Humic substances isolated from surface sediments: analytical characteristics
The elemental composition and infrared spectra of humic and fulvic acids isolated from Mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf and Slope surface sediments indicated relatively hydrogen-rich humic substance. The stable carbon isotopic ratios of the humic and fulvic acids range from -21.2 to -23.8 per mil with an average of -22.4 per mil. Pyrolysis-gas chromatographic patterns of humic acids and protokerogens showed longer carbon-chain length which are indicative of gas-condensate-to-oil prone, hydrogen-rich organic components. These humic substances are believed to be derived from a marine organic source and may be precursors in the formation of Type II kerogens. A succession of fulvic acid to humic acid to protokerogen is a possible evolutionary pathway for a portion of the protokerogens identified in this study.
- Research Organization:
- Minerals Management Service, Vienna, VA (USA). Atlantic OCS Region
- OSTI ID:
- 6328154
- Report Number(s):
- PB-87-200499/XAB; OCS/MMS-86/0118
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARBON ISOTOPES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
DECOMPOSITION
FLUIDS
GEOCHEMISTRY
HUMIC ACIDS
HUMUS
ISOTOPES
LIQUIDS
NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PYROLYSIS
SAMPLING
SEAS
SEDIMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES