Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 286 OF 542

Main Title Oil Tagging System Study.
CORP Author Melpar, Falls Church, Va. Environmental and Applied Science Center.
Year Published 1970
Report Number Melpar-9059 ;FWPCA-DAST-11; FWPCA-14-12-500; FWQA-15080-DJQ; 00624,; 15080-DJQ-05/70
Stock Number PB-195 283
Additional Subjects ( Water pollution ; Oils) ; ( Marking ; Oils) ; ( Law enforcement ; Water pollution) ; Identifying ; Coding ; Halohydrocarbons ; Organometallic compounds ; Particles ; Aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons ; Cost estimates ; Weathering ; Photochemical reactions ; Decomposition ; Chemical analysis ; Gas chromatography ; Crude oil ; Oil pollution ; Forensic chemistry ; Water pollution detection
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
Checkout
Status
NTIS  PB-195 283 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 121p
Abstract
Several methods of identifying the source of oil pollution are critically examined. These methods are grouped into two categories: passive tagging and active tagging. Passive tagging assumes that oils are so chemically diverse that their contents constitute a stable chemical fingerprint that can be unequivocally disclosed in the laboratory. Active tagging requires that an inexpensive, coded material be added to oil; this material must be chemically and physically stable in both oil and oil slicks; it must also be readily identifiable by available analytical techniques; and it must have no adverse effect on the oil's subsequent use. Three methods of passive tagging (trace metals, sulfur-isotope ratios, and paper chromatography) and three methods of active tagging (halogenated polycyclic aromatics, organometallics, and coded microspheroids) have been examined. Passive tags cannot be recommended because the passive tags are quite likely to mingle, to evaporate, to be dissolved, or to be oxidized; even if these processes do not occur, they can create formidable forensic problems for the prosecution and telling counter-arguments for the defense. Since active tags are designed to be stable and identifiable, they are satisfactory for the job; and the three types of active tags reviewed show promise and merit. (Author)