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Gjini L, Kuznetsova A, Okpala G, Foght JM, Ulrich A, Siddique T. Aerobic biodegradation of cycloalkanes in non-aqueous extracted oil sands tailings. Chemosphere 2024; 349:140900. [PMID: 38065261 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Management of growing volumes of fluid fine tailings (FFT) is a significant challenge for oil sands industry. A potential alternative non-aqueous solvent extraction (NAE) process uses cycloalkane solvent such as cyclohexane or cyclopentane with very little water and generates smaller volumes of 'dry' solids (NAES) with residual solvent. Here we investigate remediation of NAES in a simulated bench-scale upland reclamation scenario. In the first study, microcosms with nutrient medium plus FFT as inoculum were amended with cyclohexane and incubated for ∼1 year, monitoring for cyclohexane biodegradation under aerobic conditions. Biodegradation of cyclohexane occurred under aerobic conditions with no metabolic intermediates detected. A second study using NAES mixed with FFT spiked with cyclohexane and cyclopentane, with or without additional nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), showed complete and rapid aerobic biodegradation of both cycloalkanes in NAES inoculated with FFT and supplemented with nutrients. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed dominance of Rhodoferax and members of Burkholderiaceae during aerobic cyclohexane biodegradation in FFT, and Hydrogenophaga, Acidovorax, Defluviimonas and members of Porticoccaceae during aerobic biodegradation of cyclohexane and cyclopentane in NAES inoculated with FFT and supplemented with nutrients. The findings indicate that biodegradation of cycloalkanes from NAES is possible under aerobic condition, which will contribute to the successful reclamation of oil sands tailings for land closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gjini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Alsu Kuznetsova
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gloria Okpala
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Julia M Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ania Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Furgason CC, Smirnova AV, Dacks JB, Dunfield PF. Phytoplankton ecology in the early years of a boreal oil sands end pit lake. Environ Microbiome 2024; 19:3. [PMID: 38217061 PMCID: PMC10787447 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Base Mine Lake (BML) is the first full-scale end pit lake for the oil sands mining industry in Canada. BML sequesters oil sands tailings under a freshwater cap and is intended to develop into a functional ecosystem that can be integrated into the local watershed. The first stage of successful reclamation requires the development of a phytoplankton community supporting a typical boreal lake food web. To assess the diversity and dynamics of the phytoplankton community in BML at this reclamation stage and to set a baseline for future monitoring, we examined the phytoplankton community in BML from 2016 through 2021 using molecular methods (targeting the 23S, 18S, and 16S rRNA genes) and microscopic methods. Nearby water bodies were used as controls for a freshwater environment and an active tailings pond. RESULTS The phytoplankton community was made up of diverse bacteria and eukaryotes typical of a boreal lake. Microscopy and molecular data both identified a phytoplankton community comparable at the phylum level to that of natural boreal lakes, dominated by Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, and Cyanophyta, with some Bacillariophyta, Ochrophyta, and Euglenophyta. Although many of the same genera were prominent in both BML and the control freshwater reservoir, there were differences at the species or ASV level. Total diversity in BML was also consistently lower than the control freshwater site, but consistently higher than the control tailings pond. The phytoplankton community composition in BML changed over the 5-year study period. Some taxa present in 2016-2019 (e.g., Choricystis) were no longer detected in 2021, while some dinophytes and haptophytes became detectable in small quantities starting in 2019-2021. Different quantification methods (qPCR analysis of 23S rRNA genes, and microscopic estimates of populations and total biomass) did not show a consistent directional trend in total phytoplankton over the 5-year study, nor was there any consistent increase in phytoplankton species diversity. The 5-year period was likely an insufficient time frame for detecting community trends, as phytoplankton communities are highly variable at the genus and species level. CONCLUSIONS BML supports a phytoplankton community composition somewhat unique from control sites (active tailings and freshwater lake) and is still changing over time. However, the most abundant genera are typical of natural boreal lakes and have the potential to support a complex aquatic food web, with many of its identified major phytoplankton constituents known to be primary producers in boreal lake environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel C Furgason
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Angela V Smirnova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Peter F Dunfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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4
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Moradi M, Eng A, Staebler R, Harner T. Atmospheric emissions estimation of polycyclic aromatic compounds from an oil sands tailings pond using passive air samplers. Chemosphere 2023; 345:140423. [PMID: 37839749 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
A mapping study targeting emissions of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) from an oil sands tailings pond was undertaken in the Athabasca Oil sands Region (AOSR). Ten passive air samplers comprising polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were deployed around the perimeter of Suncor Tailings Pond 2/3 for a five-week period to generate time-integrated concentrations in air for PACs, which included ∑unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ∑alkylated PAHs (alk-PAHs), and ∑dibenzothiophenes (DBTs) (both unsubstituted and alkylated). Concentrations in air ranged from 13 to 70, 220-970, and 30-210 ng/m3, respectively, and were elevated in samplers downwind of the tailings pond. PAC emissions to air from the pond were estimated using only the air-side concentration information by applying a simplified Gaussian dispersion model and found to be 896 μg/m2/day. ∑alk-PAHs and ∑DBTs had the highest contribution to the total PAC fluxes (79% and 16%, respectively). This flux estimate for PACs is equivalent to 460 kg on an annual basis and 35 000 kg/year when scaled to represent all tailings ponds in the region. The results generally agree with fluxes estimated from coupled high volume air sampling data and tailings pond water concentrations from the same field study but which are complicated due to uncertainties associated with the use of pure water Henry's Law values for tailings pond water as well as the potential for surface oily films on the tailings ponds to impact water-air exchange of PACs. Overall, these findings support the use of relatively simple and electricity-free PUF disk samplers for mapping and estimating emissions from area sources such as tailings ponds, using only air-side concentration information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Moradi
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Anita Eng
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada.
| | - Ralf Staebler
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Tom Harner
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
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Lau DCP, Brua RB, Goedkoop W, Culp JM. Fatty-acid based assessment of benthic food-web responses to multiple stressors in a large river system. Environ Pollut 2023; 337:122598. [PMID: 37741544 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are often exposed to multiple stressors, such as nutrients and contaminants, whose impacts on the river food webs may not be distinguished by sole assessment of biological community structures. We examined the benthic algal assemblages and the fatty acids (FA) of benthic macroinvertebrates in the lower Athabasca River in Canada, aiming to assess the changes in algal support and nutritional quality of the benthic food web in response to cumulative exposure to natural bitumen, municipal sewage discharge (hereafter, "sewage"), and oil sands mining ("mining"). Data show that the decline in water quality (increases in nutrient concentrations and total suspended solids) was associated with decreases in benthic diatom abundance, and was driven mainly by sewage-induced nutrient enrichment. Responses in nutritional quality of benthic macroinvertebrates, indicated by their polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) concentrations, were taxon- and stressor-specific. Nutritional quality of the larval dragonfly predator, Ophiogomphus, decreased nonlinearly with decreasing benthic diatom abundance and was lowest at the sewage-affected sites, although exposure to natural bitumen also resulted in reduced Ophiogomphus PUFA concentrations. In contrast, the PUFA concentrations of mayfly grazers/collector-gatherers were not affected by natural bitumen exposure, and were higher at the sewage and sewage+mining sites. The PUFA concentrations of the shredder Pteronarcys larvae did not change with cumulative exposure to the stressors. Sediment metal and polycyclic aromatic compound concentrations were not associated with the macroinvertebrate FA changes. Overall, we provide evidence that sewage induced reduction in trophic support by PUFA-rich diatoms, and was the predominant driver of the observed changes in FA composition and nutritional quality of the benthic macroinvertebrates. Fatty-acid metrics are useful to untangle effects of concurrent stressors, but the assessment outcomes depend on the functional feeding guilds used. A food-web perspective using multiple trophic levels and feeding guilds supports a more holistic assessment of the stressor impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny C P Lau
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Robert B Brua
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Willem Goedkoop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joseph M Culp
- Cold Regions Research Centre, Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Yang F, Mamun AA, Cheng I, Qiu X, Zhang L. Contributions of the oil sands sources to the ambient concentrations and deposition of particulate elements in the Canadian Athabasca oil sands region. Sci Total Environ 2023; 898:165519. [PMID: 37451466 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, model sensitivity tests were conducted to investigate the relative contributions between emission sources of oil sands (OS) activities and other sources to the ambient concentrations and deposition of 29 particulate elements in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) of Canada. Element emission sources from a recently developed emission database were grouped into three source sectors for elements in PM2.5 (OS-Industrial, OS-Dust, and Non-OS) and two source sectors for elements in PM2.5-10 (OS-All and Non-OS). The OS-Dust and OS-Industrial sectors (combined as one sector for PM2.5-10; OS-All) included element sources linked to dust and other industrial activities from the OS activities, respectively, whereas the Non-OS sector included remaining sources in the region, unrelated to the OS activities. The OS-Industrial, OS-Dust, and Non-OS emissions (tonnes/year) of all elements in PM2.5 were 326, 1430, and 562, respectively. The OS-All and Non-OS emissions (tonnes/year) of all elements in PM2.5-10 were 5890 and 2900, respectively. The element concentrations were simulated by the CALPUFF dispersion model. The sum of the domain averaged annual mean concentrations of all elements in PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 from all sources were 57.3 ng/m3 and 30.4 ng/m3, respectively. Except for Co (PM2.5 and PM2.5-10), Sb (PM2.5-10), and Sn (PM2.5-10), major proportions (≥ 59 %) of the ambient concentrations of the individual elements were linked to the OS source sector. Overall, the OS sector was responsible for 78 % and 68 % of the sum of the mean ambient concentrations of all elements in PM2.5 and PM2.5-10, respectively, which are close to the corresponding emission contributions (76 % and 67 %, respectively). Likewise, the bulk proportion (∼74 %) of the sum of the total atmospheric deposition of all elements was also associated with the OS sources. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with inhalation exposure to airborne elements were below the recommended threshold risk levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuquan Yang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada; SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, 100 Stone Road West, Suite 201, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5L3, Canada
| | - Abdulla Al Mamun
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Irene Cheng
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xin Qiu
- SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, 100 Stone Road West, Suite 201, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5L3, Canada
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada.
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Lévesque LMJ, Roy J, Glozier NE, Dirk L, Cooke CA. Dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds in Canada's Athabasca River in relation to Oil Sands from 2013 through 2019. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:1354. [PMID: 37864721 PMCID: PMC10590302 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring (OSM) Program began long-term surface water quality monitoring on the lower Athabasca River in 2012. Sampling of low level, bio-accumulative polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) targeted a suite of parent and alkylated compounds in the Athabasca River (AR) mainstem using semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs). Samples were collected along a gradient from upstream reference near Athabasca, Alberta, through exposure to the Athabasca oil sands deposit (AOSD), various tributary inflows, and mining activities within the OSMA, to downstream recovery near Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and reference on the Slave River. The program adapted over the years, shifting in response to program review and environmental events. The AOSD chemical fingerprint was present in samples collected within the AOSD, through the oil sands mineable area (OSMA), downstream to recovery from 2013 to 2019. PACs were dominated by alkylated phenanthrenes/anthracenes (PAs) and dibenzothiophenes (Ds), with elevated levels of alkylated fluorenes (Fs), naphthalenes (Ns), fluoranthenes/pyrenes (FlPys) and benzo[a]anthracenes/chrysenes (BaACs), increasing in concentration from C1 < C2 < C3 < C4. Concentrations of these petrogenic PACs were at their highest within the OSMA and downstream of tributaries. The AOSD fingerprint was absent from sites located outside of the influence of the AOSD and downstream of the Peace-Athabasca Delta on the Slave River. PAC concentrations in the AR increased with mainstem discharge and loadings from tributaries, were moderated by the PAD, and diluted by the Peace River. This work bolsters the baseline PAC information previously reported for the Athabasca River and waters downstream, reporting 7 years of data, from all sites within the mainstem monitoring program, and exploring potential regional and hydrological drivers of these between sites and over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie M J Lévesque
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada.
| | - Julie Roy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Nancy E Glozier
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Leah Dirk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Colin A Cooke
- Environment and Parks, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 5C6, Canada
- Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
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Dennett JM, Dersch A, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Barraza F, Shotyk W, Nielsen SE. Trace elements in the culturally significant plant Sarracenia purpurea in proximity to dust sources in the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. Sci Total Environ 2023; 896:165142. [PMID: 37379909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Accessible populations of plants are critical to the meaningful exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada. In the oil sands region of Alberta, populations of culturally significant plant species overlap with extensive oil and gas development. This has led to a host of questions and concerns related to plant health and integrity from both Indigenous communities and western scientists. Here, we assessed trace element concentrations in the northern pitcher-plant (tsala' t'ile; Sarracenia purpurea L.) with a focus on elements associated with fugitive dust and bitumen. Plant leaves were collected using clean methods and washed prior to analyses in an ultra-clean, metal-free laboratory. Pitcher-plant was an excellent model for assessing the impacts of industrial development on a culturally important, vulnerable species. Although concentrations of trace elements in pitcher-plant were low and not indicative of a toxicological concern, we saw clear dust signatures in plant tissues related to road and surface mine proximity. Elements associated with fugitive dust and bitumen extraction declined exponentially with increasing distance from a surface mine, a well-established regional pattern. However, our analyses also captured localized spikes in trace element concentrations within 300 m of unpaved roads. These local patterns are more poorly quantified at the regional scale but are indicative of the burden to Indigenous harvesters wishing to access plant populations that are not impacted by dust. Further work to directly quantify dust loads on culturally significant plants will help to define the amount of harvesting area lost to Indigenous communities due to dust impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Dennett
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H1, Canada.
| | - A Dersch
- Moccasin Flower Consulting Inc., Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0, Canada
| | | | - F Barraza
- SWAMP Laboratory, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - W Shotyk
- SWAMP Laboratory, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - S E Nielsen
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H1, Canada
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9
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Wang D, Wang D, Tan X, Yeung A, Liu Q. A review of the roles of constituent minerals and residual bitumen in the solid-liquid separation of oil sands tailings. J Hazard Mater 2023; 451:131178. [PMID: 36921411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The efficient dewatering of fluid fine tailings (FFT) generated from warm-water extraction of Canadian oil sands is a major challenge that has limited the timely reclamation of the tailings. It is generally recognized that both chemical amendments and physical/mechanical solid-liquid separation treatments are required to speed up FFT dewatering. Significant efforts have been made to enhance the rate of solid-liquid separation of FFT in the past several decades. The fact that these efforts have met with limited successes calls for a better fundamental understanding of the solid-liquid separation process. In this work, we reviewed and critically analyzed the factors that contribute to the difficult dewatering of FFT, including the role of constituent minerals and residual bitumen. In particular, the effects of mineralogical composition, mineral particle size, and the role of residual bitumen on settling rate, hydraulic conductivity, and filtration rate are reviewed and discussed. This review also points out directions to accelerate the dewatering of FFT, such as reducing the effective volume fraction of swelling clays and releasing bitumen coating from clay surfaces, that may significantly increase the filtration rate of oil sands tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Daowei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Tan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Anthony Yeung
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada.
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10
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Lillico DME, Hussain NAS, Choo-Yin YY, Qin R, How ZT, El-Din MG, Stafford JL. Using immune cell-based bioactivity assays to compare the inflammatory activities of oil sands process-affected waters from a pilot scale demonstration pit lake. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 128:55-70. [PMID: 36801042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we provide evidence that oil sands process-affected waters (OSPW) contain factors that activate the antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses of immune cells. Specifically, using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line, we establish the bioactivity of two different OSPW samples and their isolated fractions. Here, we directly compared the bioactivity of two pilot scale demonstration pit lake (DPL) water samples, which included expressed water from treated tailings (termed the before water capping sample; BWC) as well as an after water capping (AWC) sample consisting of a mixture of expressed water, precipitation, upland runoff, coagulated OSPW and added freshwater. Significant inflammatory (i.e. macrophage activating) bioactivity was associated with the AWC sample and its organic fraction (OF), whereas the BWC sample had reduced bioactivity that was primarily associated with its inorganic fraction (IF). Overall, these results indicate that at non-toxic exposure doses, the RAW 264.7 cell line serves as an acute, sensitive and reliable biosensor for the screening of inflammatory constituents within and among discrete OSPW samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin M E Lillico
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Nora A S Hussain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Yemaya Y Choo-Yin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Rui Qin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Zuo Tong How
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - James L Stafford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
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Omotehinse AO, De Tomi G. Mining and the sustainable development goals: Prioritizing SDG targets for proper environmental governance. Ambio 2023; 52:229-241. [PMID: 36066842 PMCID: PMC9666606 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Inability to ensure sustainable mining practice has brought the awareness that mining enterprises must be more pragmatic on achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their operations. This research propose a new approach to select and prioritize relevant targets to the industry, which will allow companies, communities, and public authorities to establish a proper framework for environmental governance. The methodology includes appraisal of questionnaires, prioritization of targets following a thorough screening and quantitative assessment, and a bipartite network analysis approach. The results indicate that 55 out of the 169 targets were considered relevant for oil sands mining. The targets in SDGs 1, 12, and 16 were identified as having high or very high priority. There was high correlation between proposed conditions and targets based on the bipartite analysis, which signifies that the people's opinion has relevance in the priority ratings. To achieve SDGs, the implication of mining activities on the environment must be addressed. It was concluded that targets with high relevance in the three phases of mining should be given high consideration when establishing governance principles. Furthermore, engagement of relevant stakeholders that will be impacted directly or indirectly by mining operations is critical in the pursuit of achieving SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka O. Omotehinse
- Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Ondo State Nigeria
- USP Centre for Responsible Mining, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giorgio De Tomi
- USP Centre for Responsible Mining, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Wieder RK, Scott KD, Vile MA, Herron C. Are bog plant/lichen tissue concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, and P affected by fugitive dust released from oil sands development in the Fort McMurray region of Alberta? Sci Total Environ 2022; 849:157684. [PMID: 35921926 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bogs are ombrotrophic, relying solely on atmospheric deposition for new inputs of elements. Increased element deposition through anthropogenic activities has the potential to alter nutrient availability, and hence ecosystem function, in bogs. Further, because of efficient element retention, bogs may function as effective monitors of element deposition. To assess the potential effects of particulate fugitive dust from oil sands development in Alberta, Canada, we quantified plant/lichen tissue Ca, Mg, K, and P concentrations in 6 bogs ranging from 12 to 77 km from the oil sands industrial center. Deposition of Ca and Mg, but not K or P, quantified using ion exchange resin collectors, to bogs decreased with distance from the oil sands industrial center. Concentrations of Ca and Mg, but not K or P, in tissues of lichens (Cladonia mitis, Evernia mesomorpha) and Sphagnum (S. capillifolium, S. fuscum) decreased with distance from the oil sands industrial center. Tissue Ca concentrations were positively correlated with growing season Ca and Mg deposition in all species except Vaccinium oxycoccos, Rhododendron groenlandicum, and Picea mariana; leaf Mg concentrations were positively correlated with growing season Mg deposition for all species except P. mariana. Tissue concentrations of K and P were not correlated with growing season K and P deposition. For each species, receptor modeling identified two distinct sources, one dominated by Ca and Mg, presumed to represent particulate fugitive dust from oil sands activities, and a second dominated by K and P, which may reflect tight internal cycling and upward translocation of K and P in peat and/or K and P deposition as particulates generated in wildfires. Increasing Ca2+ and Mg2+ deposition may acidify bog porewaters through cation exchange in peat.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kelman Wieder
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta T9S 3A3, Canada.
| | - Kimberli D Scott
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Melanie A Vile
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta T9S 3A3, Canada; Department of Health, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383, USA
| | - Caitlyn Herron
- Department of Geography and the Environment, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; Department of Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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13
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Sutton OF, Kessel ED, Gharedaghloo B, Price JS. Characterizing the hydraulic and transport properties of a constructed coarse tailings sand aquifer. J Contam Hydrol 2022; 249:104047. [PMID: 35841848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.104047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Millions of tonnes of coarse tailings sand are produced every year as a byproduct of the bitumen extraction process in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. These tailings materials contain residual quantities of mobile solutes, which can be transported through groundwater to downgradient terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The anticipated ubiquity of coarse tailings sand on the post-mined landscape necessitates the characterization of its hydraulic and transport properties. Hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity was evaluated at multiple scales, and included the first field-scale tracer test conducted in a tailings sand aquifer. Average hydraulic conductivity derived using laboratory cores, single-well response tests, and the tracer test were 3.2 m d-1, 2.9 m d-1, and 3.4 m d-1, respectively. These measurements demonstrated close agreement and were consistent with expectations of a material that experiences some grain-size segregation and homogenization due to the oil sands process and the nature of deposition. The field-scale tracer test appeared to obtain the asymptotic dispersivity of the coarse tailings sand aquifer, reaching a maximum value of 0.5 m after 18 m of displacement. Coarse tailings in the oil sands that experience similar processes of segregation, settling, and deposition on the reclamation landscape could be expected to have similar hydraulic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen F Sutton
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Eric D Kessel
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Aquanty Inc., 564 Weber St. N., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 5C6, Canada
| | - Behrad Gharedaghloo
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Aquanty Inc., 564 Weber St. N., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 5C6, Canada
| | - Jonathan S Price
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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14
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Chételat J, Cousens B, Hebert CE, Jung TS, Mundy L, Thomas PJ, Zhang S. Isotopic evidence for bioaccumulation of aerosol lead in fish and wildlife of western Canada. Environ Pollut 2022; 302:119074. [PMID: 35231539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic element which is released as a result of anthropogenic activities, and Pb stable isotope ratios provide a means to distinguish sources and transport pathways in receiving environments. In this study, isotopes of bioaccumulated Pb (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb) were examined for diverse terrestrial and aquatic biota from three areas in western Canada: (a) otter, marten, gulls, terns, and wood frogs in the Alberta Oil Sands Region (AOSR), (b) fish, plankton, and gulls of Great Slave Lake (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories), and (c) wolverine from the Yukon. Aquatic and terrestrial biota from different habitats and a broad geographic area showed a remarkable similarity in their Pb isotope composition (grand mean ± 1 standard deviation: 206Pb/207Pb = 1.189 ± 0.007, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.435 ± 0.009, n = 116). Comparisons with Pb isotope ratios of local sources and environmental receptors showed that values in biota were most similar to those of atmospheric Pb, either measured in local aerosols influenced by industrial activities in the AOSR or in lichens (an aerosol proxy) near Yellowknife and in the Yukon. Biotic Pb isotope ratios were different from those of local geogenic Pb. Although the Pb isotope measurements could not unambiguously identify the specific anthropogenic sources of atmospheric Pb in biota, initial evidence points to the importance of fossil fuels currently used in transportation and power generation. Further research should characterize bioavailable chemical species of Pb in aerosols and important emission sources in western Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Brian Cousens
- Isotope Geochemistry and Geochronology Research Centre, Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Craig E Hebert
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Thomas S Jung
- Yukon Department of Environment, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2C6, Canada
| | - Lukas Mundy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Shuangquan Zhang
- Isotope Geochemistry and Geochronology Research Centre, Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
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15
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Fisher JT, Ladle A. Syntopic species interact with large boreal mammals' response to anthropogenic landscape change. Sci Total Environ 2022; 822:153432. [PMID: 35090931 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Landscape change alters species' distributions, and understanding these changes is a key ecological and conservation goal. Species-habitat relationships are often modelled in the absence of syntopic species, but niche theory and emerging empirical research suggests heterospecifics should entrain (and statistically explain) variability in distribution, perhaps synergistically by interacting with landscape features. We examined the effects of syntopic species in boreal mammals' relationship to landscape change, using three years of camera-trap data in the western Nearctic boreal forest. Using an information-theoretic framework, we weighed evidence for additive and interactive variables measuring heterospecifics' co-occurrence in species distribution models built on natural and anthropogenic landscape features. We competed multiple hypotheses about the roles of natural features, anthropogenic features, predators, competitors, and species-habitat interaction terms in explaining relative abundance of carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores/scavengers. For most species, models including heterospecifics explained occurrence frequency better than landscape features alone. Dominant predator (wolf) occurrence was best explained by prey, while prey species were explained by apparent competitors and subdominant predators. Evidence for interactions between landscape features and heterospecifics was strong for coyotes and wolves but variable for other species. Boreal mammals' spatial distribution is a function of heterospecific co-occurrence as well as landscape features, with synergistic effects observed for most species. Understanding species' responses to anthropogenic landscape change thus requires a multi-taxa approach that incorporates interspecific relationships, enabling better inference into underlying processes from observed patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Fisher
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Andrew Ladle
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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16
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Arciszewski TJ. A re-analysis and review of elemental and polycyclic aromatic compound deposition in snow and lake sediments from Canada's Oil Sands Region integrating industrial performance and climatic variables. Sci Total Environ 2022; 820:153254. [PMID: 35065131 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Much of the research from Canada's oil sands region (OSR) shows contaminants of concern (CoCs) throughout the ambient environment surrounding the industrial facilities. While there are some well-established sources of the CoCs, there is also spatial and temporal variability suggesting activity intensity, changes in technology, types and amounts of fuels combusted at the facilities, and climate may affect the results of deposition studies. This study re-analysed published data on the deposition of elements and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in snow and the sediments of some lakes by incorporating production data from facilities and climate. Using the Elastic Net (EN) regularized regression, variables describing potential associations between facility-specific activity and climate on the deposition of CoCs were identified. Among the selected variables, the combustion of delayed petroleum coke at the Suncor Basemine was associated with the deposition of CoCs, including elements in snow and in some lakes. Similarly, combustion of petroleum coke at Syncrude Mildred Lake was also identified in some models. In both cases, the effects of petroluem coke combustion are likely associated with the emission and deposition of fly ash. The mass of stored petroleum coke was not selected in snow CoC models, but the speed of the wind was a common driver for PACs. However, the mass of stockpiled petcoke was more closely associated with both elements and PACs in lake sediments. While the potential influence of other variables on the occurrence of CoCs in the OSR was also identified, including the production of crude bitumen and synthetic crude, the use of process and natural gases, temperature, and precipitation, these analyses support much of the earlier work and provides additional nuance. While more work is required, these results suggest facility-specific production and climatic data can be coupled with existing approaches to improve the identification of sources of CoCs in Canada's OSR and practices associated with their release.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Arciszewski
- Resource Stewardship Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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17
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Arciszewski TJ, Hazewinkel RRO, Dubé MG. A critical review of the ecological status of lakes and rivers from Canada's oil sands region. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022; 18:361-387. [PMID: 34546629 PMCID: PMC9298303 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We synthesize the information available from the peer-reviewed literature on the ecological status of lakes and rivers in the oil sands region (OSR) of Canada. The majority of the research from the OSR has been performed in or near the minable region and examines the concentrations, flux, or enrichment of contaminants of concern (CoCs). Proximity to oil sands facilities and the beginning of commercial activities tend to be associated with greater estimates of CoCs across studies. Research suggests the higher measurements of CoCs are typically associated with wind-blown dust, but other sources also contribute. Exploratory analyses further suggest relationships with facility production and fuel use data. Exceedances of environmental quality guidelines for CoCs are also reported in lake sediments, but there are no indications of toxicity including those within the areas of the greatest atmospheric deposition. Instead, primary production has increased in most lakes over time. Spatial differences are observed in streams, but causal relationships with industrial activity are often confounded by substantial natural influences. Despite this, there may be signals associated with site preparation for new mines, potential persistent differences, and a potential effect of petroleum coke used as fuel on some indices of health in fish captured in the Steepbank River. There is also evidence of improvements in the ecological condition of some rivers. Despite the volume of material available, much of the work remains temporally, spatially, or technically isolated. Overcoming the isolation of studies would enhance the utility of information available for the region, but additional recommendations for improving monitoring can be made, such as a shift to site-specific analyses in streams and further use of industry-reported data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:361-387. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim J. Arciszewski
- Environmental Stewardship DivisionAlberta Environment and ParksCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | | | - Monique G. Dubé
- Environmental Stewardship DivisionAlberta Environment and ParksCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Present address: Cumulative Effects Environmental Inc.CalgaryAlbertaCanada
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18
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Horb EC, Wentworth GR, Makar PA, Liggio J, Hayden K, Boutzis EI, Beausoleil DL, Hazewinkel RO, Mahaffey AC, Sayanda D, Wyatt F, Dubé MG. A decadal synthesis of atmospheric emissions, ambient air quality, and deposition in the oil sands region. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022; 18:333-360. [PMID: 34676977 PMCID: PMC9299045 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This review is part of a series synthesizing peer-reviewed literature from the past decade on environmental monitoring in the oil sands region (OSR) of northeastern Alberta. It focuses on atmospheric emissions, air quality, and deposition in and downwind of the OSR. Most published monitoring and research activities were concentrated in the surface-mineable region in the Athabasca OSR. Substantial progress has been made in understanding oil sands (OS)-related emission sources using multiple approaches: airborne measurements, satellite measurements, source emission testing, deterministic modeling, and source apportionment modeling. These approaches generally yield consistent results, indicating OS-related sources are regional contributors to nearly all air pollutants. Most pollutants exhibit enhanced air concentrations within ~20 km of surface-mining activities, with some enhanced >100 km downwind. Some pollutants (e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) undergo transformations as they are transported through the atmosphere. Deposition rates of OS-related substances primarily emitted as fugitive dust are enhanced within ~30 km of surface-mining activities, whereas gaseous and fine particulate emissions have a more diffuse deposition enhancement pattern extending hundreds of kilometers downwind. In general, air quality guidelines are not exceeded, although these single-pollutant thresholds are not comprehensive indicators of air quality. Odor events have occurred in communities near OS industrial activities, although it can be difficult to attribute events to specific pollutants or sources. Nitrogen, sulfur, polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), and base cations from OS sources occur in the environment, but explicit and deleterious responses of organisms to these pollutants are not as apparent across all study environments; details of biological monitoring are discussed further in other papers in this special series. However, modeling of critical load exceedances suggests that, at continued emission levels, ecological change may occur in future. Knowledge gaps and recommendations for future work to address these gaps are also presented. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:333-360. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C. Horb
- Resource Stewardship DivisionAlberta Environment and ParksCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Gregory R. Wentworth
- Resource Stewardship DivisionAlberta Environment and ParksEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Present address: Environmental Protection BranchEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Paul A. Makar
- Air Quality Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - John Liggio
- Air Quality Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Katherine Hayden
- Air Quality Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | | | | | - Ashley C. Mahaffey
- Resource Stewardship DivisionAlberta Environment and ParksCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Diogo Sayanda
- Resource Stewardship DivisionAlberta Environment and ParksCalgaryAlbertaCanada
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Dubé MG, Dunlop JM, Davidson C, Beausoleil DL, Hazewinkel RRO, Wyatt F. History, overview, and governance of environmental monitoring in the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022; 18:319-332. [PMID: 34241945 PMCID: PMC9290666 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, concerns regarding the local and cumulative impacts of oil sands development have been increasing. These concerns reflect the industry's emissions, land disturbance, water use, and the resulting impacts to Indigenous Rights. Effective environmental management is essential to address and ultimately manage these concerns. A series of ambient regional monitoring programs in the oil sands region (OSR) have struggled with scope and governance. In the last 10 years, monitoring has evolved from a regulatory-driven exercise implemented by industry into a focused, collaborative, multistakeholder program that attempts to integrate rigorous science from a multitude of disciplines and ways of knowing. Monitoring in the region continues to grapple with leadership, governance, data management, scope, and effective analysis and reporting. This special series, "A Decade of Research and Monitoring in the Oil Sands Region of Alberta, Canada," provides a series of critical reviews that synthesize 10 years of published monitoring results to identify patterns of consistent ecological responses or effects, significant gaps in knowledge, and recommendations for improved monitoring, assessment, and management of the region. The special series considered over 300 peer-reviewed papers and represents the first integrated critical review of the published literature from the region. This introductory paper of the series introduces the history of ambient environmental monitoring in the OSR and discusses historic and ongoing challenges with the environmental monitoring effort. While significant progress has been made in areas of governance, expanded geographical scope, and inclusion of Indigenous communities in monitoring in the region, significant issues remain regarding a lack of integrated reporting on environmental conditions, public access to data, and continuity of monitoring efforts over time. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:319-332. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Beausoleil D, Munkittrick K, Dubé MG, Wyatt F. Essential components and pathways for developing Indigenous community-based monitoring: Examples from the Canadian oil sands region. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022; 18:407-427. [PMID: 34224211 PMCID: PMC9291151 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Historically, environmental research and monitoring in the Alberta oil sands region (OSR) located in northeastern Alberta, Canada, have largely neglected, meaningful Indigenous participation. Through years of experience on the land, Indigenous knowledge (IK) holders recognize change on the landscape, drawing on inextricable links between environmental health and practicing traditional rights. The cumulative impacts of crude oil production are of great concern to Indigenous communities, and monitoring initiatives in the OSR provide unique opportunities to develop Indigenous community-based monitoring (ICBM). A review of ICBM literature on the OSR from 2009 to 2020 was completed. Based on this review, we identify best practices in ICBM and propose governance structures and a framework to support meaningful integration of ICBM into regulatory environmental monitoring. Because it involves multimedia monitoring and produces data and insights that integrate many aspects of the environment, ICBM is important for natural science research. ICBM can enhance the relevance of environmental monitoring by examining relationships between physical and chemical stressors and culturally relevant indicators, so improving predictions of long-term changes in the environment. Unfortunately, many Indigenous communities distrust researchers owing to previous experiences of exploitive use of IK. In the present paper, we recommend important practices for the integration of IK into regional environmental monitoring programs. ICBM is important to communities because it includes conditions to which communities can exercise traditional rights, and highlight how industrial activities affect this ability. Equally important, ICBM can generate a resurgence of Indigenous languages and subsequently traditional practices; it can also revive the connection with traditional lands and improve food security. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:407-427. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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21
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Roberts DR, Hazewinkel RO, Arciszewski TJ, Beausoleil D, Davidson CJ, Horb EC, Sayanda D, Wentworth GR, Wyatt F, Dubé MG. An integrated knowledge synthesis of regional ambient monitoring in Canada's oil sands. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022; 18:428-441. [PMID: 34331737 PMCID: PMC9291055 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The desire to document and understand the cumulative implications of oil sands (OS) development in the ambient environment of northeastern Alberta has motivated increased investment and release of information in the past decade. Here, we summarize the knowledge presented in the theme-based review papers in this special series, including air, surface water, terrestrial biology, and Indigenous community-based monitoring in order to (1) consolidate knowledge gained to date, (2) highlight key commonalities and gaps, and (3) leverage this knowledge to assess the state of integration in environmental monitoring efforts in the OS region and suggest next steps. Among air, water, and land studies, the individual reviews identified a clear focus on describing stressors, including primarily (1) contaminant emission, transport, transformation, deposition, and exposure, and (2) landscape disturbance. These emphases are generally partitioned by theme; air and water studies focus heavily on chemical stressors, whereas terrestrial monitoring focuses on biological change and landscape disturbance. Causal attribution is often stated as a high priority objective across all themes. However, studies often rely on spatial proximity to attribute cause to industrial activity, leaving causal attribution potentially confounded by spatial covariance of both OS- and non-OS-related stressors in the region, and by the complexity of interacting pathways between sources of environmental change and ecological receptors. Geospatial and modeling approaches are common across themes and may represent clear integration opportunities, particularly to help inform investigation-of-cause, but are not a replacement for robust field monitoring designs. Cumulative effects assessment remains a common focus of regional monitoring, but is limited in the peer-reviewed literature, potentially reflecting a lack of integration among monitoring efforts beyond narrow integrated interpretations of results. Addressing this requires greater emphasis on a priori integrated data collection and integrated analyses focused on the main residual exposure pathways, such as atmospheric deposition. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:428-441. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Erin C. Horb
- Alberta Environment and ParksCalgaryAlbertaCanada
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22
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Abdolahnezhad M, Lindsay MBJ. Geochemical conditions influence vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum release from oil sands fluid petroleum coke. J Contam Hydrol 2022; 245:103955. [PMID: 35030380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.103955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum coke is a potential source of vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and molybdenum (Mo) to water resources in Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) of northern Alberta, Canada. Large stockpiles of this bitumen upgrading byproduct will be incorporated into mine closure landscapes and understanding the processes and conditions controlling the release and transport of these transition metals is critical for effective reclamation. We performed a series of laboratory column experiments to quantify V, Ni, and Mo release from fluid petroleum coke receiving meteoric water (MW), oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), and acid rock drainage (ARD) influents. We found that influent water chemistry strongly influences metal release, with variations among metals largely attributed to pH-dependent aqueous speciation and surface reactions. Cumulative V, Ni, and Mo mass release was greatest for columns receiving the low-pH ARD influent. Additionally, cumulative V and Mo mass release were greater in columns receiving OSPW compared to MW influent, whereas cumulative Ni mass release was greater in columns receiving MW compared to OSPW influent. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of total V, Ni, and Mo was released during the experiments, with the majority occurring during the first 10 pore volumes (PVs). This study offers insight into geochemical controls on V, Ni, and Mo release from fluid petroleum coke that supports ongoing development of oil sands mine reclamation strategies for landscapes that contain petroleum coke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Abdolahnezhad
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada.
| | - Matthew B J Lindsay
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada.
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Francis DJ, Barbour SL, Lindsay MBJ. Ebullition enhances chemical mass transport across the tailings-water interface of oil sands pit lakes. J Contam Hydrol 2022; 245:103938. [PMID: 34915427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Base Mine Lake (BML) was the first commercial-scale demonstration oil sands pit lake established in northern Alberta, Canada. Recent studies indicate that ebullition enhances internal mass loading of dissolved constituents during settlement and dewatering of methanogenic fluid fine tailings (FFT) below the overlying water cap. Here, we describe results of integrated field measurements and numerical modelling to (i) determine potential for ebullition and enhanced mixing within BML, and (ii) assess impacts on chemical mass transport across the tailings-water interface. We observed sharp increases in [CH4(aq)] with depth from <0.1 mg L-1 immediately above the interface to >60 mg L-1 over the upper 1.5 to 3.0 m of FTT. Thermodynamic modelling revealed that maximum [CH4(aq)] values represent 60 to 80% of theoretical saturation, and corresponding total dissolved gas pressures approach or exceed fluid pressures. These findings supported integration of enhanced mixing into one-dimensional (1-D) advective-dispersive transport models, which substantially improved upon previous simulations of conservative tracer (i.e., Cl-) profiles and chemical mass fluxes. The models revealed a positive relationship between CH4(aq) saturation and enhanced mixing, showing that ebullition enhances internal mass loading. This information has potential to inform ongoing assessments of pit lake performance and support improved closure and reclamation planning at oil sands mines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Francis
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada.
| | - S Lee Barbour
- Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada.
| | - Matthew B J Lindsay
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada.
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24
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Vander Meulen IJ, Schock DM, Parrott JL, Simair MC, Mundy LJ, Ajaero C, Pauli BD, Peru KM, McMartin DW, Headley JV. Transformation of bitumen-derived naphthenic acid fraction compounds across surface waters of wetlands in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. Sci Total Environ 2022; 806:150619. [PMID: 34592289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bitumen is extracted from oil sands in the Athabasca Oil Sands region (AOSR) of Alberta, Canada. Much of the bitumen-derived toxicity in mine waste is attributable to naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Mines in the AOSR are required to be returned to a natural state after closure; thus, cost-effective strategies are needed to reduce toxicity from NAFCs. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of constructed wetlands to attenuate NAFCs. However, the capacity of wetlands in the natural environment to degrade and transform NAFCs to less toxic components is poorly understood. To better understand the spatial distribution and fate of NAFCs in natural wetlands, samples were collected across the surfaces of two mature opportunistic wetlands near active oil sands mines. The first wetland has a well-defined surface flow pathway and inflows affected by overburden containing lean bitumen ore. The second wetland, in contrast, is a stagnant water body with raw bitumen visible along its edges. For the wetland with a well defined flow path, NAFCs decreased in concentration down gradient, while oxidized NAFCs constituted a greater proportion of NAFCs with increase in flow path. Likewise there was a decrease in the molecular weights of NAFCs, similar to trends observed in constructed wetland treatment systems. In comparison, NAFCs were more uniformly distributed across the relatively stagnant wetland. Overall, these data provide new evidence that mature opportunistic wetlands in the AOSR can promote the degradation and oxidation of bitumen-derived naphthenic acids into less toxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Vander Meulen
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Danna M Schock
- Keyano College, 8115 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, Ontario L7T 3M3, Canada
| | - Monique C Simair
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada; Maven Water & Environment, 303 Wellman Lane #103, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7T 0G3, Canada
| | - Lukas J Mundy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Chukwuemeka Ajaero
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Bruce D Pauli
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, National Hydrology Research Center, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Dena W McMartin
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, 57 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, National Hydrology Research Center, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada.
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Clark MG, Biagi KM, Carey SK. Optical properties of dissolved organic matter highlight peatland-like properties in a constructed wetland. Sci Total Environ 2022; 802:149770. [PMID: 34464789 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Constructing novel peatland ecosystems can help to restore the long-term carbon accumulating properties of northern soil systems that have been lost through resource extraction. Although mining companies are legally required to restore landscapes following extraction, there are limited tools to evaluate the effectiveness of restoring peat accumulating landscapes. This study analyzed the spatial patterns of the first seven years (n = 575) of dissolved organic matter (DOM) optical characteristics from a pilot watershed built to restore boreal plains peatlands on a former open pit oil sands mine. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a very high degree of redundancy in absorption-florescence DOM properties (PARAFAC, HIX, FI, freshness index, SUVA, and peak A, B, C, T, wavelength, and intensity ratios) at this site. The leading principal component indicated a gradient of fresh protein rich inputs, which are highest near the upland region, to older highly degraded DOM, which is highest in the lowland closest to the outlet. Two functionally different reference peatlands, a poor-fen and bog system and a moderate-rich fen, had relatively similar optical DOM characteristics indicating a high level of decomposition at these sites. Over the first seven years, in some regions of the reconstructed lowland the DOM characteristics are becoming increasingly similar to the highly decomposed DOM observed at the reference sites. When combined with carbon flux measurements these findings indicate the potential for long term organic matter accumulation at this reconstructed site.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Graham Clark
- Watershed Hydrology Group, School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Kelly M Biagi
- Watershed Hydrology Group, School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sean K Carey
- Watershed Hydrology Group, School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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26
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Wieder RK, Vile MA, Scott KD, Quinn JC, Albright CM, McMillen KJ, Herron C, Fillingim H. Is bog water chemistry affected by increasing N and S deposition from oil sands development in Northern Alberta, Canada? Environ Monit Assess 2021; 193:766. [PMID: 34731304 PMCID: PMC8566411 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen and sulfur emissions from oil sands operations in northern Alberta, Canada have resulted in increasing deposition of N and S to the region's ecosystems. To assess whether a changing N and S deposition regime affects bog porewater chemistry, we sampled bog porewater at sites at different distances from the oil sands industrial center from 2009 to 2012 (10-cm intervals to a depth of 1 m) and from 2009 to 2019 (top of the bog water table only). We hypothesized that: (1) as atmospheric N and S deposition increases with increasing proximity to the oil sands industrial center, surface porewater concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, DON, and SO42- would increase and (2) with increasing N and S deposition, elevated porewater concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, DON, and SO42- would be manifested increasingly deeper into the peat profile. We found weak evidence that oil sands N and S emissions affect bog porewater NH4+-N, NO3--N, or DON concentrations. We found mixed evidence that increasing SO42- deposition results in increasing porewater SO42- concentrations. Current SO42- deposition, especially at bogs closest to the oil sands industrial center, likely exceeds the ability of the Sphagnum moss layer to retain S through net primary production, such that atmospherically deposited SO42- infiltrates downward into the peat column. Increasing porewater SO42- availability may stimulate dissimilatory sulfate reduction and/or inhibit CH4 production, potentially affecting carbon cycling and gaseous fluxes in these bogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kelman Wieder
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Alberta, T9S 3A3, Canada.
| | - Melanie A Vile
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Athabasca University, Alberta, T9S 3A3, Canada
- Department of Health, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, 19383, USA
- Department of Geography and the Environment, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Kimberli D Scott
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - James C Quinn
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Cara M Albright
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Kelly J McMillen
- Department of Geography and the Environment, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
- Climate Science Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Caitlyn Herron
- Department of Geography and the Environment, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Hope Fillingim
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
- Department of Geography and the Environment, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
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27
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Marvin CH, Berthiaume A, Burniston DA, Chibwe L, Dove A, Evans M, Hewitt LM, Hodson PV, Muir DCG, Parrott J, Thomas PJ, Tomy GT. Polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Canadian Environment: Aquatic and terrestrial environments. Environ Pollut 2021; 285:117442. [PMID: 34380209 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are ubiquitous across environmental media in Canada, including surface water, soil, sediment and snowpack. Information is presented according to pan-Canadian sources, and key geographical areas including the Great Lakes, the Alberta Oil Sands Region (AOSR) and the Canadian Arctic. Significant PAC releases result from exploitation of fossil fuels containing naturally-derived PACs, with anthropogenic sources related to production, upgrading and transport which also release alkylated PACs. Continued expansion of the oil and gas industry indicates contamination by PACs may increase. Monitoring networks should be expanded, and include petrogenic PACs in their analytical schema, particularly near fuel transportation routes. National-scale roll-ups of emission budgets may not expose important details for localized areas, and on local scales emissions can be substantial without significantly contributing to total Canadian emissions. Burning organic matter produces mainly parent or pyrogenic PACs, with forest fires and coal combustion to produce iron and steel being major sources of pyrogenic PACs in Canada. Another major source is the use of carbon electrodes at aluminum smelters in British Columbia and Quebec. Temporal trends in PAC levels across the Great Lakes basin have remained relatively consistent over the past four decades. Management actions to reduce PAC loadings have been countered by increased urbanization, vehicular emissions and areas of impervious surfaces. Major cities within the Great Lakes watershed act as diffuse sources of PACs, and result in coronas of contamination emanating from urban centres, highlighting the need for non-point source controls to reduce loadings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Marvin
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alicia Berthiaume
- Science and Risk Assessment Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | - Deborah A Burniston
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah Chibwe
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alice Dove
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marlene Evans
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter V Hodson
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanne Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Wildlife and Landscape Research Directorate, National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregg T Tomy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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28
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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. Sci Total Environ 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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29
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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30
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Poon HY, Cossey HL, Balaberda AL, Ulrich AC. The role of carbonate mineral dissolution in turbidity reduction in an oil sands end pit lake. Chemosphere 2021; 271:129876. [PMID: 33736208 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Surface water turbidity from dispersed clay particles can hinder the development of aquatic ecosystems. One of the primary objectives for proposed oil sands end pit lakes is that they support ecological functions and lake-specific wildlife habitat. However, high surface water turbidity has been observed in the Base Mine Lake cap water, the first full-scale demonstration oil sands end pit lake. Our previous study showed that adjusting the solution pH through carbon dioxide (CO2) addition reduced surface water turbidity in oil sands tailings. Carbonate minerals such as calcite and dolomite were also previously identified in tailings, and thus the goal of this study was to determine the effect of calcite and dolomite dissolution through CO2-mediated pH reduction on turbidity and the stability of suspended clay particles. Calcite dissolution resulted in ∼99% reduction of turbidity. The suspended clay particle stability was analyzed using DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory with water chemistry data from this column study. An inverse correlation was observed between the amount of dolomite and the energy barrier values on day 42 of the experiment. These results suggest CO2-mediated calcite dissolution changes the water chemistry and is the most promising treatment condition for the settlement of suspended tailings particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yin Poon
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Heidi L Cossey
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Amy-Lynne Balaberda
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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31
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Golzadeh N, Barst BD, Baker JM, Auger JC, McKinney MA. Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are the largest contributor to polycyclic aromatic compound concentrations in traditional foods of the Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. Environ Pollut 2021; 275:116625. [PMID: 33582641 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rising global demand for energy promotes extensive mining of natural resources, such as oil sands extractions in Alberta, Canada. These extractive activities release hazardous chemicals into the environment, such as polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), which include the parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, and sulfur-containing heterocyclic dibenzothiophenes (DBTs). In areas adjacent to industrial installations, Indigenous communities may be exposed to these PACs through the consumption of traditional foods. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the concentrations of total PACs (∑PAC), expressed as the sum of the 16 U.S. EPA priority PAHs (∑PAH), 49 alkylated PAHs (∑alkyl-PAH), and 7 DBTs (∑DBT) in plant and animal foods collected in 2015 by the Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. We analyzed 42 plant tissues, 40 animal muscles, 5 ribs, and 4 pooled liver samples. Concentrations of ∑PAC were higher in the lichen, old man's beard (Usnea spp.) (808 ± 116 ng g-1 w.w.), than in vascular plants, and were also higher in smoked moose (Alces alces) rib (461 ± 120 ng g-1 w.w.) than in all other non-smoked animal samples. Alkylated-PAHs accounted for between 63% and 95% of ∑PAC, while the concentrations of ∑PAH represented 4%-36% of ∑PAC. Contributions of ∑DBT to ∑PAC were generally lowest, ranging from <1% to 14%. While the concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) and ∑PAH4 (∑benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and B[a]P) in all samples were below guideline levels for human consumption as determined by the European Commission, guideline levels for the more prevalent alkylated PAHs are not available. Given the predominance of alkylated PAHs in all food samples and the potentially elevated toxicity relative to parent PAHs of this class of PACs, it is critical to consider a broader range of PACs other than just parent PAHs in research conducted close to oil sands mining activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Golzadeh
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Benjamin D Barst
- Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Janelle M Baker
- Department of Anthropology, Centre for Social Sciences, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
| | - Josie C Auger
- Nukskahtowin and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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Golzadeh N, Barst BD, Baker JM, Auger JC, McKinney MA. Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are the largest contributor to polycyclic aromatic compound concentrations in traditional foods of the Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. Environ Pollut 2021; 275:116625. [PMID: 33582641 DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.116625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Rising global demand for energy promotes extensive mining of natural resources, such as oil sands extractions in Alberta, Canada. These extractive activities release hazardous chemicals into the environment, such as polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), which include the parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, and sulfur-containing heterocyclic dibenzothiophenes (DBTs). In areas adjacent to industrial installations, Indigenous communities may be exposed to these PACs through the consumption of traditional foods. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the concentrations of total PACs (∑PAC), expressed as the sum of the 16 U.S. EPA priority PAHs (∑PAH), 49 alkylated PAHs (∑alkyl-PAH), and 7 DBTs (∑DBT) in plant and animal foods collected in 2015 by the Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. We analyzed 42 plant tissues, 40 animal muscles, 5 ribs, and 4 pooled liver samples. Concentrations of ∑PAC were higher in the lichen, old man's beard (Usnea spp.) (808 ± 116 ng g-1 w.w.), than in vascular plants, and were also higher in smoked moose (Alces alces) rib (461 ± 120 ng g-1 w.w.) than in all other non-smoked animal samples. Alkylated-PAHs accounted for between 63% and 95% of ∑PAC, while the concentrations of ∑PAH represented 4%-36% of ∑PAC. Contributions of ∑DBT to ∑PAC were generally lowest, ranging from <1% to 14%. While the concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) and ∑PAH4 (∑benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and B[a]P) in all samples were below guideline levels for human consumption as determined by the European Commission, guideline levels for the more prevalent alkylated PAHs are not available. Given the predominance of alkylated PAHs in all food samples and the potentially elevated toxicity relative to parent PAHs of this class of PACs, it is critical to consider a broader range of PACs other than just parent PAHs in research conducted close to oil sands mining activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Golzadeh
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Benjamin D Barst
- Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Janelle M Baker
- Department of Anthropology, Centre for Social Sciences, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
| | - Josie C Auger
- Nukskahtowin and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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Wang W, Nemati M. Co-biodegradation of naphthenic acids in anoxic denitrifying biofilm reactors. Environ Technol 2021; 42:984-1000. [PMID: 31378149 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1650122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anoxic co-biodegradation of linear and cyclic naphthenic acids (NAs) namely octanoic acid, trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid (trans-4MCHCA), cis- and trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane-acetic acids (cis-4MCHAA and trans-4MCHAA) was investigated in denitrifying biofilm reactors. In all evaluated compositions, co-biodegradation of NAs was coupled to denitrification, with octanoic acid showing the fastest biodegradation rate (1180.4 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 1180.4 mg L-1 h-1), followed by trans-4MCHCA (398.1 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 435.8 mg L-1 h-1), trans-4MCHAA (25.7 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 221.7 mg L-1 h-1), and cis-4MCHAA (5.3 mg L-1 h-1 at loading rate of 16.9 mg L-1 h-1). Biodegradation of octanoic acid and trans-4MCHCA were not influenced by the presence of recalcitrant NAs (cis- and trans-4MCHAA). Co-biodegradation of cis- and trans-4MCHAA with octanoic acid, trans-4MCHCA, or their combination enhanced the biodegradability of these recalcitrant NAs, with the positive impact being more pronounced for trans-4MCHCA. Finally anoxic co-biodegradation of NAs under denitrifying conditions proceeded at rates that were faster than the aerobic rates obtained in similar mixtures. Anoxic biodegradation, therefore, is an effective alternative for in situ treatment of oil sands process water in anoxic stabilization ponds amended with nitrate, or as an ex situ treatment approach in denitrifying bioreactors whereby the cost and technical challenges of aeration are eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mehdi Nemati
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Moradi M, You Y, Hung H, Li J, Park R, Alexandrou N, Moussa SG, Jantunen L, Robitaille R, Staebler RM. Fugitive emissions of polycyclic aromatic compounds from an oil sands tailings pond based on fugacity and inverse dispersion flux calculations. Environ Pollut 2021; 269:116115. [PMID: 33279269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Alberta's oil sands tailings ponds are suspected to be a source of fugitive emissions of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) to the atmosphere. Here we report, for the first time, fluxes of 6 parent and 21 alkylated PACs based on the measured co-located air and water concentrations using a two-film fugacity-based model (FUG), an inverse dispersion model (DISP) and a simple box model (BOX). Air samples were collected at the Suncor Tailings Pond 2/3 using a high volume air sampler from the "pond" and towards the pond ("non-pond") directions separately. Mean ∑27PACs in air from the "pond" direction was greater than the "non-pond" direction by a factor of 17. Water-air fugacity ratio of 20 PACs quantifiable in water indicated net volatilization from water. Dispersion and box model results also indicated upward fluxes of 22 PACs. Correlation between the estimated flux results of BOX and DISP model was statistically significant (r = 0.99 and p < 0.05), and correlation between FUG and DISP results ranged from 0.54 to 0.85. In this first-ever assessment of PAC fluxes from tailings pond, the three models confirmed volatilization fluxes of PACs indicating Suncor Tailings Pond 2/3 is a source of PAC emissions to the atmosphere. This study addressed a key data gap identified in the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Emissions Inventory Compilation Report (Government of Alberta and Canada, 2016) which is the lack of consistent real-world tailings pond fugitive emission monitoring of organic chemicals. Our findings highlight the need for measurements from other tailings ponds to determine their overall contribution in releasing PACs to the atmosphere. This paper presents a practical method for estimating PAC emissions from other tailings ponds, which can provide a better understanding of these fugitive emissions, and thereby help to improve the overall characterization of emissions in the oil sands region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Moradi
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada; Civil Engineering Department, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Yuan You
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Hayley Hung
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada.
| | - James Li
- Civil Engineering Department, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Richard Park
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Nick Alexandrou
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Samar G Moussa
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Liisa Jantunen
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6842 Eighth Line, Egbert Ontario, L0L 1N0, Canada
| | - Rachelle Robitaille
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6842 Eighth Line, Egbert Ontario, L0L 1N0, Canada
| | - Ralf M Staebler
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada
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Clark MG, Drewitt GB, Carey SK. Energy and carbon fluxes from an oil sands pit lake. Sci Total Environ 2021; 752:141966. [PMID: 33207497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Currently, post-mining landscape plans in the Athabasca Oil Sand Region include large watersheds terminating in pit lakes. In 2012, Base Mine Lake (BML), was constructed with the aim of demonstrating technologies associated with lake reclamation in the region. This paper examines the first 6.5 years of lake-atmosphere energy and carbon exchange. Energetically, BML behaved similar to other northern lakes, storing large quantities of heat in the spring and releasing it in the fall as sensible and latent heat fluxes. At various times a hydrocarbon sheen formed on the lake, which may have suppressed evaporation. However, simple linear relationships failed to statistically quantify the impacts and more comprehensive modelling of the variability may be required. At daily scales, variability in evaporation was well explained by the product of vapour pressure deficit and wind speed as well as the available energy (R2 = 0.74), while sensible heat was explained by the product of wind speed and the difference in air and surface temperature as well as available energy (R2 = 0.85). Spring CH4 fluxes were high, particularly around ice melt, with a maximum flux of 3.3 g m-2 day-1. Otherwise fluxes were low, except during irregular periods. The peak flux of these periods occurred following ~58 h of continuously falling pressure, relating cyclone activity to these large periods of methane emissions. Annually, CO2 and CH4 fluxes were initially high, with median fluxes of 231 mg CO2 m-2 h-1 and 23 mg CH4 m-2 h-1 in 2014. However, the median fluxes reduced quickly and over the least three years of the study (2017 through 2019) the median fluxes declined to 36 mg CO2 m-2 h-1 and 10 mg CH4 m-2 h-1. Overall, BML behaves similar to other boreal lake ecosystems with above average carbon fluxes compared to other constructed reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Graham Clark
- Watershed Hydrology Group, School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Gordon B Drewitt
- Watershed Hydrology Group, School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sean K Carey
- Watershed Hydrology Group, School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
Contaminant loads to rivers of the Canadian oil sands region are linked to industrial and natural sources. To date, biomonitoring studies have been unable to unequivocally assess potential environmental impacts associated with this development. As part of the Joint Alberta-Canada Oil Sands Monitoring initiative, we aimed to assess cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities and exposure to natural bitumen geology on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the lower Athabasca River. We examined associations among macroinvertebrates and environmental correlates, such as nutrients, ions, metals, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and total suspended solids. The study design included sites within and outside the mineable bitumen deposits, within and outside of the active mining and extraction area, and above and below municipal sewage effluents. We predicted observing a negative association between ecological condition of the river and exposure to natural bitumen and oil sands activity. However, contaminant concentrations in water and sediment were far below known toxicity thresholds, and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in sites exposed to oil sands mining activities appeared more affected by nutrient enrichment from the MSE than contaminants from mining or natural bitumen. Although sites within the area of intense oil sands activity showed signs of mild environmental stress, assemblage pattern was more strongly associated with MSE nutrient enrichment than to diffuse contamination from either natural bitumen or oil sands mining. Enrichment likely increases food resources available to consumers, thereby potentially masking toxic responses of consumers to contaminants. Current regulations prohibit the direct release of oil sands contaminants to waterways, with diffuse atmospheric deposition of aerial emissions and fugitive dust the main contaminant pathways to freshwaters. As the storage capacity of tailings ponds is reached, this nutrient-contaminant pattern could change if the river receives the proposed direct release of treated oil sands process water. Focused investigation-of-cause studies are required to better assess the consequences of cumulative interactions and ecological effects of nutrients and contaminant exposure in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Culp
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3E5, Canada.
| | - Robert B Brua
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, 11 Innovation Blvd, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Eric Luiker
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dept. Biology, University of New Brunswick, 10 Bailey Drive, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Nancy E Glozier
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, 11 Innovation Blvd, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
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37
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Culp JM, Brua RB, Luiker E, Glozier NE. Ecological causal assessment of benthic condition in the oil sands region, Athabasca River, Canada. Sci Total Environ 2020; 749:141393. [PMID: 33370883 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant loads to rivers of the Canadian oil sands region are linked to industrial and natural sources. To date, biomonitoring studies have been unable to unequivocally assess potential environmental impacts associated with this development. As part of the Joint Alberta-Canada Oil Sands Monitoring initiative, we aimed to assess cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities and exposure to natural bitumen geology on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the lower Athabasca River. We examined associations among macroinvertebrates and environmental correlates, such as nutrients, ions, metals, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and total suspended solids. The study design included sites within and outside the mineable bitumen deposits, within and outside of the active mining and extraction area, and above and below municipal sewage effluents. We predicted observing a negative association between ecological condition of the river and exposure to natural bitumen and oil sands activity. However, contaminant concentrations in water and sediment were far below known toxicity thresholds, and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in sites exposed to oil sands mining activities appeared more affected by nutrient enrichment from the MSE than contaminants from mining or natural bitumen. Although sites within the area of intense oil sands activity showed signs of mild environmental stress, assemblage pattern was more strongly associated with MSE nutrient enrichment than to diffuse contamination from either natural bitumen or oil sands mining. Enrichment likely increases food resources available to consumers, thereby potentially masking toxic responses of consumers to contaminants. Current regulations prohibit the direct release of oil sands contaminants to waterways, with diffuse atmospheric deposition of aerial emissions and fugitive dust the main contaminant pathways to freshwaters. As the storage capacity of tailings ponds is reached, this nutrient-contaminant pattern could change if the river receives the proposed direct release of treated oil sands process water. Focused investigation-of-cause studies are required to better assess the consequences of cumulative interactions and ecological effects of nutrients and contaminant exposure in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Culp
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3E5, Canada.
| | - Robert B Brua
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, 11 Innovation Blvd, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Eric Luiker
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dept. Biology, University of New Brunswick, 10 Bailey Drive, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Nancy E Glozier
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Hydrology Research Centre, 11 Innovation Blvd, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
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Chibwe L, Roberts S, Shang D, Yang F, Manzano CA, Wang X, Kirk JL, Muir DCG. A one-century sedimentary record of N- and S-polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Athabasca oil sands region in Canada. Chemosphere 2020; 260:127641. [PMID: 32688322 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The atmospheric deposition of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) is considered a major pathway to isolated lakes and bogs in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), Canada. However, the suite of PACs measured has been limited. We report the detailed depositional history of nitrogen and sulphur heterocyclic PACs using a 210Pb dated sediment core (1914-2015) near major developments in the AOSR. We observed (1) an exponential growth in the deposition of heterocyclic PACs to recent times with an average doubling time of 12 years, (2) significant breakpoints in PAC fluxes in the mid to late 1980s, and (3) a synchronous increase of PACs with crude oil production (r2 = 0.82, p = 0.001). NPACs were not detected prior to the 1960s in the sediment core studied, suggesting they may hold promise in serving as indicators for atmospheric PAC deposition of industrial origin. Furthermore, a change in heterocyclic PAC distribution profiles beginning in the 1970-1980s, after the onset of mining, resembling a petcoke signature, was also observed. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between heterocyclic PACs, and several metal(loid)s, including priority pollutant elements, chromium and beryllium, and rare earth elements, cerium, lanthanum and yttrium (r2 > 0.75), suggesting the potential of a common source or similar transport and fate mechanisms. Significant negative or no correlations were observed between heterocyclic PACs and other metal(loid)s, including vanadium, total mercury and lead, possibly reflecting the impact of broader regulatory controls introduced in the mid-1970s on some metal(loids) but not on PACs, including the installation of electrostatic precipitators in major upgrader stacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Chibwe
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada; The University of Guelph. School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Roberts
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Dayue Shang
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Environment & Climate Change Canada, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fan Yang
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Carlos A Manzano
- Center for Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xiaowa Wang
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Jane L Kirk
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada.
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Gillio Meina E, Niyogi S, Liber K. Investigating the mechanism of vanadium toxicity in freshwater organisms. Aquat Toxicol 2020; 229:105648. [PMID: 33130451 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vanadium (V) could present a risk for aquatic organisms from the Alberta oil sands region, if present in high concentrations. An industry pilot project has used petroleum coke (PC) as a sorbent to remove organic toxicants from oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), but it also caused V to leach from PC into the OSPW, reaching concentrations of up to 7 mg V/L (a level known to be toxic to aquatic organisms). Vanadium is a transition metal with several oxidation states, which could potentially elicit its toxicity through either ion imbalance or oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of V on Daphnia magna and Oncorhynchus mykiss. Daphinds and O. mykiss were exposed to concentrations of V up to their respective calculated median lethal concentration (LC50): 3 mg V/L for D. magna and 7 mg V/L for O. mykiss. For both organisms, the influence of V on sodium flux and whole body sodium was evaluated. Its effect on whole body calcium and the oxidative stress responses in O. mykiss at the gill and liver levels was also studied. Results suggested that 3.1 mg V/L for D. magna and 6.8 mg V/L for O. mykiss caused an overall increase in sodium influx in both the daphnids and rainbow trout. However, concentrations of V ranging between 0.2 and 4 mg V/L for D. magna and 1.8 and 6 mg V/L for O. mykiss reduced whole body sodium in both organisms and whole body calcium in O. mykiss. Concentrations above 3.6 mg V/L caused significant lipid peroxidation in the gills and liver of rainbow trout, while 1.9 mg V/L produced a substantial decrease in the fish gill GSH:GSSG ratio, but no change in the ratio between these thiols in the liver. Concentrations of 6.62 mg V/L sharply increased catalase activity in the liver but not in the gills. Neither liver nor gill superoxide dismutase was altered by V. Overall, results suggest that both ion imbalance and oxidative stress are part of the mechanism of toxicity of V in D. magna and O. mykiss and that further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanism(s) of V toxicity in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Gillio Meina
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Som Niyogi
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Karsten Liber
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada.
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Miles SM, Asiedu E, Balaberda AL, Ulrich AC. Oil sands process affected water sourced Trichoderma harzianum demonstrates capacity for mycoremediation of naphthenic acid fraction compounds. Chemosphere 2020; 258:127281. [PMID: 32540545 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Development of Alberta's oil sands requires large volumes of water, leading to the abundance of oil sands process affected water (OSPW) that must be remediated prior to discharge or reuse. OSPW contains a variety of dissolved organic compounds, however naphthenic acids (NAs) have been found to contribute significantly to the toxicity of OSPW. A fungus, Trichoderma harzianum, isolated directly from OSPW, has previously demonstrated a high tolerance and capacity for growth in the presence of commercial NAs. This study conducted microcosm experiments to elucidate and characterize the capacity of T. harzianum to degrade labile commercial NAs (Merichem), and OSPW-sourced naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Additionally, two model NA compounds, the simple single ring cyclohexane carboxylic acid (CHCA) and complex diamondoid 1-adamanatane carboxylic acid (ADA), were utilized to determine the influence of NA structure on degradation. T. harzianum degraded 14% of CHCA, 13% of ADA, and 23-47% of Merichem NAs. Additionally, Orbitrap mass spectrometry revealed a large change in Z-series within NAFCs. This removal and shift in composition correlated to a 59% and 52% drop in toxicity as per Microtox, for Merichem NAs and NAFCs respectively. This proof of concept experiment confirms that the fungal species T. harzianum can contribute to the biodegradation of complex dissolved organics found in OSPW, including cyclic and diamondoid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Miles
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Evelyn Asiedu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy-Lynne Balaberda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Alexander AC, Levenstein B, Sanderson LA, Blukacz-Richards EA, Chambers PA. How does climate variability affect water quality dynamics in Canada's oil sands region? Sci Total Environ 2020; 732:139062. [PMID: 32417553 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In Canada's oil sands region, classic boreal hydrology (i.e., winter low flow followed by peaks during spring freshet and then summer flow recession) combined with erosion of both natural and anthropogenically-exposed bitumen results in seasonal and inter-annual variability in stream water chemistry. Using data collected from all seasons over three years (2012-2015), we investigated the mechanisms driving spatial and temporal change in the concentration of 26 water quality parameters for six rivers draining Canada's oil sands region. Mantel tests showed a strong spatial aggregation of climatic drivers (average daily precipitation, accumulated precipitation, snow water equivalent) associated with west versus east discharge patterns. Wavelet analysis highlighted unique watershed attributes, in particular the importance of developed area in lowering responsiveness to seasonal precipitation. Concentrations of most chemical parameters (20 of 23) showed distinct temporal patterns that were correlated with seasonal changes in hydrology which, in turn, were related to changes in weather. Comparison of concentrations observed in this study with those reported in the scientific literature for the same watersheds showed 81% of comparisons differed significantly. This was likely due to the short duration of previous field campaigns and thus the sampling of a very narrow window of the annual streamflow regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Alexander
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada; Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, 10 Bailey Drive, PO Box 4400, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - B Levenstein
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, 10 Bailey Drive, PO Box 4400, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - L A Sanderson
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, 10 Bailey Drive, PO Box 4400, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - E A Blukacz-Richards
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, PO Box 5050, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - P A Chambers
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, 867 Lakeshore Road, PO Box 5050, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
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Morandi G, Wiseman S, Sun C, Martin JW, Giesy JP. Effects of chemical fractions from an oil sands end-pit lake on reproduction of fathead minnows. Chemosphere 2020; 249:126073. [PMID: 32088464 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a byproduct of bitumen extraction in the surface-mining oil sands industry in Alberta, Canada. Organic compounds in OSPW can be acutely or chronically toxic to aquatic organisms, so part of a long-term strategy for remediation of OSPW is ageing of water in artificial lakes, termed end-pit lakes. BaseMine Lake (BML) is the first oil sands end-pit lake, commissioned in 2012. At the time of its establishment, an effects-directed analysis of BML-OSPW showed that naphthenic acids and polar organic chemical species containing sulfur or nitrogen contributed to its acute lethality. However, the chronic toxicity of these same chemical fractions has not yet been investigated. In this work, the short-term fathead minnow reproductive bioassay was used to assess endocrine-system effects of two fractions of BML-OSPW collected in 2015. One of the fractions (F1) contained predominantly naphthenic acids, while the other (F2) contained non-acidic polar organic chemical species. Exposure of minnows to F1 or F2 at concentrations equivalent to 25% (v/v) of the 2015 BML-OSPW sample (5-15% of the 2012 BML-OSPW sample) did not alter reproductive performance, fertilization success, or concentrations of sex steroids in female or male minnows. Additionally, there were no significant differences in fertility, hatching success, or incidence of morphological indices of embryos collected on day 7 or 14 from exposed breeding trios. However, exposure of male fathead minnow to 25% (v/v) intact 2015 BML-OSPW resulted in a significantly greater hepatosomatic index. Exposure of fathead minnow to refined fractions of dissolved organic chemicals in 2015 BML-OSPW, or a 25% (v/v) of the intact mixture did not affect fertility or fecundity as measured by use of the 21-day reproductive bioassay. These data will be useful in setting future threshold criteria for OSPW reclamation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Morandi
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Steve Wiseman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Water Institute for Sustainable Environments (WISE), University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Environmental Monitoring and Science Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, Edmonton, AB, T5J 5C6, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; SciLifeLab, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 114 18, Sweden
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Zoology and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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43
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Edgerton ES, Hsu YM, White EM, Fenn ME, Landis MS. Ambient concentrations and total deposition of inorganic sulfur, inorganic nitrogen and base cations in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. Sci Total Environ 2020; 706:134864. [PMID: 31855646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Trace gas, particulate matter and deposition data collected in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) from 2000 to 2017 were evaluated as part of a broad scientific programmatic review. Results showed significant spatial patterns and temporal trends across the region. Concentrations of reactive gases were highest near the center of surface oil sands production operations and decreased towards the edges of the monitoring domain by factors of 8, 20, 4 and 3 for SO2, NO2, HNO3 and NH3, respectively. 18 of 30 sites showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) negative trends in SO2 concentrations suggesting an ~40% decrease since 2000. In contrast, only 2 of 30 sites showed statistically significant temporal trends (1 positive, 1 negative) for NO2. NH3 data showed (i) intermittent wildfire impacts, and (ii) high seasonality, with low concentrations during winter and significantly higher values during the summer. PM10 measurements were more limited, but also showed significant spatio-temporal variability. Comparison of PM10 and PM2.5 data showed that >80% of SO42- was in the PM2.5 fraction, while > 60% of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and Cl- were in the PM10-2.5 fraction. Ion balances of both PM10 and PM2.5 contained cation excesses at near-field oil sand sites, but PM2.5 samples at forest health sites >20 km from surface production locations contained anion excesses. Monthly average concentrations of PM10 ions showed peak Ca2+ during March-April to November, but peak SO42-, NH4+ and NO3- from November-March. Deposition estimates showed rapid declines as a function of distance to oil sand operations. Estimated total N and total S deposition to forest health monitoring sites ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 kg ha-1 a-1 and 2.1-14.0 kg ha-1 a-1, respectively. Potential acid input (PAI) ranged from -0.46 to 0.79 keq ha-1 a-1 and was mostly 0.1-0.2 keq ha-1 a-1 throughout the domain, except for two clusters of sites near oil sand operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Edgerton
- Atmospheric Research & Analysis, Inc., 410 Midenhall Way, Cary, NC, 27513, USA.
| | - Yu-Mei Hsu
- Wood Buffalo Environmental Association, 805 Memorial Drive, Fort McMurray, T9K0K4, Canada
| | - Emily M White
- Maed Consulting, 151 Harrison Court, Pittsboro, NC, 27312, USA
| | - Mark E Fenn
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA
| | - Matthew S Landis
- Integrated Atmospheric Solutions, LLC, 1009 Yellow Birch Drive, Cary, NC, 27519, USA.
