1
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Benz PP, Zito P, Osborn E, Goranov AI, Hatcher PG, Seivert MD, Jeffrey WH. Effects of burning and photochemical degradation of Macondo surrogate oil on its composition and toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:1205-1215. [PMID: 38842096 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00023d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Petroleum products in the environment can produce significant toxicity through photochemically driven processes. Burning surface oil and photochemical degradation were two mechanisms for oil removal after the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. After burning, residual oil remains in the environment and may undergo further weathering, a poorly understood fate. Although photochemistry was a major degradation pathway of the DWH oil, its effect on burned oil residue in the environment is under studied. Here, we ignited Macondo surrogate crude oil and allowed it to burn to exhaustion. Water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of the burn residue were created in full sunlight to determine the effects of photochemical weathering on the burned oil residue. Our findings show that increased dissolved organic carbon concentrations (DOC) for the light unburned and light burned after sunlight exposure positively correlated to decreased microbial growth and production inhibition (i.e. more toxic) when compared to the dark controls. Optical and molecular analytical techniques were used to identify the classes of compounds contributing to the toxicity in the dark and light burned and dark and light unburned WAFs. After light exposure, the optical composition between the light unburned and light burned differed significantly (p < 0.05), revealing key fluorescence signatures commonly identified as crude oil degradation products. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) analysis showed more condensed aromatic, reduced oxygenated compounds present in the light burned than in the light unburned. FT-ICR MS also showed an increase in the percent relative abundance of carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) like compounds in the light burned compared to light unburned. The increase in CRAM suggests that the composition of the light burned is more photorefractory, i.e., reduced, explaining the residual toxicity observed in microbial activity. Overall, these data indicate burning removes some but not all toxic compounds, leaving behind compounds which retain considerable toxicity. This study shows that burn oil residues are photolabile breaking down further into complex reduced compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela P Benz
- Department of Chemistry, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514, USA.
| | - Phoebe Zito
- Department of Chemistry, Chemical Analysis & Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
| | - Ed Osborn
- Department of Chemistry, Chemical Analysis & Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
| | - Aleksandar I Goranov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Patrick G Hatcher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Matthew D Seivert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, 140 Cedar Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Wade H Jeffrey
- Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514, USA
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2
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Asiedu E, Zhao K, Anwar MN, Ross M, Balaberda AL, Ulrich AC. Biodegradation in oil sands process-affected water: A comprehensive laboratory analysis of the in situ biodegradation of dissolved organic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:141018. [PMID: 38141671 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a by-product of the extraction of bitumen, and volumes of OSPW have accumulated across the Alberta oil sands region due to the governments zero-discharge policy. Some dissolved organics in OSPW, including toxic naphthenic acids (NAs), can be biodegraded in oxic conditions, thereby reducing the toxicity of OSPW. While there has been much focus on degradation of NAs, the biodegradation of other dissolved organic chemicals by endogenous organisms remains understudied. Here, using the HPLC-ultrahigh resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry, we examined the microbial biodegradation of dissolved organic acids in OSPW. Non-targeted analysis enabled the estimation of biodegradation rates for unique heteroatomic chemical classes detected in negative ion mode. The microcosm experiments were conducted with and without nutrient supplementation, and the changes in the microbial community over time were investigated. Without added nutrients, internal standard-adjusted intensities of all organics, including NAs, were largely unchanged. The addition of nutrients increased the biodegradation rate of O2- and SO2- chemical classes. While anoxic biodegradation can occur in tailings ponds and end pit lakes, microbial community analyses confirmed that the presence of oxygen stimulated biodegradation of the OSPW samples studied. We detected several aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading microbes (e.g., Pseudomonas and Brevundimonas), and microbes capable of degrading sulfur-containing hydrocarbons (e.g., Microbacterium). Microbial community diversity decreased over time with nutrient addition. Overall, the results from this study indicate that toxic dissolved organics beyond NAs can be biodegraded by endogenous organisms in OSPW, but reaffirms that biological treatment strategies require careful consideration of how nutrients and dissolved oxygen may impact efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Asiedu
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Kankan Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mian Nabeel Anwar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Matthew Ross
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2P2, Canada
| | - Amy-Lynne Balaberda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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3
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Luo R, Schrader W. Physical removal of PAXHs from highly contaminated soil by density differentiation: studying the effectiveness on the molecular level. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:136-145. [PMID: 37994147 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00379e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Contaminated soils from industrial sites, such as for coal mining or manufactured gas production, can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a concentration higher than 10 000 mg kg-1, which require an integrated approach for remediation. A physical treatment by separating organic contaminants from soil materials using the density difference could lower the cost for the upcoming chemical and/or biological treatment. In our study, a highly PAH contaminated soil was separated in a 39% (w/w) calcium chloride solution (ρ = 1.4 g cm-3) via stirring, aeration or ultrasonication. Both first and second methods could separate soil materials from organic particles efficiently. The light fraction comprised around 10% of the total soil weight but 80% of solvent extractable organics (SEO). Optical and transmission electron microscopic analysis showed the light fraction, which consisted of mainly black solid aggregates (BSA), differed strongly from soil materials. Additionally, the original contaminated soil, its light and heavy fractions and the corresponding water phase together with the manually separated BSA were analyzed on the molecular level using ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with different atmospheric pressure ionization (API) methods, such as electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI). Results showed that SEO, which were primarily associated with BSA and successfully separated through physical method, contained mainly condensed aromatic ring structures of pure hydrocarbons and nitrogen heterocycles with low oxygen content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoji Luo
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Schrader
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany.
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4
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Vander Meulen IJ, Schock DM, Akhter F, Mundy LJ, Eccles KM, Soos C, Peru KM, McMartin DW, Headley JV, Pauli BD. Site-specific spatiotemporal occurrence and molecular congener distributions of naphthenic acids in Athabasca oil sands wetlands of Alberta, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122061. [PMID: 37330190 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) of Alberta, Canada is notable for its considerable unconventional petroleum extraction projects, where bitumen is extracted from naturally-occurring oil sands ore. The large scale of these heavy crude oil developments raises concerns because of their potential to distribute and/or otherwise influence the occurrence, behaviour, and fate of environmental contaminants. Naphthenic acids (NAs) are one such contaminant class of concern in the AOSR, so studies have examined the occurrence and molecular profiles of NAs in the region. We catalogued the spatiotemporal occurrence and characteristics of NAs in boreal wetlands in the AOSR over a 7-year period, using derivatized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Comparing median concentrations of NAs across these wetlands revealed a pattern of NAs suggesting NAs in surface waters derived from oil sands deposits. Opportunistic wetlands that formed adjacent to reclaimed overburden and other reclamation activities had the highest concentrations of NAs and consistent patterns suggestive of bitumen-derived inputs. However, similar patterns in the occurrence of NAs were also observed in undeveloped natural wetlands located above the known surface-mineable oil sands deposit that underlies the region. Intra-annual sampling results along with inter-annual comparisons across wetlands demonstrated that differences in the spatial and temporal NA concentrations were dependent on local factors, particularly when naturally occurring oil sands ores were observed in the wetland or drainage catchment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Vander Meulen
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Danna M Schock
- Keyano College, 8115 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, AB, T9H 2N7, Canada
| | - Fardausi Akhter
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lukas J Mundy
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin M Eccles
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Dena W McMartin
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Office of the Vice President (Research), University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Bruce D Pauli
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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5
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Dettman HD, Wade TL, French-McCay DP, Bejarano AC, Hollebone BP, Faksness LG, Mirnaghi FS, Yang Z, Loughery J, Pretorius T, de Jourdan B. Recommendations for the advancement of oil-in-water media and source oil characterization in aquatic toxicity test studies. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106582. [PMID: 37369158 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
During toxicity testing, chemical analyses of oil and exposure media samples are needed to allow comparison of results between different tests as well as to assist with identification of the drivers and mechanisms for the toxic effects observed. However, to maximize the ability to compare results between different laboratories and biota, it has long been recognized that guidelines for standard protocols were needed. In 2005, the Chemical Response to Oil Spills: Ecological Effects Research Forum (CROSERF) protocol was developed with existing common analytical methods that described a standard method for reproducible preparation of exposure media as well as recommended specific analytical methods and analyte lists for comparative toxicity testing. At the time, the primary purpose for the data collected was to inform oil spill response and contingency planning. Since then, with improvements in both analytical equipment and methods, the use of toxicity data has expanded to include their integration into fate and effect models that aim to extend the applicability of lab-based study results to make predictions for field system-level impacts. This paper focuses on providing a summary of current chemical analyses for characterization of oil and exposure media used during aquatic toxicity testing and makes recommendations for the minimum analyses needed to allow for interpretation and modeling purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terry L Wade
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Bruce P Hollebone
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Emergency Sciences and Technology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Fatemeh S Mirnaghi
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Emergency Sciences and Technology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Emergency Sciences and Technology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Gault IG, Sun C, Martin JW. Persistent Cytotoxicity and Endocrine Activity in the First Oil Sands End-Pit Lake. ACS ES&T WATER 2023; 3:366-376. [PMID: 38894704 PMCID: PMC11181316 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a byproduct of bitumen extraction that has persistent toxicity owing to its complex mixture of organics. A prominent remediation strategy that involves aging OSPW in end-pit lakes and Base Mine Lake (BML) is the first full-scale test. Its effectiveness over the first 5 years was investigated here using real-time cell analysis, yeast estrogenic and androgenic screens (YES/YAS), and ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. HepG2 cytotoxicity per volume of BML organics extracted decreased with age; however, the toxic potency (i.e., toxicity per mass of extract) was not significantly different between years. This was consistent with mass spectral evidence showing no difference in chemical profiles, yet lower total abundance of organics in field-aged samples, suggestive that dilution explains the declining cytotoxicity in BML. The IC50's of BML extracts for YES/YAS antagonism were at environmental concentrations and were similar despite differences in field-age. Persistent YES/YAS antagonism and cytotoxicity were detected in experimental pond OSPW field-aged >20 years, and while organic acids were depleted here, non-acid chemical classes were enriched compared to BML, suggesting these contribute to persistent toxicity of aged OSPW. To avoid a legacy of contaminated sites, active water treatment may be required to accelerate detoxification of end-pit lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian G.
M. Gault
- Division
of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Division
of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
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7
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Roman-Hubers AT, Cordova AC, Barrow MP, Rusyn I. Analytical chemistry solutions to hazard evaluation of petroleum refining products. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 137:105310. [PMID: 36473579 PMCID: PMC9771979 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Products of petroleum refining are substances that are both complex and variable. These substances are produced and distributed in high volumes; therefore, they are heavily scrutinized in terms of their potential hazards and risks. Because of inherent compositional complexity and variability, unique challenges exist in terms of their registration and evaluation. Continued dialogue between the industry and the decision-makers has revolved around the most appropriate approach to fill data gaps and ensure safe use of these substances. One of the challenging topics has been the extent of chemical compositional characterization of products of petroleum refining that may be necessary for substance identification and hazard evaluation. There are several novel analytical methods that can be used for comprehensive characterization of petroleum substances and identification of most abundant constituents. However, translation of the advances in analytical chemistry to regulatory decision-making has not been as evident. Therefore, the goal of this review is to bridge the divide between the science of chemical characterization of petroleum and the needs and expectations of the decision-makers. Collectively, mutual appreciation of the regulatory guidance and the realities of what information these new methods can deliver should facilitate the path forward in ensuring safety of the products of petroleum refining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina T Roman-Hubers
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Alexandra C Cordova
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mark P Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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8
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Bauer AE, Hewitt LM, Roy JW, Parrott JL, Bartlett AJ, Gillis PL, Norwood WP, Rudy MD, Campbell SD, Rodrigues MR, Brown LR, Vanderveen R, Deeth LE, Holman EAM, Salerno J, Marentette JR, Lavalle C, Sullivan C, Shires K, Galicia M, Rubino J, Brown M, O'Neill A, Bickerton G, Dixon DG, Frank RA. The acute toxicity of bitumen-influenced groundwaters from the oil sands region to aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157676. [PMID: 35926600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The extraction of surface mined bitumen from oil sands deposits in northern Alberta, Canada produces large quantities of liquid tailings waste, termed oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), which are stored in large tailings ponds. OSPW-derived chemicals from several tailings ponds migrating past containment structures and through groundwater systems pose a concern for surface water contamination. The present study investigated the toxicity of groundwater from near-field sites adjacent to a tailings pond with OPSW influence and far-field sites with only natural oil sands bitumen influence. The acute toxicity of unfractionated groundwater and isolated organic fractions was assessed using a suite of aquatic organisms (Pimephales promelas, Oryzias latipes, Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Lampsilis spp., Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hexagenia spp., and Vibrio fischeri). Assessment of unfractionated groundwater demonstrated toxicity towards all invertebrates in at least one far-field sample, with both near-field and far-field samples with bitumen influence toxic towards P. promelas, while no toxicity was observed for O. latipes. When assessing the unfractionated groundwater and isolated organic fractions from near-field and far-field groundwater sites, P. promelas and H. azteca were the most sensitive to organic components, while D. magna and L. cardium were most sensitive to the inorganic components. Groundwater containing appreciable amounts of dissolved organics exhibited similar toxicities to sensitive species regardless of an OSPW or natural bitumen source. The lack of a clear distinction in relative acute toxicities between near-field and far-field samples indicates that the water-soluble chemicals associated with bitumen are acutely toxic to several aquatic organisms. This result, combined with the similarities in chemical profiles between bitumen-influenced groundwater originating from OSPW and/or natural sources, suggests that the industrial bitumen extraction processes corresponding to the tailings pond in this study are not contributing unique toxic substances to groundwater, relative to natural bitumen compounds present in groundwater flow systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E Bauer
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - James W Roy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Adrienne J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Warren P Norwood
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Martina D Rudy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Sheena D Campbell
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Maegan R Rodrigues
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lisa R Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Ruth Vanderveen
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lorna E Deeth
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Emily A M Holman
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Joseph Salerno
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Julie R Marentette
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Christine Lavalle
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Cheryl Sullivan
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Kallie Shires
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Melissa Galicia
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Julian Rubino
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mitra Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Alicia O'Neill
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Greg Bickerton
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - D George Dixon
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada.
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9
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Heshka NE, Peru KM, Xin Q, Dettman HD, Headley JV. High resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis of oxidized hydrocarbons found in freshwater following a simulated spill of crude oil. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133415. [PMID: 34953875 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Negative ion electrospray Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to analyze water samples taken from a pilot-scale spill tank test of conventional crude oil on freshwater. A 56-day spill test was performed, and water samples were taken at regular intervals throughout the test to determine what changes in water chemistry occur with time. Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to measure oxidized species in water samples, and oxidized species are analyzed by carbon number, double bond equivalent and hydrocarbon class. Emphasis is placed on changes with time over the course of the spill test, to examine changes by weathering processes that could occur naturally in a field spill scenario. Results demonstrate that while the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons decrease in the water phase over time, the concentrations of total organic carbon and oxidized species in the water increase with time, where quantities of O2 and O3 species have the highest abundance. Measurement of increasing concentrations and changing relative abundances of these oxidized compounds can be used to assess how oil behaves in a freshwater aquatic environment after a spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Heshka
- Natural Resources Canada, CanmetENERGY, 1 Oil Patch Drive, Devon, Alberta, T9G 1A8, Canada.
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Qin Xin
- Natural Resources Canada, CanmetENERGY, 1 Oil Patch Drive, Devon, Alberta, T9G 1A8, Canada
| | - Heather D Dettman
- Natural Resources Canada, CanmetENERGY, 1 Oil Patch Drive, Devon, Alberta, T9G 1A8, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
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10
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Vander Meulen IJ, Schock DM, Parrott JL, Simair MC, Mundy LJ, Ajaero C, Pauli BD, Peru KM, McMartin DW, Headley JV. Transformation of bitumen-derived naphthenic acid fraction compounds across surface waters of wetlands in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150619. [PMID: 34592289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bitumen is extracted from oil sands in the Athabasca Oil Sands region (AOSR) of Alberta, Canada. Much of the bitumen-derived toxicity in mine waste is attributable to naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Mines in the AOSR are required to be returned to a natural state after closure; thus, cost-effective strategies are needed to reduce toxicity from NAFCs. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of constructed wetlands to attenuate NAFCs. However, the capacity of wetlands in the natural environment to degrade and transform NAFCs to less toxic components is poorly understood. To better understand the spatial distribution and fate of NAFCs in natural wetlands, samples were collected across the surfaces of two mature opportunistic wetlands near active oil sands mines. The first wetland has a well-defined surface flow pathway and inflows affected by overburden containing lean bitumen ore. The second wetland, in contrast, is a stagnant water body with raw bitumen visible along its edges. For the wetland with a well defined flow path, NAFCs decreased in concentration down gradient, while oxidized NAFCs constituted a greater proportion of NAFCs with increase in flow path. Likewise there was a decrease in the molecular weights of NAFCs, similar to trends observed in constructed wetland treatment systems. In comparison, NAFCs were more uniformly distributed across the relatively stagnant wetland. Overall, these data provide new evidence that mature opportunistic wetlands in the AOSR can promote the degradation and oxidation of bitumen-derived naphthenic acids into less toxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Vander Meulen
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Danna M Schock
- Keyano College, 8115 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, Ontario L7T 3M3, Canada
| | - Monique C Simair
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada; Maven Water & Environment, 303 Wellman Lane #103, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7T 0G3, Canada
| | - Lukas J Mundy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Chukwuemeka Ajaero
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Bruce D Pauli
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, National Hydrology Research Center, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Dena W McMartin
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, National Hydrology Research Center, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada.
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11
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Stasik S, Schmidt J, Wendt-Potthoff K. High Potential for Anaerobic Microbial Sulfur Oxidation in Oil Sands Tailings Ponds. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2529. [PMID: 34946130 PMCID: PMC8706365 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biogenic production of toxic H2S gas in sulfate-rich oil sands tailings ponds is associated with strong environmental concerns. Beside precipitation into sulfide minerals and chemical re-oxidation, microbial sulfur oxidation may catalyze sulfide re-cycling but potentially contributes to acid rock drainage (ARD) generation. To evaluate the microbial potential for sulfur oxidation, we conducted a microcosm-based pilot study with tailings of an active pond. Incubations were performed under oxic and anoxic conditions, with and without KNO3 as an electron acceptor and thiosulfate as a common substrate for microbial sulfur oxidation. The highest potentials of sulfur oxidation occurred in oxic assays (1.21 mmol L-1 day-1). Under anoxic conditions, rates were significantly lower and dominated by chemical transformation (0.09 mmol L-1 day-1; p < 0.0001). The addition of KNO3 to anoxic incubations increased microbial thiosulfate oxidation 2.5-fold (0.23 mmol L-1 day-1; p = 0.0474), with complete transformation to SO42- coupled to NO3- consumption, pointing to the activity of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) under nitrate-reducing conditions. Importantly, in the presence of KNO3, a decrease in sedimentary sulfides was associated with an increase in S0, which indicates the potential for microbially mediated oxidation of sulfide minerals and ARD generation. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of sediments from other anthropogenic aquatic habitats demonstrated high similarities with respect to viable SOB counts and corresponding activity rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katrin Wendt-Potthoff
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.S.)
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12
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Headley JV, Peru KM, Vander Meulen I. Advances in mass spectrometry for molecular characterization of oil sands naphthenic acids and process chemicals in wetlands. CAN J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjc-2020-0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Advances in mass spectrometry in the authors’ and key collaborators’ research are reviewed for analysis of oil sands naphthenic acids fraction compounds (NAFCs) and industrial process chemicals, sulfolane and alkanolamines, in wetlands. Focus is given to developments of analyses of NAFCs in constructed wetland treatment systems and natural wetlands in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta, Canada. The analytical developments are applied to show the utility of wetlands to sequester and oxidize oil sands naphthenic acids. The advancements in molecular characterization led to the first application of high-resolution mass spectrometry (Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance and Orbitrap mass spectrometry) for elucidation of toxic mono- and di-carboxylic NAFCs in oil sands environmental samples. Key findings reveal that oil sands NAFCs are not limited to saturated structures but contain a diverse range of components, many of which contain S, N, heteroatomic species and aromatic species. Other developments of mass spectrometry methods for industrial process chemicals show for the first time that the completely water-miscible chemical, sulfolane, translocate to upper portions of cattails at natural wetland sites in the Canadian environment. Likewise, wetland-plant mediated changes of complex mixtures of alkanolamines were revealed based on the coupling of ion chromatography mass spectrometry and ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. The advances in mass spectrometry are of particular benefit to Canada, for development of soil and water quality guidelines for oil sands NAFCs and process chemicals. In turn, the water quality guidelines serve to protect Canadian aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John V. Headley
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Kerry M. Peru
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Ian Vander Meulen
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
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Vander Meulen IJ, Klemish JL, Peru KM, Chen DDY, Pyle GG, Headley JV. Molecular profiles of naphthenic acid fraction compounds from mine lease wetlands in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 272:129892. [PMID: 33601202 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) are a toxicologically relevant component of oil sands process-affected materials (OSPM). For the first time, we report on differences in the concentrations and distribution of NAFCs from wetlands on an Athabasca oil sands mine site with varied histories of solid and liquid OSPM input. Sampling locations included natural and naturalized reference wetlands, a reclaimed tailings pond, wetlands supplemented with OSPM, opportunistic wetlands, and tailings ponds. Samples were prepared using solid-phase extraction, and analyzed by high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry; NAFC concentrations and characteristics were evaluated for all locations. The NAFCs from tailings ponds were dominated by O3-NAFCs and classical naphthenic acids (NAs; i.e., O2 species) with double bond equivalences of 3 and 4. Reference wetlands had no dominant species, and relatively little NAFC content. The heteroatomic species in opportunistic wetlands were dominated by highly-oxidized NAFC species, where Σ [O3:O6] species constituted 55-75% of the assignable spectrum and 3-4% NAs; in tailings ponds NAs constituted 47-51%. A relatively young (4-year-old) wetland built on a former tailings pond had NAFC concentrations between 65 and 80 mg/L, and NAs constituted 47% of the assignable spectrum. There was thus little apparent oxidation of NAFCs at this young wetland. The composition of NAFCs from one wetland (≥15 years old) supplemented with OSPM contained a greater proportion of oxidized species than tailings, suggesting NAFC transformation therein. These data suggest that while NAFCs are persistent in some wetlands, there is preliminary evidence for oxidation in mature wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Vander Meulen
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Jaimie L Klemish
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - David Da Yong Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Gregory G Pyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada.
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Abstract
Biofuel produced from biomass pyrolysis is a good example of a highly complex mixture. Detailed understanding of its composition is a prerequisite for optimizing transformation processes and further upgrading conditions. The major challenge in understanding the composition of biofuel derived from biomass is the wide range of compounds with high diversity in polarity and abundance that can be present. In this work, a comprehensive analysis using mass spectrometry is reported. Different operation conditions are studied by utilizing multiple ionization methods (positive mode atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) and negative mode ESI) and applying different resolving power set-ups (120 k, 240 k, 480 k and 960 k) and scan techniques (full scan and spectral stitching method) to study the complexity of a pyrolysis biofuel. Using a mass resolution of 960 k and the spectral stitching scan technique gives a total of 21,703 assigned compositions for one ionization technique alone. The number of total compositions is significantly expanded by the combination of different ionization methods.
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15
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Milestone CB, Sun C, Martin JW, Bickerton G, Roy JW, Frank RA, Hewitt LM. Non-target profiling of bitumen-influenced waters for the identification of tracers unique to oil sands processed-affected water (OSPW) in the Athabasca watershed of Alberta, Canada. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e8984. [PMID: 33074582 PMCID: PMC7757169 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The objective of this study was to identify unique chemical tracers of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) to enable definitive discrimination of tailings pond seepage from natural bitumen-influenced waters from the Canadian Alberta McMurray formation. METHODS The approach involved comparing unknowns from an unprecedented sample set of OSPW (n = 4) and OSPW-affected groundwaters (n = 15) with natural bitumen-influenced groundwaters (n = 20), using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-HRMS) operated in both polarities. RESULTS Four unknown chemical entities were identified as potential tracers of OSPW seepage and subsequently subjected to structural elucidation. One potential tracer, tentatively identified as a thiophene-containing carboxylic acid [C15 H23 O3 S]- , was only detected in OSPW and OSPW-affected samples, thereby showing the greatest diagnostic potential. The remaining three unknowns, postulated to be two thiochroman isomers [C17 H25 O3 S]+ and an ethyl-naphthalene isomer [C16 H21 ]+ , were detected in one and two background groundwaters, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We advanced the state of knowledge for tracers of tailings seepage beyond heteroatomic classes, to identifying diagnostic substances, with structures postulated. Synthesis of the four proposed structures is recommended to enable structural confirmations. This research will guide and inform the Oil Sands Monitoring Program in its efforts to assess potential influences of oil sands development on the Athabasca River watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig B. Milestone
- Sheridan CollegeSchool of Chemical and Environmental Sciences7899 McLaughlin RoadBramptonONL6Y 5H9Canada
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABT6G 2G3Canada
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABT6G 2G3Canada
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical ChemistryStockholm UniversityStockholm10691Sweden
| | - Greg Bickerton
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
| | - James W. Roy
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
| | - Richard A. Frank
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
| | - L. Mark Hewitt
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
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16
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Zito P, Smith DF, Cao X, Ghannam R, Tarr MA. Barium ion adduct mass spectrometry to identify carboxylic acid photoproducts from crude oil-water systems under solar irradiation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:2313-2321. [PMID: 33150906 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00390e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum derived dissolved organic matter (DOMHC) samples were successfully cationized with barium, revealing many [M-H + Ba]+ peaks in both dark and simulated sunlight treatments. The DOMHC samples generated after light exposure exhibited a greater number of [M-H + Ba]+ peaks compared to the dark control. Multiple [M-H + Ba]+ peaks were investigated in the irradiated DOMHC using low resolution MS/MS in order to confirm the presence of diagnostic fragment ions, m/z 139, 155 and 196 in each treatment. Due to the high complexity of the bariated DOMHC mixture, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS/MS) was employed to obtain molecular level information for both irradiated and dark treatments. The irradiated DOMHC treatments had more bariated oxygenated species over a wide range of H/C and O/C when compared to the dark controls. Doubly bariated species were also observed in DOMHC, which provides evidence that photochemistry transforms DOMHC to even more complex mixtures with multiple oxygenations per molecule. This study provides evidence that barium adduct mass spectrometry can be successfully applied to DOMHC screening for the presence of COOHs, both in dark samples and solar irradiated samples. Furthermore, direct evidence and molecular composition of aqueous phase crude oil photoproducts is provided by this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Zito
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA. and Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences, Chemical Analysis & Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA
| | - Donald F Smith
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA
| | - Xian Cao
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA.
| | - Rana Ghannam
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA. and Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences, Chemical Analysis & Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA
| | - Matthew A Tarr
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA.
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17
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Bowman DT, Warren LA, Slater GF. Isomer-specific monitoring of naphthenic acids at an oil sands pit lake by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 746:140985. [PMID: 32739755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are persistent, toxic contaminants that are found to accumulate in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) and tailings after bitumen extraction. A number of strategies for the reclamation of oil sands tailings are currently being tested, including the development of the first demonstration pit lake by Syncrude Canada, Base Mine Lake (BML). An important component of reclamation activities is understanding the source and cycling of NAs in such reclamation systems. However, NAs exist as a highly complex mixture of thousands of compounds which makes their analysis an ongoing challenge. Herein, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOFMS) was used to analyze the methylated extracts of water samples from the water cap and fluid fine tailings (FFT) deposit of BML to characterize the variations in NA distributions between geochemical zones. A collection of (alkylated) monocyclic-, bicyclic-, adamantane-, and thiophene-type carboxylic acids were identified. Total relative abundances were calculated for each NA class (by summation of peak areas of all detected isomers) and minimal variability was detected in the water cap. Total relative abundances for each NA class were either similar or higher in the FFT, relative to the water cap. Examination of isomer distributions indicated that differences in abundance values were generally driven by variations in only one or two isomers of a given NA class. Furthermore, GC × GC revealed distinct isomer profiles were observed between two FFT samples and between the FFT and water cap. While it is not yet clear whether these differences are due to differences in sources of NAs or in their environmental processing, these results illustrate the capability of GC × GC to investigate these questions and thus contribute to the management of these compounds within reclamation or environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Bowman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Lesley A Warren
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Gregory F Slater
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1, Canada; School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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18
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Miles SM, Asiedu E, Balaberda AL, Ulrich AC. Oil sands process affected water sourced Trichoderma harzianum demonstrates capacity for mycoremediation of naphthenic acid fraction compounds. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127281. [PMID: 32540545 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Development of Alberta's oil sands requires large volumes of water, leading to the abundance of oil sands process affected water (OSPW) that must be remediated prior to discharge or reuse. OSPW contains a variety of dissolved organic compounds, however naphthenic acids (NAs) have been found to contribute significantly to the toxicity of OSPW. A fungus, Trichoderma harzianum, isolated directly from OSPW, has previously demonstrated a high tolerance and capacity for growth in the presence of commercial NAs. This study conducted microcosm experiments to elucidate and characterize the capacity of T. harzianum to degrade labile commercial NAs (Merichem), and OSPW-sourced naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Additionally, two model NA compounds, the simple single ring cyclohexane carboxylic acid (CHCA) and complex diamondoid 1-adamanatane carboxylic acid (ADA), were utilized to determine the influence of NA structure on degradation. T. harzianum degraded 14% of CHCA, 13% of ADA, and 23-47% of Merichem NAs. Additionally, Orbitrap mass spectrometry revealed a large change in Z-series within NAFCs. This removal and shift in composition correlated to a 59% and 52% drop in toxicity as per Microtox, for Merichem NAs and NAFCs respectively. This proof of concept experiment confirms that the fungal species T. harzianum can contribute to the biodegradation of complex dissolved organics found in OSPW, including cyclic and diamondoid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Miles
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Evelyn Asiedu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy-Lynne Balaberda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Developments in Molecular Level Characterization of Naphthenic Acid Fraction Compounds Degradation in a Constructed Wetland Treatment System. ENVIRONMENTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/environments7100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The reclamation of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a matter of environmental importance because of the aquatic toxicity to biota. This study describes refinements in advanced analytical methods to assess the performance of biological treatment systems for OSPW, such as constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTSs). Assessment of treatment efficiency by measurement of the degradation of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) in OSPW is challenging in CWTS due to potentially interfering constituents such as humic acids, organic acids, salts, and hydrocarbons. Here we have applied a previous weak anion exchange (WAX) solid-phase extraction (SPE) method and high-resolution Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (MS) to remove major interferences from the NAFC analysis. The refinements in data processing employing principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that the relative abundance of NAFCs decreased with time in the treated OSPW relative to the untreated OSPW. The most saturated NAFCs with higher carbon numbers were relatively more degraded as compared to unsaturated NAFCs. The use of Kendrick plots and van Krevelen plots for assessment of the performance of the CWTS is shown to be well-suited to detailed monitoring of the complex composition of NAFCs as a function of degradation. The developments and application of analytical methods such as the WAX SPE method and high-resolution Orbitrap-MS are demonstrated as tools enabling the advancement of CWTS design and optimization, enabling passive or semi-passive water treatment systems to be a viable opportunity for OSPW treatment.
