1
|
Leshuk TC, Young ZW, Wilson B, Chen ZQ, Smith DA, Lazaris G, Gopanchuk M, McLay S, Seelemann CA, Paradis T, Bekele A, Guest R, Massara H, White T, Zubot W, Letinski DJ, Redman AD, Allen DG, Gu F. A Light Touch: Solar Photocatalysis Detoxifies Oil Sands Process-Affected Waters Prior to Significant Treatment of Naphthenic Acids. ACS ES&T WATER 2024; 4:1483-1497. [PMID: 38633367 PMCID: PMC11019557 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Environmental reclamation of Canada's oil sands tailings ponds is among the single largest water treatment challenges globally. The toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) has been associated with its dissolved organics, a complex mixture of naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs). Here, we evaluated solar treatment with buoyant photocatalysts (BPCs) as a passive advanced oxidation process (P-AOP) for OSPW remediation. Photocatalysis fully degraded naphthenic acids (NAs) and acid extractable organics (AEO) in 3 different OSPW samples. However, classical NAs and AEO, traditionally considered among the principal toxicants in OSPW, were not correlated with OSPW toxicity herein. Instead, nontarget petroleomic analysis revealed that low-polarity organosulfur compounds, composing <10% of the total AEO, apparently accounted for the majority of waters' toxicity to fish, as described by a model of tissue partitioning. These findings have implications for OSPW release, for which a less extensive but more selective treatment may be required than previously expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy
M. C. Leshuk
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Zachary W. Young
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Brad Wilson
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Stantec, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 0A4
| | - Zi Qi Chen
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Danielle A. Smith
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- P&P
Optica, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2 V 2C3
| | - Greg Lazaris
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Department
of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill
University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0C5
| | - Mary Gopanchuk
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Sean McLay
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Corin A. Seelemann
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Composite Biomaterials Systems Lab, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Theo Paradis
- Canadian
Natural Resources Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 4J8
| | - Asfaw Bekele
- Imperial
Oil Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2C 5N1
- ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - Rodney Guest
- Suncor Energy Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3E3
| | - Hafez Massara
- Suncor Energy Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3E3
- Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc., Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada L4B 3P6
| | - Todd White
- Teck Resources Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 0B3
| | - Warren Zubot
- Syncrude Canada Ltd., Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada T9H 0B6
| | - Daniel J. Letinski
- ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - Aaron D. Redman
- ExxonMobil
Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, United States
| | - D. Grant Allen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
| | - Frank Gu
- H2nanO
Inc., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2R 1E8
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Waterloo
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Asiedu E, Zhao K, Anwar MN, Ross M, Balaberda AL, Ulrich AC. Biodegradation in oil sands process-affected water: A comprehensive laboratory analysis of the in situ biodegradation of dissolved organic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:141018. [PMID: 38141671 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a by-product of the extraction of bitumen, and volumes of OSPW have accumulated across the Alberta oil sands region due to the governments zero-discharge policy. Some dissolved organics in OSPW, including toxic naphthenic acids (NAs), can be biodegraded in oxic conditions, thereby reducing the toxicity of OSPW. While there has been much focus on degradation of NAs, the biodegradation of other dissolved organic chemicals by endogenous organisms remains understudied. Here, using the HPLC-ultrahigh resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry, we examined the microbial biodegradation of dissolved organic acids in OSPW. Non-targeted analysis enabled the estimation of biodegradation rates for unique heteroatomic chemical classes detected in negative ion mode. The microcosm experiments were conducted with and without nutrient supplementation, and the changes in the microbial community over time were investigated. Without added nutrients, internal standard-adjusted intensities of all organics, including NAs, were largely unchanged. The addition of nutrients increased the biodegradation rate of O2- and SO2- chemical classes. While anoxic biodegradation can occur in tailings ponds and end pit lakes, microbial community analyses confirmed that the presence of oxygen stimulated biodegradation of the OSPW samples studied. We detected several aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading microbes (e.g., Pseudomonas and Brevundimonas), and microbes capable of degrading sulfur-containing hydrocarbons (e.g., Microbacterium). Microbial community diversity decreased over time with nutrient addition. Overall, the results from this study indicate that toxic dissolved organics beyond NAs can be biodegraded by endogenous organisms in OSPW, but reaffirms that biological treatment strategies require careful consideration of how nutrients and dissolved oxygen may impact efficacy.