1
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Leshuk TC, Young ZW, Wilson B, Chen ZQ, Smith DA, Lazaris G, Gopanchuk M, McLay S, Seelemann CA, Paradis T, Bekele A, Guest R, Massara H, White T, Zubot W, Letinski DJ, Redman AD, Allen DG, Gu F. A Light Touch: Solar Photocatalysis Detoxifies Oil Sands Process-Affected Waters Prior to Significant Treatment of Naphthenic Acids. ACS ES&T WATER 2024; 4:1483-1497. [PMID: 38633367 PMCID: PMC11019557 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Environmental reclamation of Canada's oil sands tailings ponds is among the single largest water treatment challenges globally. The toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) has been associated with its dissolved organics, a complex mixture of naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs). Here, we evaluated solar treatment with buoyant photocatalysts (BPCs) as a passive advanced oxidation process (P-AOP) for OSPW remediation. Photocatalysis fully degraded naphthenic acids (NAs) and acid extractable organics (AEO) in 3 different OSPW samples. However, classical NAs and AEO, traditionally considered among the principal toxicants in OSPW, were not correlated with OSPW toxicity herein. Instead, nontarget petroleomic analysis revealed that low-polarity organosulfur compounds, composing <10% of the total AEO, apparently accounted for the majority of waters' toxicity to fish, as described by a model of tissue partitioning. These findings have implications for OSPW release, for which a less extensive but more selective treatment may be required than previously expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy
M. C. Leshuk
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Zachary W. Young
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Brad Wilson
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Stantec, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 0A4
| | - Zi Qi Chen
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Danielle A. Smith
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- P&P
Optica, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2 V 2C3
| | - Greg Lazaris
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Department
of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill
University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0C5
| | - Mary Gopanchuk
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Sean McLay
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Corin A. Seelemann
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Composite Biomaterials Systems Lab, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Theo Paradis
- Canadian
Natural Resources Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 4J8
| | - Asfaw Bekele
- Imperial
Oil Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2C 5N1
- ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - Rodney Guest
- Suncor Energy Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3E3
| | - Hafez Massara
- Suncor Energy Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3E3
- Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc., Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada L4B 3P6
| | - Todd White
- Teck Resources Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 0B3
| | - Warren Zubot
- Syncrude Canada Ltd., Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada T9H 0B6
| | - Daniel J. Letinski
- ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - Aaron D. Redman
- ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - D. Grant Allen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
| | - Frank Gu
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
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2
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Bridoux MC, Gaiffe G, Pacholski P, Cangemi S, Vinci G, Spaccini R, Schramm S. Concealed by darkness: Combination of NMR and HRMS reveal the molecular nature of dissolved organic matter in fractured-rock groundwater and connected surface waters. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120392. [PMID: 37542781 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Detailed molecular composition of solid phase extracted dissolved organic matter (SPEDOM) collected from fractured-rock groundwater was compared to connected surface river water at two different watersheds in the unconfined chalk aquifer of Champagne in France using full scan ultrahigh resolution electrospray and photoionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), Orbitrap tandem MS (MS/MS) and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). 1H NMR spectroscopy indicated that groundwater SPEDOM carried a higher contribution of aliphatic compounds while surface river waters SPEDOM were enriched in carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM), acetate derivatives and oxygenated units. Furthermore, we show here that use of photoionization (APPI(+)) in aquifer studies is key, ionizing about eight times more compounds than ESI in surface river water samples, specifically targeting the dissolved organic nitrogen pool, accounting for more than 50% of the total molecular space, as well as a non-polar, more aromatic fraction; with little overlap with compounds detected by ESI(-) FT-ICR MS. On the other hand, groundwater SPEDOM samples did not show similar selectivity as less molecular diversity was observed in APPI compared to ESI. Mass-difference transformation networks (MDiNs) applied to ESI(-) and APPI(+) FT-ICR MS datasets provided an overview of the biogeochemical relationships within the aquifer, revealing chemical diversity and microbial/abiotic reactions. Finally, the combination of ESI(-) FT-ICR MS and detailed Orbitrap MS/MS analysis revealed a pool of polar, anthropogenic sulfur-containing surfactants in the groundwaters, likely originating from agricultural runoff. Overall, our study shows that in this aquifer, groundwater SPEDOM contains a significantly reduced pool of organic compounds compared to surface river waters, possibly related to a combination of lack of sunlight and adsorption of high O/C formulas to mineral surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Gaiffe
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon, France
| | - P Pacholski
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon, France; Laboratoire de Chimie et de Physique-Approches Multi-échelles des Milieux Complexes (LCP-A2MC), Université de Lorraine, Metz, France
| | - S Cangemi
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agroalimentare e Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, Portici (NA), 80055, Italy
| | - G Vinci
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agroalimentare e Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, Portici (NA), 80055, Italy
| | - R Spaccini
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agroalimentare e Nuovi Materiali (CERMANU), Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, Portici (NA), 80055, Italy
| | - S Schramm
- Laboratoire de Chimie et de Physique-Approches Multi-échelles des Milieux Complexes (LCP-A2MC), Université de Lorraine, Metz, France
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3
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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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4
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Chung TH, Zakaria BS, Meshref MNA, Dhar BR. Enhancing quorum sensing in biofilm anode to improve biosensing of naphthenic acids. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 210:114275. [PMID: 35447397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The feasibility of enhancing quorum sensing (QS) in anode biofilm to improve the quantifications of commercial naphthenic acid concentrations (9.4-94 mg/L) in a microbial electrochemical cell (MXC) based biosensor was demonstrated in this study. First, three calibration methods were systematically compared, and the charging-discharging operation was selected for further experiments due to its 71-227 folds higher electrical signal outputs than the continuous closed-circuit operation and cyclic voltammetry modes. Then, the addition of acylase (5 μg/L) as an exogenous QS autoinducer (acylase) was investigated, which further improved the biosensor's electrical signal output by ∼70%, as compared to the control (without acylase). The addition of acylase increased the relative expression of QS-associated genes (lasR, lasI, rhlR, rhlI, lasA, and luxR) by 7-100%, along with increased abundances of known electroactive bacterial genera, such as Geobacter (from 42% to 47%) and Desulfovibrio (from 6% to 11%). Furthermore, toxicities of different NAs concentrations measured with the Microtox bioassay test were correlated with corresponding electrical signals, indicating that MXC-biosensor can provide a dual platform for rapid assessment of both NA concentrations and NA-associated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyun Chung
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116, Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116, Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed N A Meshref
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116, Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada; Public Works Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, 1 El Sarayat St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11517, Egypt
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116, Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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5
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Thomas MJ, Chan HYH, Palacio Lozano DC, Barrow MP. Solvent and Flow Rate Effects on the Observed Compositional Profiles and the Relative Intensities of Radical and Protonated Species in Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4954-4960. [PMID: 35286808 PMCID: PMC8969439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sample preparation and instrument parameters have regularly been demonstrated to impact upon the observed results in atmospheric pressure photoionization, mass spectrometry (MS), and analytical techniques in general but may be overlooked when such methods are applied to the characterization of real-world samples. An initial investigation into different solvent systems demonstrated that the inclusion of ethyl acetate inverted the ratio of relative intensities of radical and protonated species (R/P). Design of experiments was performed and indicated that the injection flow rate is also a significant factor. The impact of the solvent system and flow rate on signal intensity, the observed compositional profile, and R/P of selected molecular groups is demonstrated further. An inversion of R/P is observed at higher flow rates in solvent systems commonly used in petroleomics studies, effecting a loss of molecular speciation. The findings presented reiterate the critical importance in considering experimental parameters when interpreting the results of analytical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Thomas
- Molecular Analytical Sciences Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England.,Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England
| | - Ho Yi Holly Chan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England
| | | | - Mark P Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England
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6
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Vinci G, Piccolo A, Bridoux M. Complementary ESI and APPI high resolution mass spectrometry unravel the molecular complexity of a soil humeome. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1194:339398. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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7
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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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8
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O'Reilly KT, Sihota N, Mohler RE, Zemo DA, Ahn S, Magaw RI, Devine CE. Orbitrap ESI-MS evaluation of solvent extractable organics from a crude oil release site. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2021; 242:103855. [PMID: 34265523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of oxygen-containing organic compounds (OCOC), measured as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), in groundwater exceeds those of dissolved hydrocarbons, measured as total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), at a crude oil release site. Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to characterize OCOC in samples of the oil, water from upgradient of the release, source area, and downgradient wells, and a local lake. Chemical characterization factors included carbon number, oxygen number, formulae similarity, double bond equivalents (DBE) and radiocarbon dating. Oil samples were dominated by formulae with less than 30 carbons, four or fewer oxygens, and a DBE of less than four. In water samples, formulae were identified with more than 30 carbons, more than 10 oxygens, and a DBE exceeding 30. These characteristics are consistent with DOC found in unimpacted water. Between 65% and 92% of the formulae found in samples collected within the elevated OCOC plume were also found in the upgradient or surface water samples. Evidence suggests that many of the OCOC are not petroleum degradation intermediates, but microbial products generated as a result of de novo synthesis by organisms growing on carbon supplied by the oil. Implications of these results for understanding the fate and managing the risk of hydrocarbons in the subsurface are discussed.
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9
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Simulated Ageing of Crude Oil and Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Remediation since Crude Oil Pollution. Catalysts 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/catal11080954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Crude oil can undergo biotic and abiotic transformation processes in the environment. This article deals with the fate of an Italian crude oil under simulated solar irradiation to understand (i) the modification induced on its composition by artificial ageing and (ii) the transformations arising from different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) applied as oil-polluted water remediation methods. The AOPs adopted were photocatalysis, sonolysis and, simultaneously, photocatalysis and sonolysis (sonophotocatalysis). Crude oil and its water-soluble fractions underwent analysis using GC-MS, liquid-state 1H-NMR, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS), and fluorescence. The crude oil after light irradiation showed (i) significant modifications induced by the artificial ageing on its composition and (ii) the formation of potentially toxic substances. The treatment produced oil oxidation with a particular effect of double bonds oxygenation. Non-polar compounds present in the water-soluble oil fraction showed a strong presence of branched alkanes and a good amount of linear and aromatic alkanes. All remediation methods utilised generated an increase of C5 class and a decrease of C6–C9 types of compounds. The analysis of polar molecules elucidated that oxygenated compounds underwent a slight reduction after photocatalysis and a sharp decline after sonophotocatalytic degradation. Significant modifications did not occur by sonolysis.
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10
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Vander Meulen IJ, Schock DM, Parrott JL, Mundy LJ, Pauli BD, Peru KM, McMartin DW, Headley JV. Characterization of naphthenic acid fraction compounds in water from Athabasca oil sands wetlands by Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146342. [PMID: 33770601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Classical naphthenic acids (NAs) are known to be primary aquatic toxicants of concern in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), and are a component of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Recent studies conducted in the AOSR have examined metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in regional wetlands. However, few studies have described NAs and/or NAFCs in AOSR wetlands. To address this gap, we examined NAFC profiles in the water of different wetlands in the AOSR, including naturalized borrow pits (i.e., abandoned pits created by excavation of road-building materials), and opportunistically-formed wetlands associated with reclamation activities. For comparison, NAFC profiles from these wetlands were compared to an opportunistic wetland formed from tailings pond dyke seepage. Samples were prepared using solid-phase extraction and analyzed using negative-ion high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Principal component analyses (PCA) revealed patterns to the NAFC profiles in the wetlands. The first distinct grouping of wetlands included water bodies associated with reclamation activities that are located on and/or adjacent to mining overburden. One other wetland, HATS5w, separated from all other wetlands during PCA, and had a unique NAFC profile; detailed examination of NAFCs revealed HATS5w contained the heaviest (i.e., high m/z components) and most unsaturated NAFCs among study locations, demonstrating the usefulness of high-resolution mass spectrometry for characterizing individual wetlands. The NAFCs of HATS5w are also substantially different from bitumen-derived inputs in overburden-adjacent opportunistic wetlands. Collectively, the NAFC profiles presented provide new information on background levels of polar bitumen-derived organics in AOSR 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
| | - 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
| | - Lukas J Mundy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, 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
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 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
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada.
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11
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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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12
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Huang R, Yang L, How ZT, Fang Z, Bekele A, Letinski DJ, Redman AD, Gamal El-Din M. Characterization of raw and ozonated oil sands process water utilizing atmospheric pressure gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with solid phase microextractionun. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 266:129017. [PMID: 33261842 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This work describes a novel application of atmospheric pressure gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (APGC-TOF-MS) combined with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the simultaneous analysis of hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids (NAs) species in raw and ozone-treated oil sands process water (OSPW). SPME method using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated fibers was validated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) to ensure the SPME extractions were operated appropriately. The ionization pathways of the hydrocarbon species in OSPW in the APGC source were verified by analyzing a mixture of eight polyaromatic hydrocarbons which were ionized primarily via charge transfer to produce [M+] while NAs in OSPW were found to be ionized through protonation to generate [MH+] in the wet APGC source. SPME/APGC-TOF-MS analysis demonstrated a different composition profile in OSPW #1, with 74.5% of hydrocarbon species, 23.4% of O2-NAs, and 2.1% of the oxidized NA species at extraction pH 2.0 compared with that obtained by UPLC-TOF-MS analysis (36.9% of O2-NAs, 26.8% of O3-NAs, 24.9% of O4-NAs, 9.1% of O5-NAs, 2.3% of O6-NAs). Moreover, the peak areas of the total NAs and the total peak areas of NAs + hydrocarbons measured by SPME/APGC-TOF-MS correlated excellently with the total NA concentration determined by UPLC-TOF-MS (R2 = 0.90) and the concentrations of the total acid-extractable organics determined by SPME/GC-FID (R2 = 0.98), respectively. APGC-TOF-MS integrated with the SPME techniques could extend the range of target compounds and be a promising alternative to evaluate and characterize NAs and hydrocarbon in different water types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfu Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Zuo Tong How
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Zhi Fang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada; State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Asfaw Bekele
- Upstream Research, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Calgary, Alberta, T2C 5R2, Canada
| | | | - Aaron D Redman
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, NJ, 08801, USA
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Kurek MR, Poulin BA, McKenna AM, Spencer RGM. Deciphering Dissolved Organic Matter: Ionization, Dopant, and Fragmentation Insights via Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:16249-16259. [PMID: 33211479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) has been increasingly employed to characterize dissolved organic matter (DOM) across a range of aquatic environments highlighting the role of DOM in global carbon cycling. DOM analysis commonly utilizes electrospray ionization (ESI), while some have implemented other techniques, including dopant-assisted atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). We compared various extracted DOM compositions analyzed by negative ESI and positive APPI doped with both toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF), including a fragmentation study of THF-doped riverine DOM using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD). DOM compositions followed the same trends in ESI and dopant-assisted APPI with the latter presenting saturated, less oxygenated, and more N-containing compounds than ESI. Between the APPI dopants, THF-doping yielded spectra with more aliphatic-like and N-containing compounds than toluene-doping. We further demonstrate how fragmentation of THF-doped DOM in APPI resolved subtle differences between riverine DOM that was absent from ESI. In both ionization methods, we describe a linear relationship between atomic and formulaic N-compositions from a range of DOM extracts. This study highlights that THF-doped APPI is useful for uncovering low-intensity aliphatic and peptide-like components in autochthonous DOM, which could aid environmental assessments of DOM across biolability gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Kurek
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Geochemistry Group and Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Brett A Poulin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Amy M McKenna
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Ion Cyclotron Resonance Facility, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Robert G M Spencer
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Geochemistry Group and Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
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16
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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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17
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Chung TH, Meshref MN, Dhar BR. Microbial electrochemical biosensor for rapid detection of naphthenic acid in aqueous solution. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2020.114405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Duncan KD, Richards LC, Monaghan J, Simair MC, Ajaero C, Peru KM, Friesen V, McMartin DW, Headley JV, Gill CG, Krogh ET. Direct analysis of naphthenic acids in constructed wetland samples by condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 716:137063. [PMID: 32044488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The application of direct mass spectrometry techniques to the analysis of complex samples has a number of advantages including reduced sample handling, higher sample throughput, in situ process monitoring, and the potential for adaptation to on-site analysis. We report the application of a semi-permeable capillary hollow fibre membrane probe (immersed directly into an aqueous sample) coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer by a continuously flowing methanol acceptor phase for the rapid analysis of naphthenic acids with unit mass resolution. The intensity of the