Steranes and triterpanes as a tool for identification of petroleum-type pollutants in alluvial ground waters (Danube alluvial sediments, Yugoslavia)

In this paper, ground waters from the alluvial Formation of the Danube Rive r were investigated (samples Were taken from boreholes within the Pancevo O il Refinery, Northern Serbia). The organic substances were extracted, their bulk composition determined, and n-alkanes were analysed in the alkane fra ctions, as well as the isoprenoid aliphatic alkanes, pristane and phytane ( by GC analysis), and the polycyclic alkanes of the sterane and triterpane t ypes (GC-MS analysis). The obtained results have shown that, in case that n -alkanes, pristane and phytane cannot be used (e.g. if their biodegradation has occurred in ground waters), steranes and triterpanes may serve as most useful tools in identifying oil-type pollution.