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elvidge CK, Robinson CE, Caza RA, Hewitt LM, Frank RA, Orihel DM. Chemical communication in wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles is influenced by early-life exposure to naphthenic acid fraction compounds. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 257:106435. [PMID: 36889125 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants can disrupt chemical communication between aquatic organisms by interfering with the production, transmission, and/or detection of, as well as responses to, chemical cues. Here, we test the hypothesis that early-life exposure to naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) from oil sands tailings disrupts antipredator-associated chemical communication in larval amphibians. Wild adult wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) captured during their natural breeding period were combined (1 female:2 males) in six replicate mesocosms filled with either uncontaminated lakewater or with NAFCs isolated from an active tailings pond in Alberta, Canada, at nominal 5 mg/L concentrations. Egg clutches were incubated and tadpoles maintained in their respective mesocosms for ∼40 days post-hatch. Tadpoles (Gosner stage 25-31) were then transferred individually to trial arenas filled with uncontaminated water and exposed to one of six chemical alarm cue (AC) stimuli solutions following a 3 × 2 × 2 design (3 AC types × 2 stimulus carriers × 2 rearing exposure groups). Relative to control tadpoles, NAFC-exposed tadpoles demonstrated higher baseline activity levels (line crosses and direction changes) when introduced to uncontaminated water. Antipredator responses differed in graded fashion with AC type, with control ACs eliciting the greatest latency to resume activity, water the least, and NAFC-exposed ACs intermediate. Pre- to post-stimulus difference scores were non-significant in control tadpoles, while NAFC-exposed tadpoles demonstrated significantly greater variation. While this suggests that exposure to NAFCs from fertilization through hatching may have interfered with AC production, it is unclear whether the quality or quantity of cues was affected. There was also no clear evidence that NAFC carrier water interfered with ACs or the alarm response in unexposed control tadpoles. These results emphasize the importance of understanding how behavioral and physiological effects of early-life NAFC exposure on critical antipredator responses may persist across life history stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris K Elvidge
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Chloe E Robinson
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Rowena A Caza
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Diane M Orihel
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Robinson CE, Elvidge CK, Frank RA, Headley JV, Hewitt LM, Little AG, Robinson SA, Trudeau VL, Vander Meulen IJ, Orihel DM. Naphthenic acid fraction compounds reduce the reproductive success of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) by affecting offspring viability. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120455. [PMID: 36270565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the toxicity of organic compounds in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is necessary to inform the development of environmental guidelines related to wastewater management in Canada's oil sands region. In the present study, we investigated the effects of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs), one of the most toxic components of OSPW, on mating behaviour, fertility, and offspring viability in the wood frog (Rana sylvatica). Wild adult wood frogs were exposed separately from the opposite sex to 0, 5, or 10 mg/L of OSPW-derived NAFCs for 24 h and then combined in outdoor lake water mesocosms containing the same NAFC concentrations (n = 2 males and 1 female per mesocosm, n = 3 mesocosms per treatment). Mating events were recorded for 48 h and egg masses were measured to determine adult fertility. NAFC exposure had no significant effect on mating behaviour (probability of amplexus and oviposition, amplexus and oviposition latency, total duration of amplexus and number of amplectic events) or fertility (fertilization success and clutch size). Tadpoles (50 individuals per mesocosm at hatching, and 15 individuals per mesocosm from 42 d post-hatch) were reared in the same mesocosms under chronic NAFC exposure until metamorphic climax (61-85 d after hatching). Offspring exposed to 10 mg/L NAFCs during development were less likely to survive and complete metamorphosis, grew at a reduced rate, and displayed more frequent morphological abnormalities. These abnormalities included limb anomalies at metamorphosis, described for the first time after NAFC exposure. The results of this study suggest that NAFCs reduce wood frog reproductive success through declines in offspring viability and therefore raise the concern that exposure to NAFCs during reproduction and development may affect the recruitment of native amphibian populations in the oil sands region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E Robinson
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - C K Elvidge
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - J V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - A G Little
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - S A Robinson
- Ecotoxicoloy and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0H3, Ontario, Canada
| | - V L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - I J Vander Meulen
- Watershed Hydrology and Ecology Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - D M Orihel
- Department of Biology, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University; Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reynolds JS, Jackson BL, Madison BN, Elvidge CK, Frank RA, Hasler CT, Headley JV, Hewitt LM, Peru KM, Yakimowski SB, Orihel DM. Fathead Minnows Exposed to Organic Compounds from Oil Sands Tailings as Embryos Have Reduced Survival, Impaired Development, and Altered Behaviors That Persist into Larval Stages. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1319-1332. [PMID: 35188283 PMCID: PMC9322567 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Our study evaluated whether exposure to naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) extracted from oil sands process-affected waters (OSPW) has adverse effects on fish embryos that persist into later life. We exposed fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos to concentrations of NAFCs found in OSPW (2.5-54 mg/L) for 7 days (1 day postfertilization to hatch), then raised surviving larvae in outdoor mesocosms of uncontaminated lake water for 1 month. Embryos exposed to NAFCs were more likely to exhibit malformations (by up to 8-fold) and had slower heart rates (by up to 24%) compared to controls. Fish raised in uncontaminated lake water following exposure to NAFCs as embryos, were 2.5-fold less likely to survive during the larval stage than control fish. These fish also showed up to a 45% decrease in swim activity and a 36% increase in swim burst events during behavioral tests relative to controls. We conclude that exposure to NAFCs during the embryonic stage can have lasting effects on fish survival, physiology, and behavior that persist at least through the larval stage. These findings of delayed mortalities and persistent sublethal effects of embryonic NAFC exposure are relevant to informing the development of regulations on treated OSPW releases from mining operations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1319-1332. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barry N. Madison
- Department of BiologyQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
- School of Environmental StudiesQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| | | | - Richard A. Frank
- Water Science and Technology DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaBurlingtonOntarioCanada
| | - Caleb T. Hasler
- Department of BiologyUniversity of WinnipegWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - John V. Headley
- Water Science and Technology DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | - L. Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaBurlingtonOntarioCanada
| | - Kerry M. Peru
- Water Science and Technology DirectorateEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | | | - Diane M. Orihel
- Department of BiologyQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
- School of Environmental StudiesQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The effects of oil sands process-affected water naphthenic acid fraction components on GDF15 secretion in extravillous trophoblast cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 441:115970. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
7
|
Simair MC, Parrott JL, le Roux M, Gupta V, Frank RA, Peru KM, Ajaero C, McMartin DW, Headley JV. Treatment of oil sands process affected waters by constructed wetlands: Evaluation of designs and plant types. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 772:145508. [PMID: 33581517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTS)s can be used to treat various wastewaters. The main constituent in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) with uncertain treatment by CWTS are naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFC)s. The NAFCs are also among the primary contributors of toxicity to aquatic organisms. While there is preliminary evidence that some CWTSs are capable of treating OSPW for future potential discharge, there is little information comparing the effectiveness and efficiencies of different CWTS designs. Obtaining large volumes of OSPW for testing can be difficult, and while it is known that synthetic NAFCs are simpler and have different toxicity than OSPW-NAFCs, it is unknown whether they could serve as a proxy for optimization of CWTS design and operation. This study presents a comprehensive comparison of CWTS performance operated with both synthetic OSPW and OSPW for four CWTS designs differing in plant type, aeration, flow path, water depth, and substrate type. This study evaluated the potential biodegradation of NAFCs including: (1) decrease in total NAFC concentration, (2) shifts in Ox-NAFC fractions from O2- to O3-, O4-, and O5-NAFC, (3) decrease in carbon number, (4) decrease of the double bond equivalencies (DBE), and (5) change in toxicity of the waters to test organisms. CWTS planted with Sedge achieved the greatest extent of NAFC treatment and detoxification regardless of design. Although CWTSs planted with Cattail and Bulrush also degraded NAFCs and decreased toxicity, a greater hydraulic retention time was required, and the total extent of treatment was less than the CWTSs planted with Sedge. While synthetic OSPW was more toxic and experienced faster degradation rates, it showed similar trends to OSPW in terms of CWTS design efficiencies and function. Although synthetic OSPW would not be appropriate for modelling or scaling of CWTSs, it can be useful for testing designs and operating conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique C Simair
- Maven Water & Environment, 103-303 Wellman Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7T 0J1, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada.
