About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 69 (1985)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1446

Last Page: 1446

Title: Petroleum as an Ore-Bearing Fluid: A Hypothesis: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Eleanora Iberall Robbins

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Each of the many organisms from which petroleum is generated concentrates a large number of elements. Of 75 elements recognized in organisms, Co, Cu, Mo, Pb, and Zn are among the 41 identified as participating in metabolic reactions and tissue formation. Many of the important "ore-forming elements" are fixed into metalloproteins such as cobalamine (Co), cytochrome oxidase (Fe, Cu), alcohol dehydrogenase (Zn), and xanthine oxidase (Mo, Fe). Most proteins including metalloproteins degrade between 60° and 70°C. Until that critical temperature is reached, such metals are bound in the tissues; after that, the metals are free to move from the tissues. It is also within this temperature range that petroleum begins to be generated.

Besides forming parts of metalloproteins, metals also attach to organisms and organic matter by other processes, including attachment to metabolic wastes, to decay products such as humic acids, to surface-active compounds of bacteria, and to organic remains in sediments. The attached metals may be locked in and on the organic matter until it is converted into liquids.

Metabolically used elements such as Co, Cu, Mo, Pb, and Zn are among the 50 recognized in petroleum. It is possible that metals such as these begin as part of the organic remains, catalyze the generation of petroleum, and then are carried by petroleum to reservoir rocks that can also serve as host rocks for metallic concentrations.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 1446------------

Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists