Ultraviolet Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Oil-In-Water Effluent Using Isopropanol as Co-Solvent

Abstract

Direct analysis of oily water effluents was investigated as a method for the determination of petroleum hydrocarbons in the discharge from primary oil production facilities. A co-solvent, isopropanol (2-propanol), was chosen that produced a clear, homogeneous solution when added to oil-in-water effluent. The clear solution was then analyzed directly for aromatic hydrocarbon content by using ultraviolet spectroscopy. The concentration of oil in the sample was calculated from a Lambert–Beer plot at 226 nm. The standard used was a sample of oil that best represented the oil that had contacted the water, i.e., current production crude oil.