1
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Miles SM, Balaberda AL, Leshuk TMC, Peru K, Headley J, Gu F, Ulrich AC. A multi-step approach: Coupling of biodegradation and UV photocatalytic oxidation TiO 2 for the treatment of naphthenic acid fraction compounds in oil sands process-affected water. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142502. [PMID: 38838863 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142502] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Bitumen extraction in Alberta's oil sands region uses large volumes of water, leading to an abundance of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). OSPW contains naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) which have been found to contribute to OSPW toxicity. This study utilized a multistep treatment, coupling biological degradation with UV photocatalytic oxidation, and nutrient addition to boost the native microbial community's degradation capacity. OSPW initially contained 40-42 mg/L NAFCs with a toxicity of 3.8-3.9 TU. Initial biodegradation (Step 1) was used to remove the easily biodegradable NAFCs (11-25% removal), followed by a light or heavy dose of oxidation (Step 2) to breakdown the recalcitrant NAFCs (66-82% removal). Lastly, post-oxidation biodegradation with nutrients (Step 3) removed the residual bioavailable NAFCs (16-31% removal). By the end of the multistep treatment, the final NAFC concentrations and toxicity ranged from 5.3 to 6.8 mg/L and 1.1-1.2 TU. Analysis showed that OPSW was limited in phosphorus (below detection limit), and the addition of nutrients improved the degradation of NAFCs. Two treatments throughout the multistep treatment never received nutrients and showed minimal NAFC degradation post-oxidation. The native microbial community survived the stress from UV photocatalytic oxidation as seen by the post-oxidation NAFC biodegradation. Microbial community diversity was reduced considerably following oxidation, but increased with nutrient addition. The microbial community consisted predominately of Proteobacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria), and the composition shifted depending on the level of oxidation received. Possible NAFC-degrading microbes identified after a light oxidation dose included Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Xanthomonadales, while Xanthobacteracea and Rhodococcus were the dominant microbes after heavy oxidation. This experiment confirms that the microbial community is capable of degrading NAFCs and withstanding oxidative stress, and that degradation is further enhanced with the addition of nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Miles
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Amy-Lynne Balaberda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Timothy M C Leshuk
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kerry Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Frank Gu
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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2
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Asiedu E, Zhao K, Anwar MN, Ross M, Balaberda AL, Ulrich AC. Biodegradation in oil sands process-affected water: A comprehensive laboratory analysis of the in situ biodegradation of dissolved organic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:141018. [PMID: 38141671 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a by-product of the extraction of bitumen, and volumes of OSPW have accumulated across the Alberta oil sands region due to the governments zero-discharge policy. Some dissolved organics in OSPW, including toxic naphthenic acids (NAs), can be biodegraded in oxic conditions, thereby reducing the toxicity of OSPW. While there has been much focus on degradation of NAs, the biodegradation of other dissolved organic chemicals by endogenous organisms remains understudied. Here, using the HPLC-ultrahigh resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry, we examined the microbial biodegradation of dissolved organic acids in OSPW. Non-targeted analysis enabled the estimation of biodegradation rates for unique heteroatomic chemical classes detected in negative ion mode. The microcosm experiments were conducted with and without nutrient supplementation, and the changes in the microbial community over time were investigated. Without added nutrients, internal standard-adjusted intensities of all organics, including NAs, were largely unchanged. The addition of nutrients increased the biodegradation rate of O2- and SO2- chemical classes. While anoxic biodegradation can occur in tailings ponds and end pit lakes, microbial community analyses confirmed that the presence of oxygen stimulated biodegradation of the OSPW samples studied. We detected several aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading microbes (e.g., Pseudomonas and Brevundimonas), and microbes capable of degrading sulfur-containing hydrocarbons (e.g., Microbacterium). Microbial community diversity decreased over time with nutrient addition. Overall, the results from this study indicate that toxic dissolved organics beyond NAs can be biodegraded by endogenous organisms in OSPW, but reaffirms that biological treatment strategies require careful consideration of how nutrients and dissolved oxygen may impact efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Asiedu
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Kankan Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mian Nabeel Anwar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Matthew Ross
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2P2, Canada
| | - Amy-Lynne Balaberda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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3
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Robinson CE, Elvidge CK, Frank RA, Headley JV, Hewitt LM, Little AG, Robinson SA, Trudeau VL, Vander Meulen IJ, Orihel DM. Naphthenic acid fraction compounds reduce the reproductive success of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) by affecting offspring viability. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120455. [PMID: 36270565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120455] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the toxicity of organic compounds in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is necessary to inform the development of environmental guidelines related to wastewater management in Canada's oil sands region. In the present study, we investigated the effects of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs), one of the most toxic components of OSPW, on mating behaviour, fertility, and offspring viability in the wood frog (Rana sylvatica). Wild adult wood frogs were exposed separately from the opposite sex to 0, 5, or 10 mg/L of OSPW-derived NAFCs for 24 h and then combined in outdoor lake water mesocosms containing the same NAFC concentrations (n = 2 males and 1 female per mesocosm, n = 3 mesocosms per treatment). Mating events were recorded for 48 h and egg masses were measured to determine adult fertility. NAFC exposure had no significant effect on mating behaviour (probability of amplexus and oviposition, amplexus and oviposition latency, total duration of amplexus and number of amplectic events) or fertility (fertilization success and clutch size). Tadpoles (50 individuals per mesocosm at hatching, and 15 individuals per mesocosm from 42 d post-hatch) were reared in the same mesocosms under chronic NAFC exposure until metamorphic climax (61-85 d after hatching). Offspring exposed to 10 mg/L NAFCs during development were less likely to survive and complete metamorphosis, grew at a reduced rate, and displayed more frequent morphological abnormalities. These abnormalities included limb anomalies at metamorphosis, described for the first time after NAFC exposure. The results of this study suggest that NAFCs reduce wood frog reproductive success through declines in offspring viability and therefore raise the concern that exposure to NAFCs during reproduction and development may affect the recruitment of native amphibian populations in the oil sands region.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Robinson
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - C K Elvidge
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - J V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - A G Little
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - S A Robinson
- Ecotoxicoloy and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0H3, Ontario, Canada
| | - V L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - I J Vander Meulen
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - D M Orihel
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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de Vries P, Jak RG, Frost TK. Comparison of Substance-Based and Whole-Effluent Toxicity of Produced Water Discharges from Norwegian Offshore Oil and Gas Installations. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2285-2304. [PMID: 35723421 PMCID: PMC9545660 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
When assessing the environmental risks of offshore produced water discharges, it is key to properly assess the toxicity of this complex mixture. Toxicity can be assessed either through the application of whole-effluent toxicity (WET) testing or based on its substance-based chemical composition or both. In the present study, the toxicity assessed based on WET and substance-based was compared for 25 offshore produced water effluents collected for the Norwegian implementation of the Oslo-Paris convention risk-based assessment program. The objectives were, firstly, to examine the concurrence between toxicity estimates derived from these two lines of evidence; and, secondly, to evaluate whether toxicity of produced water discharges predicted from substance-based data is adequately addressed in comparison with ground truth reflected by WET. For both approaches, 50% hazardous concentrations (HC50s) were calculated. For at least 80% of the effluents the HC50s for the two approaches differed by less than a factor of 5. Differences found between the two approaches can be attributed to the uncertainty in the estimation of the concentration of production chemicals that strongly influences the substance-based estimated toxicity. By evaluating effluents on a case-by-case basis, additional causes were hypothesized. Risk management will particularly benefit from the strength of risk endpoints from both approaches by monitoring them periodically in conjunction over time. This way (in)consistencies in trends of both indicators can be evaluated and addressed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2285-2304. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn de Vries
- Wageningen Marine ResearchWageningen Universiteit en ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Robbert G. Jak
- Wageningen Marine ResearchWageningen Universiteit en ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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5
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A microbial solution to oil sand pollution: Understanding the microbiomes, metabolic pathways and mechanisms involved in naphthenic acid (NA) biodegradation. ADV ECOL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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6
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Porto NDA, Crucello J, Facanali R, Junior IM, Carvalho RM, Hantao LW. Profiling naphthenic acids in produced water using hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography coupled to Fourier transform Orbitrap mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1655:462485. [PMID: 34474190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we describe the development of an analytical method to profile naphthenic acids (NAs) from produced water (PW). The NAs were isolated by hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME). A microwave-assisted methylation method was used to convert the free acids into its corresponding naphthenic methyl esters (NAMEs). The best reaction conditions were ascertained using central composite design. The optimized sample preparation method exhibited an improved analytical eco-scale value (80 vs. 61) compared to conventional liquid-liquid extraction. Although the primary goal was qualitative analysis of NAMEs (e.g., group-type separation) in produced water, the quantitative performance was also evaluated for future investigations. The instrumental detection and quantification limits were 0.10 ng mL-1 and 0.16 ng mL-1, respectively, using full spectrum data acquisition. The accuracy and precision of the proposed method ranged from 90.4 to 96.6 % and 3.3 to 13.1 %, respectively, using matrix-matched working solutions (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 µg mL-1). The monoisotopic masses of the adduct ions ([M+H]+) and its corresponding fine isotopic patterns were used to determine the elemental composition of the NAMEs in the PW samples. Qualitative analysis indicated the O2 class as the predominant class in all samples with carbon numbers ranging from C5 to C19 and double bond equivalent (DBE) values of 1 to 8. Additional classes of polar compounds, i.e., O3, O4 and nitrogen-containing classes, are reported for the first time by gas chromatography coupled to Fourier transform Orbitrap mass spectrometry and chemical ionization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália de Aguiar Porto
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, 270 Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862 Brazil
| | - Juliana Crucello
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, 270 Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862 Brazil
| | - Roselaine Facanali
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, 270 Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862 Brazil
| | - Iris Medeiros Junior
- Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research and Development Center, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro 20031-912 Brazil
| | - Rogerio Mesquita Carvalho
- Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research and Development Center, Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro 20031-912 Brazil
| | - Leandro Wang Hantao
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, 270 Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862 Brazil.
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7
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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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8
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Marriott PJ, Chin ST, Nolvachai Y. Techniques and application in comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1636:461788. [PMID: 33352489 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to the well-known comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) method, it is possible to define comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography. 'Comprehensiveness' relates to analysis of the whole sample. Two-dimensional and multidimensional here refer to the use of at least two separation stages for analysis, however comprehensive 2DGC now appears to be reserved for the GC×GC method. This may be differentiated from comprehensive MDGC (CMDGC) simply by the analysis time assigned to the second (2D) column, although there does not appear to be a specific definition that relates to this analysis time parameter. A number of different implementation protocols for comprehensive MDGC are described here, that may involve either a single, or multiple, injection(s). In all cases, independent retention must be achieved on each dimension to ensure the probability of enhanced separation. An original application of a crude oil sample is presented to illustrate development of the MDGC approach that incorporates two Deans switches (DS) and a cryogenic trapping approach, performed using a sequential heart-cut (H/C) event method incremented by 0.5 min for each injection; a total of 40 injections is used to analyse the total sample. The higher peak capacity and consequently greater resolution on the long 2D column is illustrated, compared with that expected for conventional GC×GC, with tentative identification in order to classify chemical classes. Incorporating an approach to acquiring retention indices may be implemented, although its utility for petroleum hydrocarbons is limited. Structured groupings of different chemical classes, as exemplified by mono and diaromatics for the crude oil sample, were noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Marriott
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Sung-Tong Chin
- Australian National Phenome Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 5 Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Yada Nolvachai
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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9
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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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10
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Gutierrez-Villagomez JM, Vázquez-Martínez J, Ramírez-Chávez E, Molina-Torres J, Trudeau VL. Profiling low molecular weight organic compounds from naphthenic acids, acid extractable organic mixtures, and oil sands process-affected water by SPME-GC-EIMS. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 390:122186. [PMID: 32006852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are complex mixtures of carboxylic acids from petroleum that have industrial applications and that may be released to the environment after oil spills. There is significant research on the chemical composition and toxicity of water-soluble NAs derived from oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada. Yet, little is known about low molecular weight organic compounds (LMWOC) from these sources. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry was used for LMWOC profiling of commercial NA blends, and an acid-extractable organics (AEOs) mixture from a tailings pond. From Sigma 1, Sigma 2, Merichem NAs and the AEO extract, 54, 56, 40 and 4 compounds were identified, respectively. These include aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, alkylbenzenes, phenols, naphthalene and alkyl-naphthalene, and decalin compounds. A sample of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) and aqueous solutions of the NA blends were evaluated for matrix effects on LMWOC profiles. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed that LMWOC profiles of commercial extracts were closely related but distinct from the AEO and OSPW samples. Some of the identified LMWOC are reported to be genotoxic or carcinogenic, and therefore the NA mixtures and AEOs should be considered hazardous materials and further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Vázquez-Martínez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Irapuato (ITESI), Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), Carretera Irapuato - Silao km 12.5 Colonia El Copal, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico; Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, CINVESTAV Unidad Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
| | - Enrique Ramírez-Chávez
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, CINVESTAV Unidad Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
| | - Jorge Molina-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, CINVESTAV Unidad Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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Sørensen L, McCormack P, Altin D, Robson WJ, Booth AM, Faksness LG, Rowland SJ, Størseth TR. Establishing a link between composition and toxicity of offshore produced waters using comprehensive analysis techniques - A way forward for discharge monitoring? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133682. [PMID: 31386952 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Extracts of produced waters from five mature Norwegian Sea oil fields were examined as total organic extracts (TOEs) and after fractionation into operationally-defined 'polar' and 'apolar' fractions. The TOEs and fractions were examined by gas chromatography (GC), GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), two dimensional GC-MS (GC × GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with high-resolution spectrometry (LC-HRMS) techniques. Low molecular weight aromatics, phenols and other common petroleum-derived hydrocarbons were characterized and quantified in the TOEs and fractions. In addition, a range of more uncommon polar and apolar constituents, including those likely derived from production chemicals, such as trithiolane, imidazolines and quaternary amine compounds (so-called 'quats'), were tentatively identified, using GC × GC-MS and LC-HRMS. The acute toxicity of the TOEs and subfractions was investigated using early life stages of the marine copepod Acartia tonsa. Toxicity varied significantly for different PW TOEs and subfractions. For some PWs, the toxicity was attributed mainly to the 'polar' components, while that of other PWs was associated mainly with the 'apolar' components. Importantly, the observed toxicity could not be explained by the presence of the commonly reported compounds only. Although, due to the vast chemical complexity even of the sub-fractions of the PW extracts, specific compounds driving the observed toxicity could be not be elucidated in this study, the proposed approach may suggest a way forward for future revisions of monitoring regimes for PW discharges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbet Sørensen