naphthenic acid-associated peaks in the mass spectrum are normalized to an internal standard in the acceptor phase for quantitation and the relative abundance of the peaks in the mass spectrum are employed to monitor compositional changes in the naphthenic acid mixture using principle component analysis. We demonstrate the direct analysis of a synthetic oil sands process-affected water for classical naphthenic acids (CnH2n+zO2) as they are attenuated through constructed wetlands containing sedge (Carex aquatilis), cattail (Typha latifolia), or bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus). Quantitative results for on-line membrane sampling compare favourably to those obtained by solid-phase extraction high-resolution mass spectrometry. Additionally, chemometric analysis of the mass spectra indicates a clear discrimination between naphthenic acid-influenced and natural background waters. Furthermore, the compositional changes within complex naphthenic acid mixtures track closely with the degree of attenuation. Overall, the technique is successful in following changes in both the concentration and composition of naphthenic acids from synthetic oil sands process-affected waters, with the potential for high throughput screening and environmental forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Duncan
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories, Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada; Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 751230 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Larissa C Richards
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories, Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Joseph Monaghan
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories, Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Monique C Simair
- Maven Water & Environment, 238-111 Research Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3R2, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological, and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada; School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 323 Kirk Hall, 117 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5C8, Canada; Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 321 Calhoun Drive, SC 29634, USA
| | - Chukwuemeka Ajaero
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada; Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Vanessa Friesen
- Contango Strategies Limited, 104-411 Downey Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4L8, Canada
| | - Dena W McMartin
- Department of Civil, Geological, and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada; School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 323 Kirk Hall, 117 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5C8, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Chris G Gill
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories, Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Erik T Krogh
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories, Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada.
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19
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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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20
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Brunswick P, Shang D, Frank RA, van Aggelen G, Kim M, Hewitt LM. Diagnostic Ratio Analysis: A New Concept for the Tracking of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water Naphthenic Acids and Other Water-Soluble Organics in Surface Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2228-2243. [PMID: 31968936 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A diagnostic ratio forensics tool, similar to that recognized internationally for oil spill source identification, is proposed for use in conjunction with existing LC/QToF quantitative methodology for bitumen-derived water-soluble organics (WSOs). The concept recognizes that bitumen WSOs bear a chemical skeletal relationship to stearane and hopane oil biomarkers. The method uses response ratios for 50 selected WSOs compared between samples by their relative percent difference and adopted acceptance criteria. Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) samples from different locations within a single tailings pond were shown to match, while those from different industrial sites did not. Acid extractable organic samples collected over 3 weeks from the same location within a single tailings pond matched with each other; as did temporal OSPW samples a year apart. Blind quality assurance samples of OSPW diluted in surface waters were positively identified to their corresponding OSPW source. No interferences were observed from surface waters, and there was no match between bitumen-influenced groundwater and OSPW samples, as expected for different sources. Proof of concept for OSPW source identification using diagnostic ratios was demonstrated, with anticipated application in the tracking of OSPW plumes in surface receiving waters, together with the potential for confirmation of source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Brunswick
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre , Environment and Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia V7H 1B1 , Canada
| | - Dayue Shang
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre , Environment and Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia V7H 1B1 , Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Graham van Aggelen
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre , Environment and Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia V7H 1B1 , Canada
| | - Marcus Kim
- Agilent Technologies, Inc. , Mississauga , Ontario L5N 5M4 , Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
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21
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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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22
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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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23