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44
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Lin F, Osachoff HL, Kennedy CJ. Physiological disturbances in juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) exposed to the water-soluble fraction of diluted bitumen. Aquat Toxicol 2020; 220:105383. [PMID: 31924587 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Current and proposed transcontinental pipelines for the transport of diluted bitumen (dilbit) from the Canadian oil sands traverse the coastal watersheds of British Columbia, habitat essential to Pacific salmonids. To determine the potential risks posed to these keystone species, juvenile sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka; 1+ parr) were acutely (24-96 h) or subchronically (21-42 d) exposed to 4 concentrations of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of unweathered Cold Lake Blend dilbit (initial total PAC concentrations: 0, 13.7, 34.7 and 124.5 μg/L) in a flow-through system. Dilbit effects on iono-osmoregulation, the physiological stress response, and the immune system were assessed by both biochemical and functional assays. Hydrocarbon bioavailability was evidenced by a significant induction of liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in exposed fish. Acute and subchronic exposure significantly reduced gill Na+-K+-ATPase activity and resulted in lower plasma osmolality, Cl-, and Na+ concentrations. Acute exposure to dilbit resulted in a classic physiological stress response, however at 21 d of exposure, plasma cortisol remained elevated while other measured parameters had returned to baseline values. A compromised immune system was demonstrated by a 29.5 % higher mortality in fish challenged with Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum following dilbit exposure compared to unexposed controls. Exposure of juvenile salmonids to the WSF of dilbit (at TPAC concentrations at the ppb level) resulted in sublethal effects that included a classic physiological stress response, and alterations in iono-osmoregulatory homeostasis and immunological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Heather L Osachoff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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45
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Tetreault GR, Bennett CJ, Clark TW, Keith H, Parrott JL, McMaster ME. Fish Performance Indicators Adjacent to Oil Sands Activity: Response in Performance Indicators of Slimy Sculpin in the Steepbank River, Alberta, Adjacent to Oil Sands Mining Activity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020; 39:396-409. [PMID: 31645081 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Since 2009, the Canadian and Alberta governments have been developing monitoring plans for surface water quality and quantity of the lower Athabasca River and its tributaries (2010-2013). The objectives of the present study to the fish monitoring program were to 1) assess the current status of fish in a tributary of the lower Athabasca River, 2) identify existing differences between upstream reference and within the oil sands deposit exposure sites, and 3) identify trends/changes in fish performance indicators relative to historical studies. The present study examines the fish performance indicators in slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) in the Steepbank River, Alberta, in terms of growth, gonad size, condition, and hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity as an indicator of exposure to oil-sands-related compounds. The sampling program followed historical sampling methods (1999-2000) to provide comparable data over time with an additional upstream site (n = 2) added as development progressed. Consistent changes were documented in sculpin collected from downstream sections of the Steepbank River within the oil sands deposit (n = 2) in 2010 through 2013. Sculpin demonstrated increased liver size with corresponding induction of EROD activity consistent with historical data and reductions in energy investment relative to reproductive development and gonadal steroid production capacity. There was no consistent evidence of changes in fish performance indicators with increased surface mining development, particularly adjacent to the Steepbank River Mid site. Although physical development in the Steepbank watershed has increased over the last 15 yr, these results are consistent with historical data suggesting that the magnitude of the response in the aquatic environment adjacent to the development has not changed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:396-409. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Tetreault
- Aquatic Contaminant Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles J Bennett
- Aquatic Contaminant Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas W Clark
- Aquatic Contaminant Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Keith
- Hatfield Consultants, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminant Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark E McMaster
- Aquatic Contaminant Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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46
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Reid T, Droppo IG, Weisener CG. Tracking functional bacterial biomarkers in response to a gradient of contaminant exposure within a river continuum. Water Res 2020; 168:115167. [PMID: 31639591 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Within all aquatic environments, aside from the physical dispersal of dissolved and/or particulate phase contaminants, alteration from both biological and chemical processes are shown to change the chemistry of the parent compounds. Often these alterations can lead to secondary influences because of cooperative microbial processes (i.e. coupled respiratory pathways and/or energy and biodegradation cycles), complicating our understanding of the biological impact that these mobile compounds impose on ecosystem health. The McMurray Formation (MF) (the formation constituting the minable bituminous oil sands) is a natural, ongoing source of hydrocarbon-bound sediments to river ecosystems in the region (via terrestrial and aquatic erosion), providing a natural "mesocosm" to track and characterize the effects of these compounds on regional aquatic primary productivity. Here we characterize the natural, in-situ microbial response to increasing hydrocarbon exposure along a river continuum in the downstream direction. Using the Steepbank River (STB), suspended and bed sediment samples were collected at 3 sites from upstream to downstream, as the water flows into and through the MF. Samples were then analyzed for the active, in-situ gene expression of the microbial communities. Results from both suspended and bed sediments show clear and significant shifts in the microbial metabolic processes within each respective compartment, in response to the elevated polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC) concentrations. Specific genes likely responsible for hydrocarbon breakdown (Alkane Monooxygenase, Benzoyl-CoA Reductase etc.) experience elevated expression levels, while certain energy metabolism genes (nitrogen, sulfur, methane) reveal fundamental shifts in their pathway specificity, indicating an adaptation response in their basic energy metabolism. Expression from suspended sediments reveal subtle yet delayed metabolic response further downstream compared to bed sediments, indicative of the erosion and transport dynamics within a lotic system. These results provide insight into the use of novel clusters of gene biomarkers to track the active, in-situ microbial response of both emerging and legacy contaminants. Such information will be important in determining the best management strategies for the monitoring and assessment of aquatic health in both natural and contaminated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Reid
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - I G Droppo
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - C G Weisener
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
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47
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Miles SM, Hofstetter S, Edwards T, Dlusskaya E, Cologgi DL, Gänzle M, Ulrich AC. Tolerance and cytotoxicity of naphthenic acids on microorganisms isolated from oil sands process-affected water. Sci Total Environ 2019; 695:133749. [PMID: 31419688 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The expansion of oil sands has made remediation of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) critical. As naphthenic acids (NAs) are the primary contributors to toxicity, remediation is required. Bioremediation by native microorganisms is potentially effective, however, toxicity of NAs towards native microorganisms is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to isolate microorganisms from OSPW, assess tolerance to stressors, including naturally sourced NAs and examine exposure effect of NAs on cell membranes. Microorganisms were isolated from OSPW, including the first reported isolation of a fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) and yeast (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa). Isolates tolerated alkaline pH, high salinity, and NA concentrations far exceeding those typical of OSPW indicating toxic effects of OSPW are likely the result of interactions between OSPW components. Comparisons of toxicity determined that OSPW exhibited higher cytotoxicity than NAs. The fungal isolate was able to grow using commercial NAs as its sole carbon source, indicating high resistance to NAs' cytotoxic effects. Future studies will focus on the organisms' ability to degrade NAs, and subsequent effects on toxicity. Characterization of OSPW constituents should be investigated with focus on the synergistic toxic effects of dissolved compounds. A better understanding of OSPW toxicity would enable more effective and targeted bioremediation schemes by native microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Miles
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simmon Hofstetter
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Timothy Edwards
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elena Dlusskaya
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dena L Cologgi
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Gänzle
- University of Alberta, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutrition Science, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ania C Ulrich
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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48
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Evans MS, McMaster M, Muir DCG, Parrott J, Tetreault GR, Keating J. Forage fish and polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Fort McMurray oil sands area: Body burden comparisons with environmental distributions and consumption guidelines. Environ Pollut 2019; 255:113135. [PMID: 31550651 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Fort McMurray region in northeastern Alberta (Canada) is rich in natural sources of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) from exposed bitumen beds; anthropogenic sources are being released with increased oil sands industry expansion. Here we report on investigations of PACs (47 compounds) in three species of forage fish collected during the 2012-2013 Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Program (JOSMP) fish health investigations and compare results with PAC data for sediment and water collected under JOSMP and earlier programs. PAC concentrations in sediments varied three orders in magnitude and were highest at downstream tributary mouths, which flowed through the exposed McMurray Formation, and along reaches of the Athabasca River where the formation was exposed. PAC concentrations in water were less variable but with higher concentrations near exposed bitumen beds. Forage fish exhibited the weakest spatial gradients in ΣPACs concentration, which averaged 102 ± 32 ng/g in trout-perch from the Athabasca River, 125 ± 22 ng/g in lake chub from the Ells River, and 278 ± 267 ng/g in slimy sculpin from the Steepbank, Firebag, and Dunkirk Rivers. Low-molecular weight compounds, particularly naphthalenes and fluorenes, dominated fish PACs. Phenanthrenes occurred in greater percent composition in fish caught in areas where PAC concentrations in sediments were higher due to the proximity of bitumen sources than in other areas. Dibenzothiophene, a major component of bitumen PAC, was a minor component of fish ΣPACs. Forage fish PAC concentrations were below fish consumption guidelines established by the European Commission (2011) and for the reopening of the commercial fisheries closed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. PAC concentrations in forage fish were similar to concentrations observed in many other studies (fish market surveys, estuaries, and marine waters) and lower than in fish sampled from highly impacted areas (near refineries, harbors, and other industrialized areas).
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Evans
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - M McMaster
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - D C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - G R Tetreault
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Keating
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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49
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Fennell J, Arciszewski TJ. Current knowledge of seepage from oil sands tailings ponds and its environmental influence in northeastern Alberta. Sci Total Environ 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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50
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Parrott JL, Raine JC, McMaster ME, Hewitt LM. Chronic toxicity of oil sands tailings pond sediments to early life stages of fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas). Heliyon 2019; 5:e02509. [PMID: 31687598 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryo-larval stages were exposed to two oil sands tailings pond sediments which had previously been shown to decrease the survival of embryo-larval larval stages of walleye (Sander vitreus) and northern pike (Esox lucius). Fathead minnow are standard test species and we wanted to compare their sensitivity to the other two species. Fathead minnow larvae were exposed for 20 days (5 days in the egg stage and 15 days in the larval stage) with daily renewal of sediments and waters. Sediments contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs (APAHs). Results from an earlier study showed that Sediment 1 contained 173 μg/g total PAHs + APAHs (97 % alkylated), and sediment 2 contained 401 μg/g total PAHs + APAHs (95 % alkylated). Fathead minnow larvae exposed to oil sands tailings pond sediments had decreased survival, decreased weight, and increased deformities. Fathead minnow survival was unaffected at the embryo stage and at hatch. Most deaths occurred at the larval stages 1–8 days after hatching, showing the importance of exposing the fish for at least a week after hatch. Toxicity was seen at 0.2 g/L of sediment, which was equivalent to the addition of 35 and 80 μg total PAHs + APAHs to 1 L of overlying water for sediment 1 and 2, respectively. When compared to embryo-larval northern pike and walleye results from previous studies, all three species of fish responded more strongly to sediment 2 compared to sediment 1. For effects on lethality, fathead minnow were equally sensitive to pike, but walleye were 5–28 times more sensitive to the lethal effects of the sediments compared to both fathead minnow and pike. The study (and comparisons to our previous studies) shows the difference in sensitivity between a model laboratory species (fathead minnow) and some species of wild fish that are highly relevant to the oil sands area of Alberta.
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