- SINTEF Ocean, Environment and New Resources, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Paul McCormack
- Petroleum & Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - William J Robson
- Petroleum & Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Andy M Booth
- SINTEF Ocean, Environment and New Resources, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Steven J Rowland
- Petroleum & Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, UK
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14
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Folwell BD, McGenity TJ, Whitby C. Diamondoids are not forever: microbial biotransformation of diamondoid carboxylic acids. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 13:495-508. [PMID: 31714688 PMCID: PMC7017837 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oil sands process‐affected waters (OSPW) contain persistent, toxic naphthenic acids (NAs), including the abundant yet little‐studied diamondoid carboxylic acids. Therefore, we investigated the aerobic microbial biotransformation of two of the most abundant, chronically toxic and environmentally relevant diamondoid carboxylic acids: adamantane‐1‐carboxylic acid (A1CA) and 3‐ethyl adamantane carboxylic acid (3EA). We inoculated into minimal salts media with diamondoid carboxylic acids as sole carbon and energy source two samples: (i) a surface water sample (designated TPW) collected from a test pit from the Mildred Lake Settling Basin and (ii) a water sample (designated 2 m) collected at a water depth of 2 m from a tailings pond. By day 33, in TPW enrichments, 71% of A1CA and 50% of 3EA was transformed, with 50% reduction in EC20 toxicity. Similar results were found for 2 m enrichments. Biotransformation of A1CA and 3EA resulted in the production of two metabolites, tentatively identified as 2‐hydroxyadamantane‐1‐carboxylic acid and 3‐ethyladamantane‐2‐ol respectively. Accumulation of both metabolites was less than the loss of the parent compound, indicating that they would have continued to be transformed beyond 33 days and not accumulate as dead‐end metabolites. There were shifts in bacterial community composition during biotransformation, with Pseudomonas species, especially P. stutzeri, dominating enrichments irrespective of the diamondoid carboxylic acid. In conclusion, we demonstrated the microbial biotransformation of two diamondoid carboxylic acids, which has potential application for their removal and detoxification from vast OSPW that are a major environmental threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Folwell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Terry J McGenity
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Corinne Whitby
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
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15
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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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16
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Tanna RN, Redman AD, Frank RA, Arciszewski TJ, Zubot WA, Wrona FJ, Brogly JA, Munkittrick KR. Overview of Existing Science to Inform Oil Sands Process Water Release: A Technical Workshop Summary. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:519-527. [PMID: 30908840 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The extraction of oil sands from mining operations in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region uses an alkaline hot water extraction process. The oil sands process water (OSPW) is recycled to facilitate material transport (e.g., ore and tailings), process cooling, and is also reused in the extraction process. The industry has expanded since commercial mining began in 1967 and companies have been accumulating increasing inventories of OSPW. Short- and long-term sustainable water management practices require the ability to return treated water to the environment. The safe release of OSPW needs to be based on sound science and engineering practices to ensure downstream protection of ecological and human health. A significant body of research has contributed to the understanding of the chemistry and toxicity of OSPW. A multistakeholder science workshop was held in September 2017 to summarize the state of science on the toxicity and chemistry of OSPW. The goal of the workshop was to review completed research in the areas of toxicology, chemical analysis, and monitoring to support the release of treated oil sands water. A key outcome from the workshop was identifying research needs to inform future water management practices required to support OSPW return. Another key outcome of the workshop was the recognition that methods are sufficiently developed to characterize chemical and toxicological characteristics of OSPW to address and close knowledge gaps. Industry, government, and local indigenous stakeholders have proceeded to utilize these insights in reviewing policy and regulations. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:519-527. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron D Redman
- ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Annandale, New Jersey, USA
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario
| | - Tim J Arciszewski
- Alberta Environment and Parks, Environmental Monitoring and Science Division, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Warren A Zubot
- Syncrude Canada Ltd, Edmonton Research Centre, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Frederick J Wrona
- Environmental Monitoring and Science Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John A Brogly
- Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Kelly R Munkittrick