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Cho E, Park M, Hur M, Kang G, Kim YH, Kim S. Molecular-level investigation of soils contaminated by oil spilled during the Gulf War. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 373:271-277. [PMID: 30925386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, molecular-level chemical compositions of soils contaminated by oil spilled during the Gulf War were studied. Two soil samples, respectively collected at 0.1 m and between 0.5 and 1 m below the surface from an oil spill site, were extracted with organic solvents and water. The extracts were analyzed via ultrahigh resolution FT-ICR and two-dimensional gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry. The data showed that the spilled oil was significantly affected by vaporization due to high surface temperatures in the desert. The data obtained with (+) atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI) and (-) electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with ultrahigh resolution-mass spectrometry (UHR-MS) indicated that the degradation of aromatic compounds and increase in oxygen-containing classes occurred in the following order: surface soil > below surface soil > crude oil. The oxygenated compounds were confirmed by principal component analysis. The score and loading plots of Ox and SOx showed that they were the major contributors to differentiate the samples. However, a comparison with previously reported oceanic oil spills showed that less significant degradation occurred even after almost 30 years. Our data can provide an information basis for designing a strategy for clean-up and restoration efforts of Gulf War oil spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonhee Park
- Biomedical Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162 Yeongudanji-ro, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Manhoi Hur
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92506, United States
| | - Guyoung Kang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, 81 Oedae-ro, Mohyeon-eup, Cheoin-gu 17035, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Hwan Kim
- Biomedical Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, 162 Yeongudanji-ro, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do 28119, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Green-Nano Materials Research Center, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Kilgour B, Mahaffey A, Brown C, Hughes S, Hatry C, Hamilton L. Variation in toxicity and ecological risks associated with some oil sands groundwaters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:1224-1233. [PMID: 31096335 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The surface mining of oil sands deposits requires the removal of groundwater to stabilize the deposit (depressurization) and make it safe for mining. The chemistry and toxicity of deep groundwaters (from 45 to 144 m below an active mining operation) were characterized to determine if the release of groundwaters would pose a risk to a receiving aquatic environment. Concentrations of conventional chemicals such as nutrients and metals were generally below CCME chronic guidelines. Concentrations of oil sands naphthenic acids (NAs) varied depending on the method of measurement and were routinely >1 mg L-1. Groundwaters rarely caused lethality to fish and invertebrates in standard acute and chronic toxicity tests. Algal cell production was negatively correlated with chlorides and potentially negatively with NAs. Other chronic toxicity variations were less obviously correlated with measured chemistry. The groundwaters had moderately-high oxygen demand (2 to 33 mg L-1), likely associated with nutrients and organic substances, and thus have the potential to enrich receiving surface water environments if left untreated and depending on the receiving environment. This paper presents for the first time a comprehensive (3 year) pairing of water chemistry and toxicity data on groundwaters collected from aquifer depressurization wells below an active oil sands operation. These data will contribute to a better understanding of the environmental risk these waters potentially pose, and ultimately, to the improvement of water management strategies and the reduction of the overall surface mining footprint of oil sands operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Kilgour
- Kilgour & Associates Ltd, 16-2285C St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Ashley Mahaffey
- Coral Waters Consulting, Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Christine Brown
- Shell Canada Ltd, Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Sarah Hughes
- Shell Health - Americas, 150 North Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77079, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Charles Hatry
- Kilgour & Associates Ltd, 16-2285C St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4Z6, Canada
| | - Liza Hamilton
- Kilgour & Associates Ltd, 16-2285C St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4Z6, Canada
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25
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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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26
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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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27
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Pilote M, André C, Turcotte P, Gagné F, Gagnon C. Metal bioaccumulation and biomarkers of effects in caged mussels exposed in the Athabasca oil sands area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 610-611:377-390. [PMID: 28806554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Athabasca oil sands deposit is the world's largest known reservoir of crude bitumen and the third-largest proven crude oil reserve. Mining activity is known to release contaminants, including metals, and to potentially impact the aquatic environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the impacts of oil sands mining on water quality and metal bioaccumulation in mussels from the Fort McMurray area in northern Alberta, Canada. The study presents two consecutive years of contrasting mussel exposure conditions (low and high flows). Native freshwater mussels (Pyganodon grandis) were placed in cages and exposed in situ in the Athabasca River for four weeks. Metals and inorganic elements were then analyzed in water and in mussel gills and digestive glands to evaluate bioaccumulation, estimate the bioconcentration factor (BCF), and determine the effects of exposure by measuring stress biomarkers. This study shows a potential environmental risk to aquatic life from metal exposure associated with oil sands development along with the release of wastewater from a municipal treatment plant nearby. Increased bioaccumulation of Be, V, Ni and Pb was observed in mussel digestive glands in the