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Biomarker-Based Classification of Crude Oils from Niger Delta Depobelts: Implications for Source Rock Discrimination (Akata vs. Agbada).
Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment · Area of research: Petroleum Geochemistry
DOI: 10.64388/IREV10I3-1722797
Abstract
This study investigates the molecular geochemistry of crude oils from different depobelts within the Niger Delta Basin using biomarker parameters derived from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The aim is to classify oil families and discriminate between source rocks, particularly the Akata and Agbada Formations. Key biomarker indices, including pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios, hopane distributions, Ts/Tm ratios, and sterane compositions, were analyzed to evaluate depositional environments, organic matter input, and thermal maturity. Results indicate that the oils are predominantly of marine origin, with a minor terrigenous component, as evidenced by low Pr/Ph ratios and the dominance of C₃₀ hopanes and extended homohopanes (C₃₁–C₃₅). Thermal maturity parameters suggest that the oils fall within the peak to late oil generation window. Variations in biomarker distributions across depobelts reflect differences in source input and depositional settings. The study successfully distinguishes oils derived from the Akata Formation, characterized by strong marine signatures and high maturity, from those of the Agbada Formation, which show variable terrestrial–marine input and variable maturity levels. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of biomarker geochemistry in oil–source correlation and provide valuable insights for hydrocarbon exploration in the Niger Delta Basin.
Keywords
Biomarkers, Hopanes, Steranes, Niger Delta, Thermal maturity, GC–MS
References
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[2] Eneogwe, C., & Ekundayo, O. (2003). Geochemical correlation of crude oils in the NW Niger Delta, Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 26(1), 95–103.
[3] Evamy, B. D., Haremboure, J., Kamerling, P., Knaap, W. A., Molloy, F. A., & Rowlands, P. H. (1978). Hydrocarbon habitat of Tertiary Niger Delta. AAPG Bulletin, 62(1), 1–39.
[4] Kouadio, K. E., Abrakasa, S., Ikiensikimama, S. S., & Botwe, T. (2020). Source rocks characterization of Agbada and Akata formations in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences, 1(4). https://doi.org/10.24018/ejgeo.2020.1.4.38
[5] Moldowan, J. M., Seifert, W. K., & Gallegos, E. J. (1994). Relationship between petroleum composition and depositional environment of petroleum source rocks. AAPG Bulletin, 69(8), 1255–1268.
[6] Nwachukwu, J. I., Oluwole, A. F., & Akinlua, A. (1995). Organic geochemistry of Niger Delta oils. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 18(2), 123–140.
[7] Ogbesejana, A. B., Bello, O. M., & Ali, T. (2020). Origin and depositional environments of source rocks and crude oils from Niger Delta Basin: Carbon isotopic evidence. China Geology, 3(4), 602–610.
[8] Peters, K. E., Walters, C. C., & Moldowan, J. M. (2005). The biomarker guide (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
[9] Weber, K. J., & Daukoru, E. M. (1975). Petroleum geology of the Niger Delta. In Proceedings of the Ninth World Petroleum Congress (Vol. 2, pp. 209–221). Applied Science Publishers.
How to cite this paper
@article{1722797,
author = {Chimeka Nmerukini, Abrakasa, S, Chiazor, F. I., Njoku, O. G.},
title = {Biomarker-Based Classification of Crude Oils from Niger Delta Depobelts: Implications for Source Rock Discrimination (Akata vs. Agbada).},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {426-434},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722797.pdf},
abstract = {This study investigates the molecular geochemistry of crude oils from different depobelts within the Niger Delta Basin using biomarker parameters derived from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The aim is to classify oil families and discriminate between source rocks, particularly the Akata and Agbada Formations. Key biomarker indices, including pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios, hopane distributions, Ts/Tm ratios, and sterane compositions, were analyzed to evaluate depositional environments, organic matter input, and thermal maturity. Results indicate that the oils are predominantly of marine origin, with a minor terrigenous component, as evidenced by low Pr/Ph ratios and the dominance of C₃₀ hopanes and extended homohopanes (C₃₁–C₃₅). Thermal maturity parameters suggest that the oils fall within the peak to late oil generation window. Variations in biomarker distributions across depobelts reflect differences in source input and depositional settings. The study successfully distinguishes oils derived from the Akata Formation, characterized by strong marine signatures and high maturity, from those of the Agbada Formation, which show variable terrestrial–marine input and variable maturity levels. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of biomarker geochemistry in oil–source correlation and provide valuable insights for hydrocarbon exploration in the Niger Delta Basin.},
keywords = {Biomarkers, Hopanes, Steranes, Niger Delta, Thermal maturity, GC–MS},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722797}
}