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20
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Meshref MNA, Ibrahim MD, Huang R, Yang L, How ZT, Klamerth N, Chelme-Ayala P, Hughes SA, Brown C, Mahaffey A, Gamal El-Din M. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a surrogate tool for the quantification of naphthenic acids in oil sands process water and groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:139191. [PMID: 32460069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs), defined herein as the polar organic compounds extracted from the acidified oil sands process water (OSPW) samples using dichloromethane, are becoming the research hotspot due to their presence in large amount in OSPW and along with other potentially NA-contaminated water streams from the mining site. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method is commonly used to quantify NAFCs and assumes that the total NA concentration is measured as the sum of the responses for all carboxylic acid functional groups. In this study, the NAFCs in various OSPW and groundwater (GW) samples from an active oil sands mining site were analyzed using FTIR. All water samples were pretreated using either solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) methods before analysis. The results showed that SPE produced higher recoveries of NAFCs than LLE for most water samples under current experimental conditions. For the quantification of NAFCs, commercial Fluka NA mixture and a pre-calibrated OSPW extract were employed as the calibration standards. The NAFCs calibrated with Fluka NA mixture and OSPW extract had clear linear relationships. The concentrations of NAFCs obtained using OSPW extract standard curve were 2.5 times the NAFC concentrations obtained using the Fluka NA mixture standard curve. Additionally, good linear correlations were observed between the total NAs and O2-O6 NA species determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOFMS) and the NAFCs measured by FTIR. According to these correlations, the NA compositions in NAFCs were developed, and the relative abundances of O2-O6 NA species in NAFCs were similar for SPE and LLE pretreated samples. The findings of this study demonstrated that FTIR could be used as a promising tool to monitor total NA species and to estimate the NA profile in different environmental water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N A Meshref
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed D Ibrahim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Rongfu Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Zuo Tong How
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Klamerth
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Pamela Chelme-Ayala
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Sarah A Hughes
- Shell Health - Americas, Shell Oil Company, 150 North Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77079, USA.
| | - Christine Brown
- Canadian Natural, Technology and Development, 324-8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Ashley Mahaffey
- Coral Waters Consulting Inc., Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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21
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Challis JK, Parajas A, Anderson JC, Asiedu E, Martin JW, Wong CS, Ross MS. Photodegradation of bitumen-derived organics in oil sands process-affected water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1243-1255. [PMID: 32227038 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00005a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The chemical composition of water-soluble organics in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is primarily composed of natural constituents of bitumen that are solubilized and concentrated during aqueous extraction of oil sands. OSPW organics are persistent and acutely toxic, and a leading remediation strategy is long-term ageing in end-pit lakes, despite limited data available on its photochemical fate. Here, direct photolysis of whole OSPW, or of its constituent fractions, was examined at environmentally relevant wavelengths (>290 nm) in bench-top studies. Changes in the chemical profiles of whole OSPW, acid- (AEO), and base-extractable organics (BEO) were characterized by liquid chromatography with ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry in negative (-) and positive (+) ionization modes. Following 18 d of irradiation, photolysis reduced the total ion intensity in all samples in both modes. The most photo-labile species included the O2-, O3-, O4-, O2S-, and O4S- chemical classes, which were depleted in whole OSPW by 93-100% after only 5 d. In positive mode, detected species were more recalcitrant than those detected in negative mode, with an average reduction across all heteroatomic classes of 75 ± 11.0% after 18 d. Estimated environmental half-lives for heteroatomic classes ranged from 57 d (O4S-) to 545 d (O3N+), with a greater recalcitrance for classes detected in positive mode compared to negative mode. Under field conditions in end-pit lakes, natural photolysis may be an important mechanism for effective OSPW remediation, and we suggest that future end-pit lakes be shallow to maximize light penetration and natural photolysis in ageing OSPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Challis
- Department of Chemistry, Richardson College for the Environment, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9, Canada
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22
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Gammon PR, Mayer B, Savard MM, Peru KM, Headley JV. Distinguishing Natural from Anthropogenic Sources of Acid Extractable Organics in Groundwater near Oil Sands Tailings Ponds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2790-2799. [PMID: 31995355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Distinguishing between naphthenic acids (NAs) associated with oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) and those found naturally in groundwaters in contact with the bituminous McMurray Formation poses a considerable analytical challenge to environmental research in Canada's oil sands region. Previous work addressing this problem combined high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry with carbon isotope values generated by online pyrolysis (δ13Cpyr) to characterize and quantify the acid extractable organics (AEOs) fraction containing NAs in the subsurface near an oil sands tailings pond. Here, we build upon this work through further development and application of these techniques at two different study sites near two different tailings ponds, in conjunction with the use of an additional isotopic tool-sulfur isotope analysis (δ34S) of AEOs. The combined use of both δ13Cpyr and δ34S allowed for discrimination of AEOs into the three end-members relevant to ascertaining the NA environmental footprint within the region: (1) OSPW; (2) McMurray Formation groundwater (i.e., naturally occurring bitumen), and; (3) naturally occurring non-bitumen. A Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to determine the relative proportions of these three sources in groundwater at both study sites. Although background levels of OSPW-derived AEOs were generally low, one sample containing 49-99% (95% credibility interval) OSPW-derived AEOs was detected within an inferred preferential flow-path, highlighting the potential for this technique to track tailings pond seepage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS Eau Terre Environnement, Québec City, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Paul R Gammon
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8, Canada
| | - Bernhard Mayer
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Martine M Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
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23
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Hewitt LM, Roy JW, Rowland SJ, Bickerton G, DeSilva A, Headley JV, Milestone CB, Scarlett AG, Brown S, Spencer C, West CE, Peru KM, Grapentine L, Ahad JM, Pakdel H, Frank RA. Advances in Distinguishing Groundwater Influenced by Oil Sands Process-Affected Water (OSPW) from Natural Bitumen-Influenced Groundwaters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1522-1532. [PMID: 31906621 PMCID: PMC7003248 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to advance analytical methods for detecting oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) seepage from mining containments and discriminating any such seepage from the natural bitumen background in groundwaters influenced by the Alberta McMurray formation. Improved sampling methods and quantitative analyses of two groups of monoaromatic acids were employed to analyze OSPW and bitumen-affected natural background groundwaters for source discrimination. Both groups of monoaromatic acids showed significant enrichment in OSPW, while ratios of O2/O4 containing heteroatomic ion classes of acid extractable organics (AEOs) did not exhibit diagnostic differences. Evaluating the monoaromatic acids to track a known plume of OSPW-affected groundwater confirmed their diagnostic abilities. A secondary objective was to assess anthropogenically derived artificial sweeteners and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as potential tracers for OSPW. Despite the discovery of acesulfame and PFAS in most OSPW samples, trace levels in groundwaters influenced by general anthropogenic activities preclude them as individual robust tracers. However, their inclusion with the other metrics employed in this study served to augment the tiered, weight of evidence methodology developed. This methodology was then used to confirm earlier findings of OSPW migrations into groundwater reaching the Athabasca River system adjacent to the reclaimed pond at Tar Island Dyke.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Mark Hewitt
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - James W. Roy
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Steve J. Rowland
- Petroleum
and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, 5, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Greg Bickerton
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Amila DeSilva
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - John V. Headley
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK Canada, S7N3H5
| | - Craig B. Milestone
- School
of Chemical and Environmental Sciences, Davis Campus, Sheridan College, 7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, ON Canada, L6Y 5H9
| | - Alan G. Scarlett
- Petroleum
and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, 5, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Susan Brown
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Christine Spencer
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Charles E. West
- Petroleum
and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, 5, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Kerry M. Peru
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK Canada, S7N3H5
| | - Lee Grapentine
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Jason M.E. Ahad
- Geological
Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC Canada, G1K 9A9
| | | | - Richard A. Frank
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
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24
