Application of QuEchERs extraction method for optimization of organic matters in oil sand by ultrahigh fourier transform infrared orbitrap-mass spectrometry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

This work focuses on the performance of composite solvents using the QuEchERs extraction (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method in bitumen recovery and determination of organic matters present in the oil sands of the Okitipupa area of southwestern Nigeria. Different correlated parameters, such as extraction time (h), stirring time (r/ min), change in temperature (°C), and type of solvent (heptane—toluene and dichloromethane—toluene), solvent ratios (2: 8, 3: 7, 5: 5, 7: 3, and 8: 2) were used to optimize dissolved organic matters from the oil sands using QuEchERs extraction method. Ratios 1 g/2.5 ml for each solvent mix were considered for each composite solvent. To our understanding, an integrated approach to the use of QuEChERS for the determination of organic matters in oil soil has not been established beforehand. Optimum values were observed at a ratio of 8: 2 for D/T and H/T after consideration of all the parameters for optimum yield, with the highest at D/T, respectively. Compositional analysis of dissolved organic matter was carried out using Fourier transform Orbitrap-mass spectrometry. The mass Formula Assignment (MFAssignR) method was employed to determine the molecular formulas of the detected compounds. The results of the count formula and the sum of experimental mass determination showed that over 50 molecular formulas were assigned in Okitipupa bituminous oil sand. The complex consists more of CHO, an aliphatic compound, and CHOS, a sulfonated aromatic compound, than the rest of the compounds. The overall study shows that the use of a composite solvent (dichloromethane—toluene) at a ratio of 8: 2, with a mechanism based on QuEchER techniques conceptualization on the composite solvent extraction process, would advance the knowledge base for bitumen recovery and serve as future engineering applications processing methods and performance of extracted bitumen for highest yields from oil sands.

Publication Title

Egyptian Journal of Petroleum

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