Identification of Spillages of Semi-Volatile Hydrocarbon Fuels in Soils by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

A possibility of the identification of semi-volatile hydrocarbon fuels in soil samples by studying the distribution of biomarkers of the sesquiterpane class is shown. The extraction of a soil sample with methylene chloride and the subsequent analysis of the extract by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry ensured the detection of these hydrocarbons in RG-1 and T-1 rocket kerosenes, TS-1 aviation kerosene, and diesel fuel. It was found that the distribution of the compounds found is characteristic for each type of fuel and is preserved in their transformations in the soil. The parameters reflecting the distribution of biomarkers and ensuring the identification of the type of fuel at any stage of transformation are proposed.