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Madison BN, Reynolds J, Halliwell L, Leshuk T, Gu F, Peru KM, Headley JV, Orihel DM. Can the toxicity of naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water be mitigated by a green photocatalytic method? Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2019-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study evaluates the efficacy of a “green” (i.e., sustainable, recyclable, and reusable) technology to treat waste waters produced by Canada’s oil sands industry. We examined the ability of a novel advanced oxidative method—ultra-violet photocatalysis over titanium dioxide (TiO2)-coated microparticles—to reduce the toxicity of naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFC) to early life stages of the fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas). Lengthening the duration of photocatalysis resulted in greater removal of NAFC from bioassay exposure waters; low- and high-intensity treatments reduced NAFC concentrations to about 20 and 3 mg/L (by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, FTIR), respectively. Treatments reduced the acute lethality of NAFC to fathead minnows by over half after low-intensity treatment and three-fold after high-intensity treatment. However, incomplete degradation in low-intensity treatments increased the incidence of chronic toxicity relative to untreated NAFC solutions and cardiovascular abnormalities were common even with >80% of NAFC degraded. Our findings demonstrate that photocatalysis over TiO2 microparticles is a promising method for mitigating the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water-derived NAFC to fish native to the oil sands region, but the intensity of the photocatalytic treatment needs to be considered carefully to ensure adequate mineralization of toxic constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry N. Madison
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Jessie Reynolds
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Lauren Halliwell
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Tim Leshuk
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Frank Gu
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kerry M. Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V. Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Diane M. Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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25
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Fennell J, Arciszewski TJ. Current knowledge of seepage from oil sands tailings ponds and its environmental influence in northeastern Alberta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:968-985. [PMID: 31200313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Seepage of oil sand process-affected waters (OSPW) from tailings ponds into surface waters is a common concern in the minable oil sands region of northeast Alberta. Research on seepage has been extensive, but few comprehensive treatments evaluating all aspects relevant to the phenomenon are available. In this work, the current information relevant for understanding the state of seepage from tailings ponds was reviewed. The information suggests the infiltration of OSPW into groundwater occurs near some ponds. OSPW may also be present in sediments beneath the Athabasca River adjacent to one pond, but there are no clear observations of OSPW in the river water. Similarly, most water samples from tributaries also show no evidence of OSPW, but these observations are limited by the lack of systematic, systemic, and repeated surveys, missing baseline data, standard analytical approaches, and reference materials. Waters naturally influenced by bitumen, discharge of saline groundwaters, and dilution also potentially affect the consolidation of information and certainty of any conclusions. Despite these challenges, some data suggest OSPW may be present in two tributaries of the Athabasca River adjacent to tailings ponds: McLean Creek and Lower Beaver River. Irrespective of the possible source(s), constituents of OSPW often affect organisms exposed in laboratories, but research in all but one study suggests the concentrations of organics in the surface water bodies assessed are below the standard toxicological effect thresholds for these compounds. In contrast, many samples of groundwater, irrespective of source, likely affect biota. Biomonitoring of surface waters suggests generic responses to stressors, but the influence of natural phenomena and occasionally nutrient enrichment are often suggested by data. In summary, valuable research has been done on seepage. The data suggest infiltration into groundwater is common, seepage into surface waters is not, and anthropogenic biological impacts are not likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Fennell
- Integrated Sustainability, Calgary, AB, Canada
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26
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Loughery JR, Marentette JR, Frank RA, Hewitt LM, Parrott JL, Martyniuk CJ. Transcriptome Profiling in Larval Fathead Minnow Exposed to Commercial Naphthenic Acids and Extracts from Fresh and Aged Oil Sands Process-Affected Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10435-10444. [PMID: 31335129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Surface mining and extraction of oil sands results in the generation of and need for storage of large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). More structurally complex than classical naphthenic acids (NAs), naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs) are key toxic constituents of OSPW, and changes in the NAFC profile in OSPW over time have been linked to mitigation of OSPW toxicity. Molecular studies targeting individual genes have indicated that NAFC toxicity is likely mediated via oxidative stress, altered cell cycles, ontogenetic differentiation, endocrine disruption, and immunotoxicity. However, the individual-gene approach results in a limited picture of molecular responses. This study shows that NAFCs, from aged or fresh OSPW, have a unique effect on the larval fathead minnow transcriptome and provides initial data to construct adverse outcome pathways for skeletal deformities. All three types of processed NAs (fresh, aged, and commercial) affected the immunome of developing fish. These gene networks included immunity, inflammatory response, B-cell response, platelet adhesion, and T-helper lymphocyte activity. Larvae exposed to both NAFCs and commercial NA developed cardiovascular and bone deformities, and transcriptomic networks reflected these developmental abnormalities. Gene networks found only in NAFC-exposed fish suggest NAFCs may alter fish cardiovascular health through altered calcium ion regulation. This study improves understanding regarding the molecular perturbations underlying developmental deformities following exposure to NAFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Loughery
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of New Brunswick , Saint John , NB E2L 4L5 , Canada
| | - Julie R Marentette
- Water Science and Technology Directorate , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , ON L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , ON L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , ON L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , ON L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of New Brunswick , Saint John , NB E2L 4L5 , Canada
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27
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Bauer AE, Frank RA, Headley JV, Milestone CB, Batchelor S, Peru KM, Rudy MD, Barrett SE, Vanderveen R, Dixon DG, Hewitt LM. A preparative method for the isolation and fractionation of dissolved organic acids from bitumen-influenced waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:587-597. [PMID: 30933815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The surface mining of oil sands north of Fort McMurray, Alberta produces considerable tailings waste that is stored in large tailings ponds on industrial lease sites. Viable strategies for the detoxification of oil sands process affected water (OSPW) are under investigation. In order to assess the toxic potential of the suite of dissolved organics in OSPW, a method for their extraction and fractionation was developed using solid phase extraction. The method successfully isolated organic compounds from 180 L of an aged OSPW source. Using acidic- or alkaline-conditioned non-polar ENV+ resin and soxhlet extraction with ethyl acetate and methanol, three fractions (F1-F3) were generated. Chemical characterization of the generated fractions included infusion to electrospray ionization ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-UHRMS), liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS). Additionally, ESI-UHRMS class distribution data and SFS identified an increased degree of oxygenation and aromaticity, associated with increased polarity. Method validation, which included method and matrix spikes with surrogate and labelled organic mono carboxylic acid standards, confirmed separation according to acidity and polarity with generally good recoveries (average 76%). Because this method is capable of extracting large sample volumes, it is amenable to thorough chemical characterization and toxicological assessments with a suite of bioassays. As such, this protocol will facilitate effects-directed analysis of toxic components within bitumen-influenced waters from a variety of sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E Bauer
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - J V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - C B Milestone
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - S Batchelor
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - K M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - M D Rudy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - S E Barrett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - R Vanderveen
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - D G Dixon
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada.
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28
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Thomas MJ, Collinge E, Witt M, Palacio Lozano DC, Vane CH, Moss-Hayes V, Barrow MP. Petroleomic depth profiling of Staten Island salt marsh soil: 2ω detection FTICR MS offers a new solution for the analysis of environmental contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 662:852-862. [PMID: 30708300 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Staten Island is located in one of the most densely populated regions of the US: the New York/New Jersey Estuary. Marine and industrial oil spills are commonplace in the area, causing the waterways and adjacent marshes to become polluted with a range of petroleum-related contaminants. Using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, the hydrocarbon impact on a salt marsh was assessed at regular intervals down to 90 cm, with several key sampling depths of interest identified for further analysis. Ultrahigh resolution data are obtained by direct infusion (DI) atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) on a 12 T solariX Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR MS) allowing trends in the compositional profile with depth to be observed, such as changes in the relative hydrocarbon intensity and the relative contributions from oxygen- and sulfur-containing groups. These trends may correlate with the timing of major oil spills and leaks of petroleum and other industrial chemicals into the waterways. The use of gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a 7 T solariX 2XR FTICR MS equipped with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ion source offers retention time resolved and extensive compositional information for the complex environmental samples complementary to that obtained by DI-APPI. The compositional profile observed using GC-APCI FTICR MS includes contributions from phosphorous-containing groups, which may be indicative of contamination from other anthropogenic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Thomas
- MAS CDT, Senate House, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Emma Collinge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | | | - Diana Catalina Palacio Lozano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Christopher H Vane
- British Geological Survey, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, Keyworth NG12 5GG, UK.
| | - Vicky Moss-Hayes
- British Geological Survey, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, Keyworth NG12 5GG, UK.