Steepbank River, which flows directly through the oil sands mining area. Increased bioaccumulation of Al, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Mo and Ni was also observed in mussel gills from the Steepbank River. These metals are naturally present in oil sands and generally concentrate and increase with the extraction process. The results also showed different pathways of exposure (particulate or dissolved forms) for V and Ni resulting from different river water flows, distribution coefficient (Kd) and BCF. Increasing metal exposure downstream of the oil sands mining area had an impact on metallothionein and lipid peroxidation in mussels, posing a potential environmental risk to aquatic life. These results confirm the bioavailability of some metals in mussel tissues associated with detoxification of metals (metallothionein levels), and oxidative stress in mussels located downstream of the oil sands mining area. These results highlight a potential ecotoxicological risk to biota and to the aquatic environment downstream of the oil sands mining area, even at low metal exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilote
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada.
| | - C André
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - P Turcotte
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - F Gagné
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - C Gagnon
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina , Columbia, South Carolina 29205, United States
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29
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Hughes SA, Huang R, Mahaffey A, Chelme-Ayala P, Klamerth N, Meshref MNA, Ibrahim MD, Brown C, Peru KM, Headley JV, Gamal El-Din M. Comparison of methods for determination of total oil sands-derived naphthenic acids in water samples. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 187:376-384. [PMID: 28863291 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.08.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
There are several established methods for the determination of naphthenic acids (NAs) in waters associated with oil sands mining operations. Due to their highly complex nature, measured concentration and composition of NAs vary depending on the method used. This study compared different common sample preparation techniques, analytical instrument methods, and analytical standards to measure NAs in groundwater and process water samples collected from an active oil sands operation. In general, the high- and ultrahigh-resolution methods, namely high performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS) and Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS), were within an order of magnitude of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods consistently had the highest NA concentrations and greatest standard error. Total NAs concentration was not statistically different between sample preparation of solid phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. Calibration standards influenced quantitation results. This work provided a comprehensive understanding of the inherent differences in the various techniques available to measure NAs and hence the potential differences in measured amounts of NAs in samples. Results from this study will contribute to the analytical method standardization for NA analysis in oil sands related water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Hughes
- Shell Health - Americas, Shell Oil Company, 910 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002, 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.
| | - Rongfu Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Ashley Mahaffey
- Coral Waters Consulting Inc, Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB, T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Pamela Chelme-Ayala
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Christine Brown
- Shell Canada Ltd. Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB, T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
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30
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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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Islam A, Ahmed A, Hur M, Thorn K, Kim S. Molecular-level evidence provided by ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry for oil-derived doc in groundwater at Bemidji, Minnesota. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 320:123-132. [PMID: 27526278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dissolved organic matter samples extracted from ground water at the USGS Bemidji oil spill site in Minnesota were investigated by ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the elemental composition assignments of the samples showed that the score plots for the contaminated sites were well separated from those for the uncontaminated sites. Additionally, spectra obtained from the same sampling site 7 and 19 years after the spill were grouped together in the score plot, strongly suggesting a steady state of contamination within the 12year interval. The double bond equivalence (DBE) of Ox class compounds was broader for the samples from the contaminated sites, because of the complex nature of oil and the consequent formation of compounds with saturated and/or aromatic structures from the oxygenated products of oil. In addition, Ox class compounds with a relatively smaller number of x (x<8; x=number of oxygen) and OxS1 class compounds were more abundant in the samples from the contaminated sites, because of the lower oxygen and higher sulfur contents of the oil compared to humic substances. The molecular-level signatures presented here can be a fundamental basis for in-depth analysis of oil contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananna Islam
- Kyungpook National University, Department of Chemistry, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Arif Ahmed
- Kyungpook National University, Department of Chemistry, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Manhoi Hur
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; Center for Metabolic Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Kevin Thorn
- Water Mission Area, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO 80225, USA
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Kyungpook National University, Department of Chemistry, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea; Green Nano Center, Department of Chemistry, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea.
