PHOTO-OXIDATION PRODUCTS OF A FUEL-OIL AND THEIR ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Photooxidation products of a no. 2 fuel oil were fractionated and examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among the compound types identified were hydroperoxides (alkylated derivatives of tetralin hydroperoxide), phenolic compounds (highly alkylated phenols and tetrahydronaphthols), and carboxylic acids (substituted benzoic and naphthoic acids). Oil fractions and pure compounds characteristic of the photooxidation products were tested for toxicity to a yeast and several filamentous algae. The species tested varied in their tolerance toward the photoproducts, but hydroperoxides generally showed the highest toxicity; tetralin hydroperoxide, at 3 × 10-5 M. significantly reduced yeast growth. Carboxylic acids had less activity and phenolics were still less active. Tetralin hydroperoxide, at concentrations greater than 8 × 10-5 M. reduced photosynthetic carbon fixation by Vaucheria and increased excretion of fixed carbon. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.