| | - Mark P Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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29
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Vetere A, Alachraf MW, Panda SK, Andersson JT, Schrader W. Studying the fragmentation mechanism of selected components present in crude oil by collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2018; 32:2141-2151. [PMID: 30198194 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Structural characterization of individual compounds in very complex mixtures is difficult to achieve. One important step in structural elucidation is understanding the mass spectrometric fragmentation mechanisms of the compounds present in such mixtures. Here, different individual compounds presumed to be present in a complex crude oil mixture have been synthesized and structurally characterized by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) studies. METHODS Model compounds with different aromatic cores and various substitutents were synthesized. Major effort has been put into producing isomerically pure compounds to better understand the fragmentation pattern. Each synthesized compound has been subjected to MSn studies using either a triple quadrupole or a linear ion trap mass spectrometer with electrospray or atmospheric pressure photoionization. The results are used to analyze individual compounds from a complex vacuum gas oil (VGO). RESULTS The synthesized compounds and a chromatographically simplified vacuum gas oil were used for structural analysis. The major fragmentation mechanism is the benzylic cleavage of the aliphatic side chain. Each side chain can be separately removed from the aromatic core by using MSn methods. At the end of a series of fragmentations, the base aromatic core structure remains and can be chararcterized. CONCLUSIONS By defining the fragmentation mechanism in complex oil samples it was possible to structurally characterize individual compounds present in a chromatographically simplified VGO. The compounds consist of an aromatic core with aliphatic side chains. Cleavage of all side chains can be achieved by MSn measurements, allowing characterization of the remaining core structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Vetere
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, D-45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - M Wasim Alachraf
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, D-45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Saroj K Panda
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, D-45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Jan T Andersson
- Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schrader
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, D-45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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30
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Huang R, Chen Y, Meshref MNA, Chelme-Ayala P, Dong S, Ibrahim MD, Wang C, Klamerth N, Hughes SA, Headley JV, Peru KM, Brown C, Mahaffey A, Gamal El-Din M. Monitoring of classical, oxidized, and heteroatomic naphthenic acids species in oil sands process water and groundwater from the active oil sands operation area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 645:277-285. [PMID: 30029109 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The classical, oxidized, and heteroatomic naphthenic acids (NAs) species were monitored in the oil sands process water (OSPW) and groundwater from the active oil sands operation area, using solid phase extraction sample preparation and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Groundwater samples include Pleistocene channel aquifer groundwater (PLCA) and oil sands basal aquifer groundwater (OSBA) from different depth of underground. The concentrations of Ox-NAs decreased from OSPW to PLCA, and then increased from PLCA to OSBA, which is deeper than PLCA. The NAs in PLCA mainly comprised of Ox-NAs and N-NAs and the percentage of S-NAs was negligible. Results revealed relative abundances of individual NA species in total NAs varies among different water layers and the potential environmental impacts are expected to be variable. Principal component analysis results of O2-NAs or O4-NAs could be used for differentiation of water types. O2-NAs with n = 12-16 and |Z| = 4-6, and O4-NAs with n = 14-20 and |Z| = 6-8, were identified as marker compounds that could serve as surrogates of the larger complex NA mixture for source differentiation. This work utilized a combination of sample preparation, instrumental analysis, and statistical analysis methods to obtain knowledge of the occurrence, composition, and transfer of NAs in the groundwater of the Alberta oil sands operation area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfu Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed N A Meshref
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Pamela Chelme-Ayala
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Shimiao Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed D Ibrahim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Chengjin Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Klamerth
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Sarah A Hughes
- Shell Health - Americas, Shell Oil Company, Woodcreek E276K, 150 North Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77079, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - John V Headley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Christine Brown
- Shell Canada Ltd. Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Ashley Mahaffey
- Coral Waters Consulting Inc., Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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31
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Gammon PR, Siddique T, Kuznetsova A, Savard MM. Evaluating in situ biodegradation of 13C-labelled naphthenic acids in groundwater near oil sands tailings ponds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:392-399. [PMID: 29940450 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Potential seepage of naphthenic acids (NAs) from tailings ponds into surface water and groundwater is one of the main environmental concerns associated with the Canadian Athabasca oil sands mining operations. Here we report the application of 13C-labelled NA surrogate compounds to evaluate intrinsic biodegradation along groundwater flow-paths originating from oil sands tailings ponds at two different sites: a glacio-fluvial aquifer (Site 1) and a low-lying wetland (Site 2). Microcosms containing the carboxyl group labelled (99%) NA surrogates (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, CHCA; 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, CHDCA; 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid, ACA) were lowered into monitoring wells for several months to allow sufficient time for substrate degradation and formation of a biofilm in conditions characteristic of the local aquifer. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), biomarkers for the active microbial population, were extracted from the biofilms for stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis. At Site 1, highly 13C-enriched δ13C values (up to ~+7100‰) confirmed the in situ microbial breakdown of CHCA and CHDCA. At Site 2, δ13C-PLFA values from -60.6 to -24.5‰ indicated uptake of a 13C-depleted substrate such as biogenic methane and not 13C-labelled ACA. Determination of the microbial community using 16s RNA sequencing confirmed the presence of methane-oxidizing bacteria in the subsurface at Site 2. The in situ biodegradation of NAs at Site 1 demonstrates that the indigenous microbial population in the shallow subsurface near tailings ponds can readily break down some of these compounds prior to surface water discharge. The lack of evidence for microbial uptake of 13C-labelled ACA at Site 2 demonstrates that other NAs, in particular tricyclic diamondoid acids, may persist in the environment following seepage from tailings ponds or natural sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Paul R Gammon
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E8, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Alsu Kuznetsova
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Martine M Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
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32
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Zuber J, Rathsack P, Otto M. Structural Characterization of Acidic Compounds in Pyrolysis Liquids Using Collision-Induced Dissociation and Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2018; 90:12655-12662. [PMID: 30280888 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a novel approach to characterize and identify acidic oil compounds utilizing the fragmentational behavior of their corresponding precursor ions is presented. Precursor ions of seven analyzed pyrolysis oils that were generated from pyrolysis educts of different origins and degrees of coalification were produced by electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode (ESI(-)). Following a fragmentation of all ions in the ion cloud by collision-induced dissociation (CID), the precursor and product ions were subsequently detected by ultrahigh resolving Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). The ESI(-)-CID data sets were evaluated by applying either a targeted classification or untargeted clustering approach. In the case of the targeted classification, 10% of the ionized precursor ions of the analyzed pyrolysis liquid samples could be classified into one of 11 compound classes utilizing theoretical fragmentation pathways of these classes. In contrast, theoretical fragmentation pathways were not necessary for the untargeted clustering approach, making it the more transmittable method. Results from both approaches were verified by analyzing standard compounds of known structure. The analysis and data evaluation methods presented in this work can be used to characterize complex organic mixtures, such as pyrolysis oils, and their compounds in-depth on a structural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zuber
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry , TU Bergakademie Freiberg , Leipziger Straße 29 , 09599 Freiberg , Germany
| | - Philipp Rathsack
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry , TU Bergakademie Freiberg , Leipziger Straße 29 , 09599 Freiberg , Germany.,German Centre for Energy Resources , Reiche Zeche , Fuchsmuehlenweg 9 , 09599 Freiberg , Germany
| | - Matthias Otto
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry , TU Bergakademie Freiberg , Leipziger Straße 29 , 09599 Freiberg , Germany
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Comparing Crude Oils with Different API Gravities on a Molecular Level Using Mass Spectrometric Analysis. Part 1: Whole Crude Oil. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11102766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Different ionization techniques based on different principles have been applied for the direct mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of crude oils providing composition profiles. Such profiles have been used to infer a number of crude oil properties. We have tested the ability of two major atmospheric pressure ionization techniques, electrospray ionization (ESI(±)) and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI(+)), in conjunction with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The ultrahigh resolution and accuracy measurements of FT-ICR MS allow for the correlation of mass spectrometric (MS) data with crude oil American Petroleum Institute (API) gravities, which is a major quality parameter used to guide crude oil refining, and represents a value of the density of a crude oil. The double bond equivalent (DBE) distribution as a function of the classes of constituents, as well as the carbon numbers as measured by the carbon number distributions, were examined to correlate the API gravities of heavy, medium, and light crude oils with molecular FT-ICR MS data. An aromaticity tendency was found to directly correlate the FT-ICR MS data with API gravities, regardless of the ionization technique used. This means that an analysis on the molecular level can explain the differences between a heavy and a light crude oil on the basis of the aromaticity of the compounds in different classes. This tendency of FT-ICR MS with all three techniques, namely, ESI(+), ESI(−), and APPI(+), indicates that the molecular composition of the constituents of crude oils is directly associated with API gravity.
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34
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Kim D, Ha SY, An JG, Cha S, Yim UH, Kim S. Estimating degree of degradation of spilled oils based on relative abundance of aromatic compounds observed by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 359:421-428. [PMID: 30056364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) was applied for the first time to study temporal change of photo-oxidized and weathered oils subjected to degradation. PSI is chosen in this study because it is an optimal ionization technique for the analysis of degraded oils with limited sample quantity and prone to salt and particulate contamination. With PSI-MS, quantitative analysis of oils can be successfully performed with as little as 2 μg of oil sample. In addition, oil solutions containing up to 0.05% sodium chloride were successfully analyzed with PSI-MS. In the PSI-MS spectra of photo-degraded oils, the relative abundance of compounds having double equivalence value (DBE) ≥ 5 increased but those with DBE < 5 decreased in number. The summed abundance ratio of compounds having DBE < 5 and DBE ≥ 5 showed a negative exponential correlation with the duration of UV exposure in laboratory experiments. The same trend was observed from spilled oils obtained from the environment. Therefore, this ratio serves as an effective means to estimate the degree of weathering in spilled oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwi Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Ha
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Geon An
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Cha
- Department of Chemistry, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Green-Nano Materials Research Center, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Leshuk T, Peru KM, de Oliveira Livera D, Tripp A, Bardo P, Headley JV, Gu F. Petroleomic analysis of the treatment of naphthenic organics in oil sands process-affected water with buoyant photocatalysts. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 141:297-306. [PMID: 29803095 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of toxicity associated with the soluble naphthenic organic compounds (NOCs) of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) implies that a treatment solution may be necessary to enable safe return of this water to the environment. Due to recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), the majority of the toxicity of OSPW is currently understood to derive from a subset of toxic classes, comprising only a minority of the total NOCs. Herein, oxidative treatment of OSPW with buoyant photocatalysts was evaluated under a petroleomics paradigm: chemical changes across acid-, base- and neutral-extractable organic fractions were tracked throughout the treatment with both positive and negative ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) Orbitrap MS. Elimination of detected OS+ and NO+ classes of concern in the earliest stages of the treatment, along with preferential degradation of high carbon-numbered O2- acids, suggest that photocatalysis may detoxify OSPW with higher efficiency than previously thought. Application of petroleomic level analysis offers unprecedented insights into the treatment of petroleum impacted water, allowing reaction trends to be followed across multiple fractions and thousands of compounds simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Leshuk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Diogo de Oliveira Livera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Austin Tripp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Patrick Bardo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Frank Gu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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36
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Tiwari S, Iorhemen O, Tay J. Semi-continuous treatment of naphthenic acids using aerobic granular sludge. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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37
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Donner MW, Siddique T. A rapid and sensitive IC-ICP-MS method for determining selenium speciation in natural waters. CAN J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjc-2017-0637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an element monitored by water quality agencies worldwide. The challenge of assessing its presence in aquatic systems is its low concentrations (parts per trillion) and the need for determining its chemical speciation. A method was developed using an ion chromatograph (IC) paired with a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) equipped with a hydrogen reaction cell to provide analysts with a rapid and sensitive method to measure Se speciation with suitable accuracy and precision. The Se species selenite (SeIV) and selenate (SeVI) were separated within a 5 min span using dilute nitric acid as a mobile phase in a step-wise gradient (50–400 mmol L−1) and quantified using 80Se isotope that yielded low limits of detection (<10 ng L−1). Spectral interference from plasma generated diatomic argon ions (40Ar2+; m/z = 80) on 80Se was eliminated by hydrogen gas (H2) in the reaction cell. Polyatomic 79Br1H+ (m/z = 80) did not interfere with 80Se for quantification of common aquatic Se species (SeVI and SeIV) due to different column retention times. Two organic species (methylselenocysteine and selenomethionine) commonly found in aquatic and terrestrial plant tissues were also tested to rule out possible chromatographic interference and explore the potential application to biological samples. Urban rainwater and Canadian river water samples were analyzed for Se species to demonstrate the applicability of the method. Owing to its ability to rapidly determine Se species in water samples at environmentally relevant concentrations, the method may be useful for monitoring agencies to routinely measure Se species in freshwater aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Donner
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
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38
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Ajaero C, Peru KM, Simair M, Friesen V, O'Sullivan G, Hughes SA, McMartin DW, Headley JV. Fate and behavior of oil sands naphthenic acids in a pilot-scale treatment wetland as characterized by negative-ion electrospray ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 631-632:829-839. [PMID: 29727993 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) are generated during the extraction of bitumen from oil sands in the Athabasca region of northeastern Alberta, Canada. As part of the development of treatment technologies, molecular characterization of naphthenic acids (NAs) and naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFC) in wetlands is a topic of research to better understand their fate and behavior in aquatic environments. Reported here is the application of high-resolution negative-ion electrospray Orbitrap-mass spectrometry for molecular characterization of NAs and NAFCs in a non-aerated constructed treatment wetland. The effectiveness of the wetlands to remove OSPW-NAs and NAFCs was evaluated by monitoring the changes in distributions of NAFC compounds in the untreated sample and non-aerated treatment system. After correction for measured evapotranspiration, the removal rate of the classical NAs followed approximately first-order kinetics, with higher rates observed for structures with relatively higher number of carbon atoms. These findings indicate that constructed wetland treatment is a viable method for removal of classical NAs in OSPW. Work is underway to evaluate the effects of wetland design on water quality improvement, preferential removal of different NAFC species, and reduction in toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka Ajaero
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, 3737 Wascana Parkway, S4S 0A2, Canada; Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Monique Simair
- Contango Strategies Limited, 15-410 Downey Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4N1, Canada
| | - Vanessa Friesen
- Contango Strategies Limited, 15-410 Downey Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gwen O'Sullivan
- Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Sarah A Hughes
- Shell Health - Americas, One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77002, USA
| | - Dena W McMartin
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, 3737 Wascana Parkway, S4S 0A2, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada.
