Distribution of Phenanthrene and Methylphenanthrene in Some Nigerian Oils

The distribution of Phenanthrene and the methyl analogues in Niger Delta oils was studied. Samples were obtained from various oil fields in the Niger Delta basin. The analytical method of choice used is the GC–MS. Mass chromatograms for identification of phenanthrene and methyl phenanthrene were extracted from the data file using Enhanced MSD ChemStation 2011 software by Agilent Technologies. The objectives of this study includes identifying phenanthrene and methyl phenanthrene in the oils, delineating their abundances as parametric ratios and their application in correlation study. Most of the parametric ratios used for the study showed fairly similar range values between the oils. The Pr/nC17 and Ph/nC18 plot inferred that the oils were generated from mixed organic matter, while the DBT/P and Pr/Ph plot indicated that the oils were generated from organic matter in fluvial–deltaic settings with subtle variations, Umutu oil indicated shallow marine settings. Maturity of the oils as indicated by phenanthrene and methyl phenanthrene varies from early mature stage to late mature stage. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) score plot discriminated Umutu and Utorugu oils from others and the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) dendrogram also indicated significant difference of Umutu oil from others.