- Cold Regions and Water Initiatives, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Bowman DT, Warren LA, McCarry BE, Slater GF. Profiling of individual naphthenic acids at a composite tailings reclamation fen by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:1522-1531. [PMID: 30308920 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are naturally occurring in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) and accumulate in tailings as a result of water-based extraction processes. NAs exist as a complex mixture, so the development of an analytical technique to characterize them has been an on-going challenge. The aim of this study was to use comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to monitor individual NAs within a wetland reclamation site in the AOSR. Samples were collected from four monitoring wells at the site and the extracts were found to contain numerous resolved isomers of classical (monocyclic-, bicyclic-, adamantane-, indane-, and tetralin-type carboxylic acids) and sulfur-containing NAs (thiamonocyclic- and thiophene-type carboxylic acids). The absolute abundances of the monitored NAs were compared between four monitoring wells and unique profiles were observed at each well. Few significant changes in absolute abundances were observed over the sampling period, with the exception of one well (Well 6A). In addition, isomeric percent compositions were calculated for each set of structural isomers, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-dimensional hierarchical cluster analysis revealed high spatial variation at the site. However, consistent distributions were observed at each of the monitoring wells for some sets of NA isomers (such as: adamantane NAs), which may be useful for forensic applications, such as identifying sources of contamination or demonstrating biodegradation. The methods and results presented in this study demonstrate the utility of monitoring individual NAs, since both changes in absolute abundances of individual NAs and the distribution of NA isomers have the ability to provide insight into their sources and the processes controlling their concentrations that are not only of relevance to the Alberta Oil Sands, but also to other petroleum deposits and environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Bowman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, ON, Canada
| | - Lesley A Warren
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George St. Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Brian E McCarry
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory F Slater
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, ON, Canada; School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada.
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18
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Yassine MM, Dabek-Zlotorzynska E. Investigation of isomeric structures in a commercial mixture of naphthenic acids using ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid traveling wave ion mobility-time of flight mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1572:90-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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19
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Gruber B, Weggler B, Jaramillo R, Murrell K, Piotrowski P, Dorman F. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography in forensic science: A critical review of recent trends. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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20
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Dogra Y, Scarlett AG, Rowe D, Galloway TS, Rowland SJ. Predicted and measured acute toxicity and developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos produced by exposure to individual aromatic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 205:98-107. [PMID: 29689530 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum acids, often called 'Naphthenic Acids' (NA), enter the environment in complex mixtures from numerous sources. These include from Produced and Process-Affected waters discharged from some oil industry activities, and from the environmental weathering of spilled crude oil hydrocarbons. Here, we test the hypothesis that individual NA within the complex mixtures can induce developmental abnormalities in fish, by screening a range of individual acids, with known chemical structures. Sixteen aromatic NA were tested using a Thamnocephalus platyrus (beavertail fairyshrimp) assay, to establish acute toxicity. Toxicities ranged from 568 to 8 μM, with the methylbiphenyl acid, 4-(p-tolyl)benzoic acid, most toxic. Next, five of the most toxic monoacids and for comparison, a diacid, were assayed using Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos to test for lethality and developmental abnormalities. The toxicities were also predicted using Admet predictor™ software. Exposure to the five monoacids produced deformities in zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, exposure to 4-(p-tolyl)benzoic acid produced abnormalities in >90% of the embryos at concentrations of <1 μM; exposure to dehydroabietic acid caused pericardial edema and stunted growth in 100% of the embryos at 6 μM and exposure to pyrene-1-carboxylic acid caused 80% of embryos to be affected at 3 μM. The findings of this preliminary study therefore suggest that some aromatic acids are targets for more detailed mechanistic studies of mode of action. The results should help to focus on those NA which may be important for monitoring in oil industry wastewaters and polluted environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuktee Dogra
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Alan G Scarlett
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Darren Rowe
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Steven J Rowland
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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21
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Improved coverage of naphthenic acid fraction compounds by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1536:88-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Lavoie D, Lefebvre R, Peru KM, Headley JV. Naphthenic acids in groundwater overlying undeveloped shale gas and tight oil reservoirs. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 191:664-672. [PMID: 29078190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The acid extractable organics (AEOs) containing naphthenic acids (NAs) in groundwater overlying undeveloped shale gas (Saint-Édouard region) and tight oil (Haldimand sector, Gaspé) reservoirs in Québec, Canada, were analysed using high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry and thermal conversion/elemental analysis - isotope ratio mass spectrometry. As classically defined by CnH2n+ZO2, the most abundant NAs detected in the majority of groundwater samples were straight-chain (Z = 0) or monounsaturated (Z = -2) C16 and C18 fatty acids. Several groundwater samples from both study areas, however, contained significant proportions of presumably alicyclic bicyclic NAs (i.e., Z = -4) in the C10-C18 range. These compounds may have originated from migrated waters containing a different distribution of NAs, or are the product of in situ microbial alteration of shale organic matter and petroleum. In most groundwater samples, intramolecular carbon isotope values generated by pyrolysis (δ13Cpyr) of AEOs were on average around 2-3‰ heavier than those generated by bulk combustion (δ13C) of AEOs, providing further support for microbial reworking of subsurface organic carbon. Although concentrations of AEOs were very low (<2.0 mg/L), the detection of potentially toxic bicyclic acids in groundwater overlying unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs points to a natural background source of organic contaminants prior to any large-scale commercial hydrocarbon development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Denis Lavoie
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - René Lefebvre
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
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23
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Li C, Fu L, Stafford J, Belosevic M, Gamal El-Din M. The toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW): A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:1785-1802. [PMID: 28618666 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) are produced by the surface-mining oil sands industry in Alberta. Both laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the exposure to OSPW leads to many physiological changes in a variety of organisms. Adverse effects include compromised immunological function, developmental delays, impaired reproduction, disrupted endocrine system, and higher prevalence of tissue-specific pathological manifestations. The composition of OSPW varies with several factors such as ore sources, mining process, and tailings management practices. Differences in water characteristics have confounded interpretation or comparison of OSPW toxicity across studies. Research on individual fractions extracted from OSPW has helped identify some target pollutants. Naphthenic acids (NAs) are considered as the major toxic components in OSPW, exhibiting toxic effects through multiple modes of action including narcosis and endocrine disruption. Other pollutants, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, and ions may also contribute to the overall OSPW toxicity. Studies have been conducted on OSPW as a whole complex effluent mixture, with consideration of the presence of unidentified components, and the interactions (potential synergistic or antagonistic reactions) among chemicals. This review summarizes the toxicological data derived from in vitro and in vivo exposure studies using different OSPW types, and different taxa of organisms. In general, toxicity of OSPW was found to be dependent on the OSPW type and concentration, duration of exposures (acute versus sub chronic), and organism studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G1H9, Canada
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2E9, Canada
| | - James Stafford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2E9, Canada
| | - Miodrag Belosevic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2E9, Canada.
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G1H9, Canada.
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24
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Prebihalo SE, Berrier KL, Freye CE, Bahaghighat HD, Moore NR, Pinkerton DK, Synovec RE. Multidimensional Gas Chromatography: Advances in Instrumentation, Chemometrics, and Applications. Anal Chem 2017; 90:505-532. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Prebihalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kelsey L. Berrier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Chris E. Freye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - H. Daniel Bahaghighat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Nicholas R. Moore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - David K. Pinkerton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Robert E. Synovec
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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25
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Johnston CU, Clothier LN, Quesnel DM, Gieg LM, Chua G, Hermann PM, Wildering WC. Embryonic exposure to model naphthenic acids delays growth and hatching in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 168:1578-1588. [PMID: 27932040 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.11.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs), a class of structurally diverse carboxylic acids with often complex ring structures and large aliphatic tail groups, are important by-products of many petrochemical processes including the oil sands mining activity of Northern Alberta. While it is evident that NAs have both acute and chronic harmful effects on many organisms, many aspects of their toxicity remain to be clarified. Particularly, while substantive data sets have been collected on NA toxicity in aquatic prokaryote and vertebrate model systems, to date, nothing is known about the toxic effects of these compounds on the embryonic development of aquatic invertebrate taxa, including freshwater mollusks. This study examines under laboratory conditions the toxicity of NAs extracted from oil sands process water (OSPW) and the low-molecular weight model NAs cyclohexylsuccinic acid (CHSA), cyclohexanebutyric acid (CHBA), and 4-tert-butylcyclohexane carboxylic acid (4-TBCA) on embryonic development of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis, a common freshwater gastropod with a broad Palearctic distribution. Evidence is provided for concentration-dependent teratogenic effects of both OSPW-derived and model NAs with remarkably similar nominal threshold concentrations between 15 and 20 mg/L and 28d EC50 of 31 mg/L. In addition, the data provide evidence for substantial toxicokinetic differences between CHSA, CHBA and 4-TBCA. Together, our study introduces Lymnaea stagnalis embryonic development as an effective model to assay NA-toxicity and identifies molecular architecture as a potentially important toxicokinetic parameter in the toxicity of low-molecular weight NA in embryonic development of aquatic gastropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina U Johnston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Lindsay N Clothier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dean M Quesnel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Lisa M Gieg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gordon Chua