| | - John V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
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39
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Redman AD, Parkerton TF, Butler JD, Letinski DJ, Frank RA, Hewitt LM, Bartlett AJ, Gillis PL, Marentette JR, Parrott JL, Hughes SA, Guest R, Bekele A, Zhang K, Morandi G, Wiseman S, Giesy JP. Application of the Target Lipid Model and Passive Samplers to Characterize the Toxicity of Bioavailable Organics in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:8039-8049. [PMID: 29902380 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oil sand operations in Alberta, Canada will eventually include returning treated process-affected waters to the environment. Organic constituents in oil sand process-affected water (OSPW) represent complex mixtures of nonionic and ionic (e.g., naphthenic acids) compounds, and compositions can vary spatially and temporally, which has impeded development of water quality benchmarks. To address this challenge, it was hypothesized that solid phase microextraction fibers coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) could be used as a biomimetic extraction (BE) to measure bioavailable organics in OSPW. Organic constituents of OSPW were assumed to contribute additively to toxicity, and partitioning to PDMS was assumed to be predictive of accumulation in target lipids, which were the presumed site of action. This method was tested using toxicity data for individual model compounds, defined mixtures, and organic mixtures extracted from OSPW. Toxicity was correlated with BE data, which supports the use of this method in hazard assessments of acute lethality to aquatic organisms. A species sensitivity distribution (SSD), based on target lipid model and BE values, was similar to SSDs based on residues in tissues for both nonionic and ionic organics. BE was shown to be an analytical tool that accounts for bioaccumulation of organic compound mixtures from which toxicity can be predicted, with the potential to aid in the development of water quality guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Redman
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. , Annandale , New Jersey 08801 , United States
| | - T F Parkerton
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. , Spring , Texas 77339 , United States
| | - J D Butler
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. , Annandale , New Jersey 08801 , United States
| | - D J Letinski
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. , Annandale , New Jersey 08801 , United States
| | - R A Frank
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - A J Bartlett
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - P L Gillis
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - J R Marentette
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - J L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - S A Hughes
- Shell Health-Americas , Houston , Texas 77002 , United States
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 1H9 , Canada
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation , Clemson University , Clemson , South Carolina 29634 , United States
| | - R Guest
- Suncor Energy , Calgary , Alberta T2P 3E3 , Canada
| | - A Bekele
- Imperial, Heavy Oil Mining Research , Calgary , Alberta T2C 4P3 , Canada
| | - K Zhang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - G Morandi
- Toxicology Centre , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan S7N 5A2 , Canada
| | - S Wiseman
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan S7N 5B3 , Canada
| | - J P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan S7N 5A2 , Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan S7N 5B3 , Canada
- Department of Zoology, and Center for Integrative Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
- School of Biological Sciences , University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR 999077 , China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , People's Republic of China
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40
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Parrott JL, Marentette JR, Hewitt LM, McMaster ME, Gillis PL, Norwood WP, Kirk JL, Peru KM, Headley JV, Wang Z, Yang C, Frank RA. Meltwater from snow contaminated by oil sands emissions is toxic to larval fish, but not spring river water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 625:264-274. [PMID: 29289775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To assess the toxicity of winter-time atmospheric deposition in the oil sands mining area of Northern Alberta, embryo-larval fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to snowmelt samples. Snow was collected in 2011-2014 near (<7km) oil sands open pit mining operations in the Athabasca River watershed and at sites far from (>25km) oil sands mining. Snow was shipped frozen back to the laboratory, melted, and amended with essential ions prior to testing. Fertilized fathead minnow eggs were exposed (<24h post-fertilization to 7-16days post-hatch) to a range of 25%-100% snowmelt. Snow samples far from (25-277km away) surface mining operations and upgrading facilities did not affect larval fathead minnow survival at 100%. Snow samples from sites near surface mining and refining activities (<7km) showed reduced larval minnow survival. There was some variability in the potencies of snow year-to-year from 2011 to 2014, and there were increases in deformities in minnows exposed to snow from 1 site on the Steepbank River. Although exposure to snowmelt from sites near oil sands surface mining operations caused effects in larval fish, spring melt water from these same sites in late March-May of 2010, 2013 and 2014 showed no effects on larval survival when tested at 100%. Snow was analyzed for metals, total naphthenic acid concentrations, parent PAHs and alkylated PAHs. Naphthenic acid concentrations in snow were below those known to affect fish larvae. Concentrations of metals in ion-amended snow were below published water quality guideline concentrations. Compared to other sites, the snowmelt samples collected close to mining and upgrading activities had higher concentrations of PAHs and alkylated PAHs associated with airborne deposition of fugitive dusts from mining and coke piles, and in aerosols and particles from stack emissions. CAPSULE Snow collected close to oil sands surface mining sites is toxic to larval fathead minnows in the lab; however spring melt water samples from the same sites do not reduce larval fish survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada.
| | - J R Marentette
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - M E McMaster
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - P L Gillis
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - W P Norwood
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - J L Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - K M Peru
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, SK, Canada
| | - J V Headley
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, SK, Canada
| | - Z Wang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, River Road, Ottawa K1A 0H2 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - C Yang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, River Road, Ottawa K1A 0H2 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
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41
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de Oliveira Livera D, Leshuk T, Peru KM, Headley JV, Gu F. Structure-reactivity relationship of naphthenic acids in the photocatalytic degradation process. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 200:180-190. [PMID: 29482010 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bitumen extraction in Canada's oil sands generates oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) as a toxic by-product. Naphthenic acids (NAs) contribute to the water's toxicity, and treatment methods may need to be implemented to enable safe discharge. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising advanced oxidation process (AOP) for OSPW remediation, however, its successful implementation requires understanding of the complicated relationship between structure and reactivity of NAs. This work aimed to study the effect of various structural properties of model compounds on the photocatalytic degradation kinetics via high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), including diamondoid structures, heteroatomic species, and degree of unsaturation. The rate of photocatalytic treatment increased significantly with greater structural complexity, namely with carbon number, aromaticity and degree of cyclicity, properties that render particular NAs recalcitrant to biodegradation. It is hypothesized that a superoxide radical-mediated pathway explains these observations and offers additional benefits over traditional hydroxyl radical-based AOPs. Detailed structure-reactivity investigations of NAs in photocatalysis have not previously been undertaken, and the results described herein illustrate the potential benefit of combining photocatalysis and biodegradation as a complete OSPW remediation technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo de Oliveira Livera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Tim Leshuk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Frank Gu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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42
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Improved coverage of naphthenic acid fraction compounds by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1536:88-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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43
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21 Tesla FT-ICR Mass Spectrometer for Ultrahigh-Resolution Analysis of Complex Organic Mixtures. Anal Chem 2018; 90:2041-2047. [PMID: 29303558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We describe complex organic mixture analysis by 21 tesla (T) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Ultrahigh mass-resolving power (m/Δm50% > 2 700 000 at m/z 400) and mass accuracy (80 ppb rms) enable resolution and confident identification of tens of thousands of unique elemental compositions. We demonstrate 2.2-fold higher mass-resolving power, 2.6-fold better mass measurement accuracy, and 1.3-fold more assigned molecular formulas compared to our custom-built, state-of-the-art 9.4 T FT-ICR mass spectrometer for petroleum and dissolved organic matter (DOM) analyses. Analysis of a heavy petroleum distillate exemplifies the need for ultrahigh-performance mass spectrometry (49 040 assigned molecular formulas for 21 T versus 29 012 for 9.4 T) and extends the identification of previously unresolved Oo, SsOo, and NOo classes. Mass selective ion accumulation (20 Thompson isolation) of an asphalt volcano sample yields 462 resolved mass spectral peaks at m/z 677 and reveals previously unresolved CcHhNnOoSs mass differences at high mass (m/z > 600). Similar performance gains are realized in the analysis of dissolved organic matter, where doubly charged Oo species are resolved from singly charged SOo species, which requires a mass-resolving power greater than 1 400 000 (at m/z 600). This direct comparison reveals the continued need for higher mass-resolving power and better mass accuracy for comprehensive molecular characterization of the most complex organic mixtures.
