OIL TAGGING SYSTEM STUDY

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 oils 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 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. ( Contract 14-12-500 )

• Corporate Authors:

  E-Systems Incorporated, Melpar Division

  7700 Arlington Boulevard
  Arlington, VA  United States  22046
• Publication Date: 1970-5

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution sources; Identification systems; Monitoring; Oil spills; Pollution control; Radioisotopes; Tracers (Chemistry); Water quality management
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil spill sources; Oil tagging methods; Radioisotope tracers; Water pollution monitoring
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00019654
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 1 1973 12:00AM