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Petra M Hermann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Willem C Wildering
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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26
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Gutierrez-Villagomez JM, Vázquez-Martínez J, Ramírez-Chávez E, Molina-Torres J, Trudeau VL. Analysis of naphthenic acid mixtures as pentafluorobenzyl derivatives by gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry. Talanta 2017; 162:440-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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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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28
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Scherr KE, Backes D, Scarlett AG, Lantschbauer W, Nahold M. Biogeochemical gradients above a coal tar DNAPL. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 563-564:741-754. [PMID: 26610368 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring distribution and attenuation processes can keep hydrocarbon emissions from dense non aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) into the adjacent groundwater at a minimum. In a historically coal tar DNAPL-impacted site, the de facto absence of a plume sparked investigations regarding the character of natural attenuation and DNAPL resolubilization processes at the site. Steep vertical gradients of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microbial community composition, secondary water quality and redox-parameters were found to occur between the DNAPL-proximal and shallow waters. While methanogenic and mixed-electron acceptor conditions prevailed close to the DNAPL, aerobic conditions and very low dissolved contaminant concentrations were identified in three meters vertical distance from the phase. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) proved to be an efficient tool to characterize the behavior of the present complex contaminant mixture. Medium to low bioavailability of ferric iron and manganese oxides of aquifer samples was detected via incubation with Shewanella alga and evidence for iron and manganese reduction was collected. In contrast, 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis revealed the absence of common iron reducing bacteria. Aerobic hydrocarbon degraders were abundant in shallow horizons, while nitrate reducers were dominating in deeper aquifer regions, in addition to a low relative abundance of methanogenic archaea. Partial Least Squares - Canonical Correspondence Analysis (PLS-CCA) suggested that nitrate and oxygen concentrations had the greatest impact on aquifer community structure in on- and offsite wells, which had a similarly high biodiversity (H' and Chao1). Overall, slow hydrocarbon dissolution from the DNAPL appears to dominate natural attenuation processes. This site may serve as a model for developing legal and technical strategies for the treatment of DNAPL-impacted sites where contaminant plumes are absent or shrinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin E Scherr
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department IFA-Tulln, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Diana Backes
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department IFA-Tulln, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Alan G Scarlett
- University of Plymouth, Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Wolfgang Lantschbauer
- Government of Upper Austria, Directorate for Environment and Water Management, Division for Environmental Protection, Kärntner Strasse 10-12, 4021 Linz, Austria
| | - Manfred Nahold
- GUT Gruppe Umwelt und Technik GmbH, Ingenieurbüro für Technischen Umweltschutz, Plesching 15, 4040 Linz, Austria
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29
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Clothier LN, Gieg LM. Anaerobic biodegradation of surrogate naphthenic acids. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 90:156-166. [PMID: 26724449 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Surface bitumen extraction from the Alberta's oil sands region generates large settling basins known as tailings ponds. The oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) stored in these ponds contain solid and residual bitumen-associated compounds including naphthenic acids (NAs) that can potentially be biodedgraded by indigenous tailings microorganisms. While the biodegradation of some NAs is known to occur under aerobic conditions, little is understood about anaerobic NA biodegradation even though tailings ponds are mainly anoxic. Here, we investigated the potential for anaerobic NA biodegradation by indigenous tailings microorganisms. Enrichment cultures were established from anoxic tailings that were amended with 5 single-ringed surrogate NAs or acid-extractable organics (AEO) from OSPW and incubated under nitrate-, sulfate-, iron-reducing, and methanogenic conditions. Surrogate NA depletion was observed under all anaerobic conditions tested to varying extents, correlating to losses in the respective electron acceptor (sulfate or nitrate) or the production of predicted products (Fe(II) or methane). Tailings-containing cultures incubated under the different electron-accepting conditions resulted in the enrichment and putative identification of microbial community members that may function in metabolizing surrogate NAs under the various anoxic conditions. In addition, more complex NAs (in the form of AEO) was observed to drive sulfate and iron reduction relative to controls. Overall, this study has shown that simple surrogate NAs can be biodegraded under a variety of anoxic conditions, a key first step in understanding the potential anaerobic metabolism of NAs in oil sands tailings ponds and other industrial wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay N Clothier
- Petroleum Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Lisa M Gieg
- Petroleum Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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30
