A Review on the Application of Trace elements in Crude Oil Geochemistry

Trace elements in crude oils provide critical insights into their geochemical properties, including origin, migration, and thermal history. This study highlights the application of elements such as vanadium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper in understanding petroleum systems. These trace elements enable the classification of crude oils, oil-oil and oil-source rock correlations, and the identification of depositional environments. Through case studies from regions like the Niger Delta, Gulf of Mexico and Sichuan Basin, it is demonstrated how trace element signatures serve as reliable indicators of source rock characteristics, migration pathways, and thermal maturity. This analysis underscores the essential role of trace elements in advancing exploration strategies and enhancing our understanding of petroleum systems worldwide.

Keywords:

Oil-oil correlation , Oil-source rock correlation , Porphyrin , Trace elements , Thermal maturity