TRACE-METALS IN CRUDE OILS AND BEACH TARS FROM NIGERIAN COASTLINE

Concentrations of six metals (Pb, V, Ni, Fe, Mn and Cu) in Nigerian cr ude oils and beach tars (tar balls) were studied. The metal concentrat ions were generally higher in tar balls than in the crude oils. Vanadi um was most abundant metal in both, whereas manganese and lead were th e least abundant metals in the tar and oils respectively. Application of metal ratios especially V/Ni and V/Ni + V ratios, for tentative sou rce identification indicates that the beach tar originates from a redu cing environment (high V/Ni) and less mature (high V/Ni + V) than the reference oil samples.