Abstract

Trace and rare earth elements were studied by TXRF and ICP-MS in about 12 oil samples obtained from the Niger Delta basin. The distribution patterns of these elements in different oil samples show that, the distributions of trace and rare elements are different in these samples. The finger printing obtained makes another unique geochemical signature of different oil types. Another significant feature of finger printing of trace and rare elements in oil samples is that, it is cheaper to obtain as compared with GC finger printing of oils.