Transformations of crude oil into tar: a case study from a plastitar-contaminated site in NE Sicily, Italy (Western Mediterranean)

This study examines the aging of industrial crude oil to simulate the chemical transformations that occur when it is exposed to environmental conditions over time. It was triggered by the finding of plastitar — a mixture of tar and plastic waste — on the coast of Milazzo, Sicily. Research began with a chemical characterization of the tar component of plastitar, followed by aging experiments designed to simulate environmental conditions such as seawater, UV light and sunlight. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the chemical changes during the aging process and compare the results with local tar samples. The results showed significant chemical changes in the aged crude oil, including oxidation, degradation of hydrocarbons and the formation of oxygenated compounds. In particular, the FTIR spectra of the aged crude oil closely matched those of the local tar and provided valuable insights that could help address similar coastal pollution issues in other regions. [Display omitted] •Crude oil aging experiments simulate plastitar formation in laboratory conditions.•FTIR analysis enabled significant chemical changes during crude oil aging process.•Oxidation and hydrocarbon degradation observed in aged crude oil.•New insights into plastitar formation in coastal areas