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Evolution of organic matter in a eutrophic lake: transition from biological material to kerogen and implications for origin of lacustrine type 1 oils

Conference · · AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5954469
A detailed study of the optically determined amorphous organic matter (type 1) in the water column and the sediments from eutrophic Lake Greifen provide a model for determining the pathway by which lacustrine algae are incorporated into sediments and later transformed into type 1 kerogens. Mass balancing of organic fractions (fulvic acids, humic acids, and stable residues (proto-kerogen)) in combination with infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatographic studies of these fractions suggest that two processes in the formation of kerogens are proceeding simultaneously: (1) selective decomposition of the structurally and functionally unique fulvic acids and (2) polycondensation/polymerization of structurally and functionally related fractions in the lacustrine algae leading to the formation of complex humic acids and finally to the stable residue phase.
Research Organization:
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
OSTI ID:
5954469
Report Number(s):
CONF-890404-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 73:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English