Development of a chemical analysis concept for substances derived from coal and petroleum stream | Umweltbundesamt

Petroleum and coal (PetCo) based substances are usually of complex composition. This makes their analytical characterisation challenging. The aim of this project was to develop an analytical concept to be applied on a selection of five PetCo products, to identify those constituents or constituent groups that might be of concern for the environment and human health. Three analytical platforms were developed and validated for a total of 128 constituents and 46 constituent groups representing saturates, aromatics, SPACs, OPACs, NPACs and acids. The validation of the methods showed excellent results and all methods are applicable for constituents present at low ⁠ppb⁠ levels in PetCo products. The chemical analysis revealed great variability in chemical composition and total concentration of constituents and constituent groups, both within and between product types.