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Mignon le Roux
- Maven Water & Environment, 103-303 Wellman Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7T 0J1, Canada; Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Varun Gupta
- Maven Water & Environment, 103-303 Wellman Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7T 0J1, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Chukwuemeka Ajaero
- Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada; Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Dena W McMartin
- Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada; Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Watershed Hydrology & Ecology Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bowman DT, Warren LA, Slater GF. Isomer-specific monitoring of naphthenic acids at an oil sands pit lake by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 746:140985. [PMID: 32739755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are persistent, toxic contaminants that are found to accumulate in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) and tailings after bitumen extraction. A number of strategies for the reclamation of oil sands tailings are currently being tested, including the development of the first demonstration pit lake by Syncrude Canada, Base Mine Lake (BML). An important component of reclamation activities is understanding the source and cycling of NAs in such reclamation systems. However, NAs exist as a highly complex mixture of thousands of compounds which makes their analysis an ongoing challenge. Herein, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOFMS) was used to analyze the methylated extracts of water samples from the water cap and fluid fine tailings (FFT) deposit of BML to characterize the variations in NA distributions between geochemical zones. A collection of (alkylated) monocyclic-, bicyclic-, adamantane-, and thiophene-type carboxylic acids were identified. Total relative abundances were calculated for each NA class (by summation of peak areas of all detected isomers) and minimal variability was detected in the water cap. Total relative abundances for each NA class were either similar or higher in the FFT, relative to the water cap. Examination of isomer distributions indicated that differences in abundance values were generally driven by variations in only one or two isomers of a given NA class. Furthermore, GC × GC revealed distinct isomer profiles were observed between two FFT samples and between the FFT and water cap. While it is not yet clear whether these differences are due to differences in sources of NAs or in their environmental processing, these results illustrate the capability of GC × GC to investigate these questions and thus contribute to the management of these compounds within reclamation or environmental systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David T Bowman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Lesley A Warren
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Gregory F Slater
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1, Canada; School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jamshed L, Raez-Villanueva S, Perono GA, Thomas PJ, Holloway AC. The effects of a technical mixture of naphthenic acids on placental trophoblast cell function. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:413-423. [PMID: 32871178 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable concern that naphthenic acids (NA) related to oil extraction can negatively impact reproduction in mammals, yet the mechanisms are unknown. Since placental dysfunction is central to many adverse pregnancy outcomes, the goal of this study was to determine the effects of NA exposure on placental trophoblast cell function. HTR-8/SVneo cells were exposed to a commercial technical NA mixture for 24 hours to assess transcriptional regulation of placentation-related pathways and functional assessment of migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Pathway analysis suggests that NA treatment resulted in increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. However, there was reduced migration and invasive potential. NA treatment increased angiogenesis-related pathways with a concomitant increase in tube formation. Since decreased trophoblast invasion/migration and aberrant angiogenesis have been associated with placental dysfunction, these findings suggest that it is biologically plausible that exposure to NA may result in altered placental development and/or function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laiba Jamshed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON., L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sergio Raez-Villanueva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON., L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Genevieve A Perono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON., L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa ON., Canada