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Marentette JR, Frank RA, Hewitt LM, Gillis PL, Bartlett AJ, Brunswick P, Shang D, Parrott JL. Sensitivity of walleye (Sander vitreus) and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) early-life stages to naphthenic acid fraction components extracted from fresh oil sands process-affected waters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 207:59-67. [PMID: 26342575 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil production in Alberta's oil sands generates oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), which contains toxic constituents such as naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs). There have been few studies examining effects of NAFC exposure over long periods of early-life stage development in fish. Here we examined the effects of NAFCs extracted from OSPW to embryo-larval fathead minnow, exposed for 21 days. We compared the sensitivity of fathead minnow to walleye reared to 7 days post-hatch (18-20 days total). EC50s for hatch success, including deformities, and total survival were lower for walleye (10-11 mg/L) than fathead minnow (22-25 mg/L), with little post-hatch mortality observed in either species. NAFC exposure affected larval growth at concentrations below the EC50 in fathead minnow (total mass IC10 14-17 mg/L). These data contribute to an understanding of the developmental stages targeted by oil sands NAFCs, as well as their toxicity in a greater range of relevant taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Marentette
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - Adrienne J Bartlett
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - Pamela Brunswick
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - Dayue Shang
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada.
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31
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Morandi GD, Wiseman SB, Pereira A, Mankidy R, Gault IGM, Martin JW, Giesy JP. Effects-Directed Analysis of Dissolved Organic Compounds in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:12395-12404. [PMID: 26381019 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Acute toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is caused by its complex mixture of bitumen-derived organics, but the specific chemical classes that are most toxic have not been demonstrated. Here, effects-directed analysis was used to determine the most acutely toxic chemical classes in OSPW collected from the world's first oil sands end-pit lake. Three sequential rounds of fractionation, chemical analysis (ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry), and acute toxicity testing (96 h fathead minnow embryo lethality and 15 min Microtox bioassay) were conducted. Following primary fractionation, toxicity was primarily attributable to the neutral extractable fraction (F1-NE), containing 27% of original organics mass. In secondary fractionation, F1-NE was subfractionated by alkaline water washing, and toxicity was primarily isolated to the ionizable fraction (F2-NE2), containing 18.5% of the original organic mass. In the final round, chromatographic subfractionation of F2-NE2 resulted in two toxic fractions, with the most potent (F3-NE2a, 11% of original organic mass) containing predominantly naphthenic acids (O2(-)). The less-toxic fraction (F3-NE2b, 8% of original organic mass) contained predominantly nonacid species (O(+), O2(+), SO(+), NO(+)). Evidence supports naphthenic acids as among the most acutely toxic chemical classes in OSPW, but nonacidic species also contribute to acute toxicity of OSPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett D Morandi
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Steve B Wiseman
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Alberto Pereira
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Rishikesh Mankidy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Ian G M Gault
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
- Department of Zoology, and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department of Biology & Chemistry and State Key Laboratory for Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong , Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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32
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Wilde MJ, Rowland SJ. Structural identification of petroleum acids by conversion to hydrocarbons and multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anal Chem 2015; 87:8457-65. [PMID: 26171636 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b01865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Identification of individual petroleum acids ("naphthenic" acids, NA) has proved challenging for decades, due to the extreme complexity of many petroleum acid mixtures. This has hindered detailed understanding of the role of NA in petroleum generation and oil production processes, refinery corrosion, as wood preservatives, and as environmental toxicants. Some recent advances have been made due to improved chromatographic separation of esters of the acids by multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS), but relatively few reference spectra of esters are available for comparison. Here we report a complementary method based on a combination of a modified historical approach of converting NA to the corresponding hydrocarbons, followed by analysis by GC × GC-MS. Many published spectra exist for reference hydrocarbons making comparisons of reference spectra with those of the unknowns, much more feasible. As an example, we report identification of over 30 individual bicyclic naphthenic acids as the bicyclane hydrocarbons. These include both fused and bridged acids possessing methyl, dimethyl, and ethyl alkyl substituents as well as some terpenoid-derived acids. The study provides the most comprehensive analysis of one of the major classes of NA (the bicyclic acids) to date. There is now clear potential for this method to be used for the structural elucidation of other unknown acids (e.g., oil sands acids) and functionalized biomarkers in complex mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Wilde
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, Plymouth University, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, U.K
| | - Steven J Rowland
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, Plymouth University, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, U.K
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