Researchers at Environment and Climate Change Canada have developed and validated a versatile oil sampling method using hydrophobic paper, offering a streamlined and more reliable alternative to traditional glass containers. Across three complementary studies, this approach was tested with both gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and direct analysis in real-time–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS), demonstrating broad applicability across petroleum-based and plant-based spills. The results point to faster, field-deployable, and forensically defensible workflows for modern oil spill analysis.
The first study, Rapid Analysis of Spilled Petroleum Oils by Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with Hydrophobic Paper Sample Collection1, evaluated the effectiveness of DART-TOFMS for characterizing petroleum-based spills, including diesel, crude oil, and bunker fuels. Using hydrophobic paper to collect residues directly from slicks, researchers rapidly generated chemical fingerprints of the oils. These could be matched back to source materials even after up to 28 days of weathering, aided by multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). The study also found that plastic storage bags helped maintain the integrity of paper-collected samples better than glass vials—an important logistical advantage for field applications.
A second study extended the method to plant-based oils. In Identification of Plant-Based Spilled Oils Using Direct Analysis in Real-Time–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with Hydrophobic Paper Sampling2, researchers applied the same DART-TOFMS workflow to oils commonly used in food and biofuels, including canola, avocado, and olive. Despite the oils' relatively simple compositions and susceptibility to degradation, the team successfully matched weathered residues (up to 26 days) to their respective source oils using the same statistical approach. This demonstrated the versatility of the method beyond petroleum applications, opening doors for broader environmental and regulatory use.
The third and most recent study, Efficient Oil Spill Identification Utilizing Hydrophobic Sampling Paper and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry3, validated the sampling paper's compatibility with GC/MS and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) guidelines for oil spill forensics. Samples collected on hydrophobic paper and extracted with solvent were analyzed using GC/MS to compare ion ratios of key hydrocarbon biomarkers. The method maintained high reliability across various oil types and weathering durations—up to 50 days for heavy oils—further supporting its legal and operational utility. Again, plastic storage showed better chemical stability compared to glass, reinforcing the protocol's field readiness.
Together, these studies build a compelling case for the adoption of hydrophobic paper sampling as a practical standard for oil spill analysis. Whether the priority is speed, analytical rigor, or environmental durability, the method performs consistently across different oil types and analytical platforms. As environmental agencies look to streamline response times and improve data reliability, this sampling innovation offers a strong foundation for modernizing oil spill forensics.
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To learn more about the practical applications and future potential of this research, read our Q&A with Dr. Dayue Shang. He shares insights into the development process, implementation challenges, and how these tools could redefine the future of oil spill analysis.
References
1. Rabinovitch, L., Saturos, G., McCallum, P. et al. Rapid analysis of spilled petroleum oils by direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry with hydrophobic paper sample collection. Environ Syst Res 13, 34 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-024-00361-8
2. McCallum, P., Saturos, G., Rabinovitch, L. et al. Identification of plant-based spilled oils using direct analysis in real-time–time-of-flight mass spectrometry with hydrophobic paper sampling. Environ Monit Assess 197, 171 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-13583-1
3. Shaw, J., Lesuk, J., Rabinovitch, L., et al. Efficient Oil Spill Identification Utilizing Hydrophobic Sampling Paper and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Submitted