Three current projects are described involving the development of methods for the quantification and source identification of water dispersed oils, and for the preparation of stable oil-in-water dispersions. Adaptations of existing solvent extraction IR quantification, and GC identification methods are discussed, and some newly developed techniques are presented. The techniques include: (1) a method for inducing comparable volatility losses in milligram and sub-milligram amounts of oils, and thereby enhancing their source identification; (2) a rapid adsorption method for separating hydrocarbons from other organics, and thereby achieving more selective petroleum oil quantification; (3) a method for using an ultrasonic device to prepare stable oil-in-water dispersions, having a known oil content.