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Frank RA, Milestone CB, Rowland SJ, Headley JV, Kavanagh RJ, Lengger SK, Scarlett AG, West CE, Peru KM, Hewitt LM. Assessing spatial and temporal variability of acid-extractable organics in oil sands process-affected waters. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 160:303-313. [PMID: 27391053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The acid-extractable organic compounds (AEOs), including naphthenic acids (NAs), present within oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) receive great attention due to their known toxicity. While recent progress in advanced separation and analytical methodologies for AEOs has improved our understanding of the composition of these mixtures, little is known regarding any variability (i.e., spatial, temporal) inherent within, or between, tailings ponds. In this study, 5 samples were collected from the same location of one tailings pond over a 2-week period. In addition, 5 samples were collected simultaneously from different locations within a tailings pond from a different mine site, as well as its associated recycling pond. In both cases, the AEOs were analyzed using SFS, ESI-MS, HRMS, GC×GC-ToF/MS, and GC- & LC-QToF/MS (GC analyses following conversion to methyl esters). Principal component analysis of HRMS data was able to distinguish the ponds from each other, while data from GC×GC-ToF/MS, and LC- and GC-QToF/MS were used to differentiate samples from within the temporal and spatial sample sets, with the greater variability associated with the latter. Spatial differences could be attributed to pond dynamics, including differences in inputs of tailings and surface run-off. Application of novel chemometric data analyses of unknown compounds detected by LC- and GC-QToF/MS allowed further differentiation of samples both within and between data sets, providing an innovative approach for future fingerprinting studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Craig B Milestone
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Steve J Rowland
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | | | - Sabine K Lengger
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Alan G Scarlett
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Charles E West
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
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Roles of Thermophiles and Fungi in Bitumen Degradation in Mostly Cold Oil Sands Outcrops. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015. [PMID: 26209669 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02221-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oil sands are surface exposed in river valley outcrops in northeastern Alberta, where flat slabs (tablets) of weathered, bitumen-saturated sandstone can be retrieved from outcrop cliffs or from riverbeds. Although the average yearly surface temperature of this region is low (0.7°C), we found that the temperatures of the exposed surfaces of outcrop cliffs reached 55 to 60°C on sunny summer days, with daily maxima being 27 to 31°C. Analysis of the cooccurrence of taxa derived from pyrosequencing of 16S/18S rRNA genes indicated that an aerobic microbial network of fungi and hydrocarbon-, methane-, or acetate-oxidizing heterotrophic bacteria was present in all cliff tablets. Metagenomic analyses indicated an elevated presence of fungal cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in these samples. This network was distinct from the heterotrophic community found in riverbeds, which included fewer fungi. A subset of cliff tablets had a network of anaerobic and/or thermophilic taxa, including methanogens, Firmicutes, and Thermotogae, in the center. Long-term aerobic incubation of outcrop samples at 55°C gave a thermophilic microbial community. Analysis of residual bitumen with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer indicated that aerobic degradation proceeded at 55°C but not at 4°C. Little anaerobic degradation was observed. These results indicate that bitumen degradation on outcrop surfaces is a largely aerobic process with a minor anaerobic contribution and is catalyzed by a consortium of bacteria and fungi. Bitumen degradation is stimulated by periodic high temperatures on outcrop cliffs, which cause significant decreases in bitumen viscosity.
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