Effects of minerals (phyllosilicates and iron oxides) on the responses of aliphatic hydrocarbon containing kerogens (Type I and Type II) to analytical pyrolysis

Organic matter in sediments is dominated by kerogen, a high molecular weight geomacromolecule. Kerogen can be subdivided into Types I to IV that provide paleoenvironmental and petroleum potential information. typing performed several chemical methods including elemental analysis (H/C O/C), FTIR pyrolysis-gas chromatography techniques. However, kerogens occur naturally within mineral matrices these influence the responses. We have examined effects of range minerals (namely kaolinite, lizardite, ripidolite, illite, montmorillonite, haematite, goethite, limonite magnetite) on responses kerogen chromatography-mass spectrometry. used aliphatic hydrocarbon containing II from Carboniferous Midland Valley shales Scotland Jurassic Oxford Clay southern England, respectively, as well pure synthetic polymer, polyethylene. find organic Type transformed interaction with during pyrolysis give signal incorrectly suggesting more contributions land plant-containing kerogens, such large number aromatic molecules. Pyrolysis magnetite leads almost complete destruction matter. Hence, composition sedimentary rocks should considered when assigning types. Failure consider lead incorrect assignment type and, therefore, erroneous interpretations paleoenvironments potential.