delaware Estuary had low organic carbon content and high lignin content. In contrast, sediments in the lower Delaware Estuary had high organic carbon content and low lignin content. There was a slight decrease in the proportion of syringyl and cinnamyl phenols relative to vanillyl phenols between the upper estuary and lower estuary. Differences in lignin and stable carbon isotope compositions between sediments of the Delaware Estuary and sediments of the Broadkill River estuary (an adjoining salt-marsh estuary) supported previous observations that marshes do not export substantial quantities of organic matter to estuaries. Additional results suggested that lignin-rich sediments were concentrated in the upper estuary, most likely in the zone of high turbidity. Furthermore, algal material diluted lignin-rich sediments, particularly in the lower estuary. The weaker algal signal in bottom sediments compared to that in suspended particulate matter suggested algal material was decomposed either in the water column or at the sediment-water interface. Physical sorting of sediments prior to deposition was also indicated by observations of compositional differences between the upper and lower estuary bottom sediments. Finally, seasonal variations in primary productivity strongly influenced the relative abundance of terrestrial organic matter. In fall, however, the proportion of lignin was greatest because of a combination of greater inputs of terrestrially-derived organic matter, lower river discharge, and a decrease in algal biomass.     

Dispersed Organic Matter in Riphean Carbonate–terrigenous Sediments of the Kuzha Complex (Bashkirian Uplift, Southern Urals)

Regularities of the localization of dispersed organic matter in rhythmitic and carbonate members of the upper sequence of the Biktimir Formation were revealed by studying sections of the Middle Riphean sediments within the eastern limb of the Yurmatau Anticlinorium. This work presents the quantitative estimation of C_org content in lithological rock types and morphostructural features of carbonaceous inclusions and sulfide mineralization. The sedimentogenic–biogenic nature of organic matter and indications of gold mineralization in the host sedimentary rocks were revealed.     

Total mercury and methylmercury in sediments near offshore drilling sites in the Gulf of Mexico

Concentrations of total Hg in sediments near six drilling sites in the Gulf of Mexico were elevated well above average background values of 40–80 ng/g. The excess Hg was associated with barite from discharged drilling mud. In contrast with total Hg, concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) in these sediments did not vary significantly at nearfield (<100 m) versus farfield (>3 km) distances from the drilling sites. Observed variability in concentrations of MeHg were related to local differences in redox state in the top 10 cm of sediment. Low to non-detectable concentrations of MeHg were found in nearfield sediments that were anoxic, highly reducing and contained abundant H₂S. At most drilling sites, nearfield samples with high concentrations of total Hg (>200 ng/g) had similar or lower amounts of MeHg than found at background (farfield) stations. Higher values of MeHg were found in a few nearfield sediments at one site where concentrations of TOC were higher and where sediments were anoxic and moderately reducing. Overall, results from this study support the conclusion that elevated concentrations of MeHg in sediments around drilling sites are not a common phenomenon in the Gulf of Mexico.     

近海沉积物中氮磷的同时测定及其在胶州湾沉积物中的应用

通过实验优化确定了近海自然粒度下沉积物中氮和磷同时浸取并测定的条件，其中无机态氮和无机态磷用0．1moL／L盐酸浸取后测定；总氮、总磷采用氢氧化钠与过硫酸钾混合氧化剂进行氧化浸取后测定。用这种方法研究了胶州湾沉积物中的氮与磷，探讨了其沉积物中氮和磷的地球化学分布特征，发现胶州湾沉积物中有机氮可占总氮的50％～70％，而有机磷所占总磷的比例低于40％，从湾内到湾外这一比例有降低的趋势；与其他海区相似，胶州湾表层沉积物中无机氮和无机磷的相对含量随着深度的增加而增大，在次表层则趋于稳定或变化较小；而有机氮和有机磷的垂直变化与其相反。结果表明，这种沉积物氮、磷的同时测定方法，具有操作简单、精密度高等特点，可用于近海沉积物氮、磷生态学功能及过量氮、磷生态毒理的研究。     

Appraisals of hydrocarbon potentials of sediments on geological premises

Prospecting risks, in exploratory drilling for oil and gas, as in Permian and Triassic formations, in a part of the Caucasian piedmont, may be reduced significantly by preliminary analysis of the following indications: mineralogical-geochemical facies of diagenesis; associations of clay minerals; metamorphism of sediments and organic substance (table 1), and particularly mineralogical-petrographic criteria of oil-gas accumulations, in relation to character of organic substance in the rocks (table 2). — V.P. Sokoloff     