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44
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Lavoie D, Lefebvre R, Peru KM, Headley JV. Naphthenic acids in groundwater overlying undeveloped shale gas and tight oil reservoirs. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 191:664-672. [PMID: 29078190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The acid extractable organics (AEOs) containing naphthenic acids (NAs) in groundwater overlying undeveloped shale gas (Saint-Édouard region) and tight oil (Haldimand sector, Gaspé) reservoirs in Québec, Canada, were analysed using high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry and thermal conversion/elemental analysis - isotope ratio mass spectrometry. As classically defined by CnH2n+ZO2, the most abundant NAs detected in the majority of groundwater samples were straight-chain (Z = 0) or monounsaturated (Z = -2) C16 and C18 fatty acids. Several groundwater samples from both study areas, however, contained significant proportions of presumably alicyclic bicyclic NAs (i.e., Z = -4) in the C10-C18 range. These compounds may have originated from migrated waters containing a different distribution of NAs, or are the product of in situ microbial alteration of shale organic matter and petroleum. In most groundwater samples, intramolecular carbon isotope values generated by pyrolysis (δ13Cpyr) of AEOs were on average around 2-3‰ heavier than those generated by bulk combustion (δ13C) of AEOs, providing further support for microbial reworking of subsurface organic carbon. Although concentrations of AEOs were very low (<2.0 mg/L), the detection of potentially toxic bicyclic acids in groundwater overlying unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs points to a natural background source of organic contaminants prior to any large-scale commercial hydrocarbon development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Denis Lavoie
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - René Lefebvre
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
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45
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Yang Z, Zhang G, Hollebone BP, Brown CE, Yang C, Lambert P, Wang Z, Landriault M, Shah K. Fate of oxygenated intermediates in solar irradiated diluted bitumen mixed with saltwater. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:622-634. [PMID: 28843901 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Two types of diluted bitumen (dilbit) and a light crude oil spiked onto the surface of saltwater were irradiated with natural solar light in Ottawa to assess the impact of sunlight to the fate of oxygenated intermediates. Oxygenated components, including carbonyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and acidic polar fractions (naphthenic acid fraction compounds, NAFCs), were identified after periods of solar exposure under both winter and summer conditions. Carbonyl PAHs and NAFCs were formed in both seasons; however, light crude and summer irradiation produced higher abundance of them than dilbits and winter exposure. The formed NAFCs were abundant with the congeners containing a heteroatom of oxygen only (Oo species), accompanied by the minor amounts of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing acids. The produced Oo species were predominant with the congeners with light molecular weight, high degree of saturation and heavy oxygen numbers. For both carbonyl PAHs and NAFCs, their abundance continually increased throughout the period of winter exposure. In the summer, some carbonyl PAHs and all Oo species increased during the early exposure period; then they decreased with continued exposure for most oils, illustrating their transitional nature. Oxygenated intermediates thus appear to have been created through the photo-oxidation of non-to medium-polar petroleum hydrocarbons or the intermediates of aldehydes or ketones (O1). Oil properties, the duration of exposure, exposure season and the chemical structure of these intermediates are critical factors controlling their fate through photo-oxidation. The observed chemical changes highlight the effects of sunlight on the potential behavior, fate and impact of spilled oil, with the creation of new resin group compounds and the reduction of aromatics and saturates. These results also imply that the ecological effects of spilled oil, after ageing in sunlight, depend on the specific oil involved and the environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Yang
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada.
| | - Gong Zhang
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Bruce P Hollebone
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Carl E Brown
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Chun Yang
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Patrick Lambert
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Zhendi Wang
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Mike Landriault
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
| | - Keval Shah
- Emergencies Science and Technology Section, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0H3, Canada
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46
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Meshref MNA, Chelme-Ayala P, Gamal El-Din M. Fate and abundance of classical and heteroatomic naphthenic acid species after advanced oxidation processes: Insights and indicators of transformation and degradation. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 125:62-71. [PMID: 28830000 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological effects from all components in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) are not known. Alternatively, monitoring the variations and abundance of different classes and compounds after treatments might be a useful approach in OSPW remediation. In this study, the variations in the compositions of classical and heteroatomic naphthenic acids (NAs) after treatment using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), mainly ozone and peroxone, and two different mass spectrometry methods; ultra-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight (UPLC-TOFMS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR-MS), were examined. Two markers (O2S:O3S:O4S and O2:O4 ratios) were used to reveal changes and similarities of the treated water characteristics with those in natural waters. Both ratios decreased after all treatments, from 2.7:4.8:2.1 and 3.59 in raw OSPW to 0:1.4:0.5 and 0.7, respectively, in peroxone (1:2), becoming close to the reported ratios in natural waters. Toxicity toward Vibrio fischeri showed residual toxic effects after AOPs, suggesting that part of OSPW toxicity may be caused by specific compounds of NAs (i.e., similar reduction (50%) was achieved in both toxicity and abundance in O2 species with carbon 15-26) and/or generated by-products (e.g., O3S classes at double bond equivalent (DBE) = 4 and C9H12O2 at DBE = 4). Although by-products were generated, the best biodegradability enhancement and chemical oxygen demand reduction were achieved in peroxone (1:2) compared to ozone, suggesting the possibility of using combined OSPW remediation approaches (i.e., peroxone coupled with biological process). The recommended indicators can assist in evaluating the treatments' performance and in examining the best removal levels to accomplish significant toxicity reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N A Meshref
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Pamela Chelme-Ayala
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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47
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Gavard R, Rossell D, Spencer SEF, Barrow MP. Themis: Batch Preprocessing for Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectra of Complex Mixtures. Anal Chem 2017; 89:11383-11390. [PMID: 28985049 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry affords the resolving power to determine an unprecedented number of components in complex mixtures, such as petroleum. The software tools required to also analyze these data struggle to keep pace with advancing instrument capabilities and increasing quantities of data, particularly in terms of combining information efficiently across multiple replicates. Improved confidence in data and the use of replicates is particularly important where strategic decisions will be based upon the analysis. We present a new algorithm named Themis, developed using R, to jointly preprocess replicate measurements of a sample with the aim of improving consistency as a preliminary step to assigning peaks to chemical compositions. The main features of the algorithm are quality control criteria to detect failed runs, ensuring comparable magnitudes across replicates, peak alignment, and the use of an adaptive mixture model-based strategy to help distinguish true peaks from noise. The algorithm outputs a list of peaks reliably observed across replicates and facilitates data handling by preprocessing all replicates in a single step. The processed data produced by our algorithm can subsequently be analyzed by use of relevant specialized software. While Themis has been demonstrated with petroleum as an example of a complex mixture, its basic framework will be useful for complex samples arising from a variety of other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Rossell
- Department of Economics & Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , Barcelona 08005, Spain
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48
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Sun C, Shotyk W, Cuss CW, Donner MW, Fennell J, Javed M, Noernberg T, Poesch M, Pelletier R, Sinnatamby N, Siddique T, Martin JW. Characterization of Naphthenic Acids and Other Dissolved Organics in Natural Water from the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:9524-9532. [PMID: 28726392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
With growth of the Canadian oil sands industry, concerns have been raised about possible seepage of toxic oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) into the Athabasca River (AR). A sampling campaign in fall 2015 was undertaken to monitor for anthropogenic seepage while also considering natural sources. Naphthenic acids (NAs) and thousands of bitumen-derived organics were characterized in surface water, groundwater, and OSPW using a highly sensitive online solid phase extraction-HPLC-Orbitrap method. Elevated NA concentrations and bitumen-derived organics were detected in McLean Creek (30.1 μg/L) and Beaver Creek (190 μg/L), two tributaries that are physically impacted by tailings structures. This was suggestive of OSPW seepage, but conclusive differentiation of anthropogenic and natural sources remained difficult. High NA concentrations and bitumen-derived organics were also observed in natural water located far north of the industry, including exceedingly high concentrations in AR groundwater (A5w-GW, 2000 μg/L) and elevated concentration in a tributary river (Pierre River, 34.7 μg/L). Despite these evidence for both natural and anthropogenic seepage, no evidence of any bitumen-derived organics was detected at any location in AR mainstem surface water. The chemical significance of any bitumen-derived seepage to the AR was therefore minimal, and focused monitoring in tributaries will be valuable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2G3
| | - William Shotyk
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Chad W Cuss
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Mark W Donner
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Jon Fennell
- Integrated Sustainability Consultants Ltd. , Calgary, AB Canada T2P 2Y5
| | - Muhammad Javed
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Tommy Noernberg
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Mark Poesch
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Rick Pelletier
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Nilo Sinnatamby
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2H1
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 2G3
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49
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Yassine MM, Dabek-Zlotorzynska E. Application of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the characterization of organic aerosol: Searching for naphthenic acids. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1512:22-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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50
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Bartlett AJ, Frank RA, Gillis PL, Parrott JL, Marentette JR, Brown LR, Hooey T, Vanderveen R, McInnis R, Brunswick P, Shang D, Headley JV, Peru KM, Hewitt LM. Toxicity of naphthenic acids to invertebrates: Extracts from oil sands process-affected water versus commercial mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:271-279. [PMID: 28477551 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) has been primarily attributed to polar organic constituents, including naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs). Our objective was to assess the toxicity of NAFCs derived from fresh and aged OSPW, as well as commercial naphthenic acid (NA) mixtures. Exposures were conducted with three aquatic species: Hyalella azteca (freshwater amphipod), Vibrio fischeri (marine bacterium, Microtox® assay), and Lampsilis cardium (freshwater mussel larvae (glochidia)). Commercial NAs were more toxic than NAFCs, with differences of up to 30-, 4-, and 120-fold for H. azteca, V. fischeri, and L. cardium, respectively, demonstrating that commercial NAs are not reliable surrogates for assessing the toxicity of NAFCs. Differences in toxicity between species were striking for both commercial NAs and NAFCs. Overall, V. fischeri was the least sensitive and H. azteca was the most sensitive organism. Responses of V. fischeri and H. azteca to NAFC exposures were consistent (< 2-fold difference) regardless of source and age of OSPW; however, effects on L. cardium ranged 17-fold between NAFCs. NAFCs derived from fresh OSPW sources were similarly or less toxic to those from aged OSPW. Our results support the need to better characterize the complex mixtures associated with bitumen-influenced waters, both chemically and toxicologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Julie R Marentette
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa R Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Tina Hooey
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ruth Vanderveen
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Rodney McInnis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela Brunswick
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver V7H 1V2, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Dayue Shang
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver V7H 1V2, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
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