崇明东滩沉积物磷的分布特征及环境意义

对崇明东滩采集的表层样和柱状样品,进行样品的总磷(TP)、无机磷(IP)和有机磷(OP)以及有机质含量等的测定,分析了磷的分布变化特征并对其影响因素和环境意义进行了探讨。     

Triterpenols in mangrove sediments as a proxy for organic matter derived from the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)

Mangroves are the dominant type of vegetation along many tropical coasts. Organic matter (OM) derived from mangrove leaf litter and root material is stored in sediments and is a major contributor to the amount and chemical composition of sedimentary OM. A set of organic biomarkers in sediments was applied as a palaeo-indicator for the Holocene dynamics of a mangrove Estuary (Rio Caeté, Pará, Brazil). Six sediment cores were collected perpendicular to the present coast line and analysed for triterpenols and sitosterol. The influence of microbial biomarker degradation was implemented from a previous study. Biomarker profiles were validated with pollen data and multivariate statistics to test whether these compounds were suitable indicators for the palaeo-vegetation. Sediments deposited up to 2 Ma BP showed biomarker assemblages similar to those of recent surface sediment. In two cores, the biomarker composition revealed a transition from marsh to mangrove vegetation. Taraxerol, germanicol and β-amyrin provided the most significant chemotaxonomical information and, especially in combination, served as reliable proxies for OM from Rhizophora mangle in northern Brazil. The maximum age of the mangrove system ranged between 1000 and 5100 yr depending on the topographic elevation of the drilling location.     

滇池湖泊沉积物中游离类脂物的有机地球化学特征

在对滇池湖泊沉积物有机质总体特征分析的基础上,对沉积物中可溶性有机质的组成进行了定量测定,并揭示了其剖面变化特征.研究结果表明:(1)正构烷烃组分具有较强的稳定性,反映出滇池沉积有机质以菌藻类来源为主,沉积柱上、下两段存在陆源高等植物输入相对增加的特征,且从下往上存在草本植物相对贡献增加的特征;(2)脂肪醇组分,以具有强烈偶碳优势的高碳数脂肪醇为主,反映了沉积有机质中陆源输入的部分;(3)脂肪酸组分揭示出可溶有机质中以浮游植物贡献为主,局部层段存在相对较强的细菌改造作用.因此,湖泊沉积物记录了滇池从一个贫营养的湖泊演变成富营养化湖泊的过程,特别是最近几十年,滇池内源有机物和陆源有机物的输入都呈现快速增长的趋势,结合同位素组成特征表明滇池进入了重富营养化阶段.     

Adams和Couch法古盐度恢复结果的可靠性检验——以青海湖布哈河口区沉积物为例

Adams公式和Couch公式是利用沉积物中硼元素浓度对沉积水体古盐度进行定量恢复的常用方法,但由于两种方法的恢复结果经常存在较大差异,古盐度的计算结果常难以让人信服。为了验证Adams公式和Couch公式的可靠性,本次研究采集了青海湖布哈河口区不同沉积环境的表层沉积物和底层水体样品,处理后分别分析了沉积物中硼元素浓度、总有机碳（TOC）含量及矿物组成,同时对水体盐度及其硼浓度进行了测量,结果表明:湖泊水体中硼浓度与盐度存在极好的线性正相关性,但沉积物中硼元素的浓度与沉积水体中硼的浓度并无直接联系。根据沉积物中硼的浓度及黏土矿物含量和组成,分别采用Adams公式和Couch公式对水体盐度进行计算,盐度计算值均远高于水体盐度实测值,其中Adams公式的计算结果与实测值差别最大,盐度计算值与沉积物中硼含量呈正相关关系。沉积物中的硼元素主要由继承自母岩的硼、黏土矿物吸附硼和有机质中富集的硼三部分组成,只有黏土矿物中的吸附硼能够反映水体盐度。青海湖布哈河口区沉积物富含有机质,有机质对硼强烈的富集作用是导致Adams公式和Couch公式盐度恢复结果失效的重要原因,同时不同类型黏土矿物对硼吸附能力的差异也对恢复结果有重要影响:黏土矿物在盐水中的浸泡试验表明蒙脱石对硼的吸附能力最强,次为伊利石,高岭石吸附能力最差,推翻了Couch关于伊利石对硼吸附能力最强的认识。原Adams公式和Couch公式仅没有考虑有机质对硼的影响,对不同类型黏土矿物吸附能力的认识有误,不适合陆相沉积物沉积水体古盐度的恢复。沉积物黏土矿物中吸附硼浓度仍是反映沉积水体盐度的可靠指标,古盐度的恢复首先必须消除沉积物中有机质对硼的影响,然后根据一系列的浸泡试验确定不同类型黏土矿物对硼的吸附系数,并建立新的计算公式。