| | - Alison C Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON., L8S 4K1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brunswick P, Shang D, Frank RA, van Aggelen G, Kim M, Hewitt LM. Diagnostic Ratio Analysis: A New Concept for the Tracking of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water Naphthenic Acids and Other Water-Soluble Organics in Surface Waters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2228-2243. [PMID: 31968936 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A diagnostic ratio forensics tool, similar to that recognized internationally for oil spill source identification, is proposed for use in conjunction with existing LC/QToF quantitative methodology for bitumen-derived water-soluble organics (WSOs). The concept recognizes that bitumen WSOs bear a chemical skeletal relationship to stearane and hopane oil biomarkers. The method uses response ratios for 50 selected WSOs compared between samples by their relative percent difference and adopted acceptance criteria. Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) samples from different locations within a single tailings pond were shown to match, while those from different industrial sites did not. Acid extractable organic samples collected over 3 weeks from the same location within a single tailings pond matched with each other; as did temporal OSPW samples a year apart. Blind quality assurance samples of OSPW diluted in surface waters were positively identified to their corresponding OSPW source. No interferences were observed from surface waters, and there was no match between bitumen-influenced groundwater and OSPW samples, as expected for different sources. Proof of concept for OSPW source identification using diagnostic ratios was demonstrated, with anticipated application in the tracking of OSPW plumes in surface receiving waters, together with the potential for confirmation of source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Brunswick
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre , Environment and Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia V7H 1B1 , Canada
| | - Dayue Shang
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre , Environment and Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia V7H 1B1 , Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Graham van Aggelen
- Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre , Environment and Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia V7H 1B1 , Canada
| | - Marcus Kim
- Agilent Technologies, Inc. , Mississauga , Ontario L5N 5M4 , Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division , Environment and Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario L7S 1A1 , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Madison BN, Reynolds J, Halliwell L, Leshuk T, Gu F, Peru KM, Headley JV, Orihel DM. Can the toxicity of naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water be mitigated by a green photocatalytic method? Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2019-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study evaluates the efficacy of a “green” (i.e., sustainable, recyclable, and reusable) technology to treat waste waters produced by Canada’s oil sands industry. We examined the ability of a novel advanced oxidative method—ultra-violet photocatalysis over titanium dioxide (TiO2)-coated microparticles—to reduce the toxicity of naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFC) to early life stages of the fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas). Lengthening the duration of photocatalysis resulted in greater removal of NAFC from bioassay exposure waters; low- and high-intensity treatments reduced NAFC concentrations to about 20 and 3 mg/L (by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, FTIR), respectively. Treatments reduced the acute lethality of NAFC to fathead minnows by over half after low-intensity treatment and three-fold after high-intensity treatment. However, incomplete degradation in low-intensity treatments increased the incidence of chronic toxicity relative to untreated NAFC solutions and cardiovascular abnormalities were common even with >80% of NAFC degraded. Our findings demonstrate that photocatalysis over TiO2 microparticles is a promising method for mitigating the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water-derived NAFC to fish native to the oil sands region, but the intensity of the photocatalytic treatment needs to be considered carefully to ensure adequate mineralization of toxic constituents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barry N. Madison
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Jessie Reynolds
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Lauren Halliwell
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Tim Leshuk
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Frank Gu
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kerry M. Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V. Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Diane M. Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 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] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fennell J, Arciszewski TJ. Current knowledge of seepage from oil sands tailings ponds and its environmental influence in northeastern Alberta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:968-985. [PMID: 31200313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Seepage of oil sand process-affected waters (OSPW) from tailings ponds into surface waters is a common concern in the minable oil sands region of northeast Alberta. Research on seepage has been extensive, but few comprehensive treatments evaluating all aspects relevant to the phenomenon are available. In this work, the current information relevant for understanding the state of seepage from tailings ponds was reviewed. The information suggests the infiltration of OSPW into groundwater occurs near some ponds. OSPW may also be present in sediments beneath the Athabasca River adjacent to one pond, but there are no clear observations of OSPW in the river water. Similarly, most water samples from tributaries also show no evidence of OSPW, but these observations are limited by the lack of systematic, systemic, and repeated surveys, missing baseline data, standard analytical approaches, and reference materials. Waters naturally influenced by bitumen, discharge of saline groundwaters, and dilution also potentially affect the consolidation of information and certainty of any conclusions. Despite these challenges, some data suggest OSPW may be present in two tributaries of the Athabasca River adjacent to tailings ponds: McLean Creek and Lower Beaver River. Irrespective of the possible source(s), constituents of OSPW often affect organisms exposed in laboratories, but research in all but one study suggests the concentrations of organics in the surface water bodies assessed are below the standard toxicological effect thresholds for these compounds. In contrast, many samples of groundwater, irrespective of source, likely affect biota. Biomonitoring of surface waters suggests generic responses to stressors, but the influence of natural phenomena and occasionally nutrient enrichment are often suggested by data. In summary, valuable research has been done on seepage. The data suggest infiltration into groundwater is common, seepage into surface waters is not, and anthropogenic biological impacts are not likely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Fennell
- Integrated Sustainability, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chronic toxicity of oil sands tailings pond sediments to early life stages of fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas). Heliyon 2019; 5:e02509. [PMID: 31687598 PMCID: PMC6819858 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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.
Collapse
|
15
|
Vignet C, Frank RA, Yang C, Wang Z, Shires K, Bree M, Sullivan C, Norwood WP, Hewitt LM, McMaster ME, Parrott JL. Long-term effects of an early-life exposure of fathead minnows to sediments containing bitumen. Part I: Survival, deformities, and growth. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:246-256. [PMID: 31082609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of a short exposure to natural sediments within the Athabasca oil sand formation to critical stages of embryo-larval development in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Three different sediments were used: Ref sediment from the upper Steepbank River tested at 3 g/L (containing 12.2 ng/g ∑PAHs), and two bitumen-rich sediments tested at 1 and 3 g/L; one from the Ells River (Ells downstream, 6480 ng/g ∑PAHs) and one from the Steepbank River (Stp downstream, 4660 ng/g ∑PAHs). Eggs and larvae were exposed to sediments for 21 days, then transferred to clean water for a 5-month grow-out and recovery period. Larval fish had significantly decreased survival after exposure to 3 g/L sediment from Stp downstream, and decreased growth (length and weight at 16 days post hatch) in Ells and Stp downstream sediments at both 1 and 3 g/L. Decreased tail length was a sensitive endpoint in larval fish exposed to Ells and Stp downstream sediments for 21 days compared to Ref sediment. After the grow-out in clean water, all growth effects from the bitumen-containing sediments recovered, but adult fish from Stp downstream 3 g/L sediment had significant increases in jaw deformities. The study shows the potential for fish to recover from the decreased growth effects caused by sediments containing oil sands-related compounds, but that some effects of the early-life sediment exposure occur later on in adult fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Vignet
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - C Yang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 335 River Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Z Wang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 335 River Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - K Shires
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - M Bree
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - C Sullivan
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - W P Norwood
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - M E McMaster
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - J L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bauer AE, Hewitt LM, Parrott JL, Bartlett AJ, Gillis PL, Deeth LE, Rudy MD, Vanderveen R, Brown L, Campbell SD, Rodrigues MR, Farwell AJ, Dixon DG, Frank RA. The toxicity of organic fractions from aged oil sands process-affected water to aquatic species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 669:702-710. [PMID: 30893625 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The process of surface mining and extracting bitumen from oil sand produces large quantities of tailings and oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The industry is currently storing OSPW on-site while investigating strategies for their detoxification. One such strategy relies on the biodegradation of organic compounds by indigenous microbes, resulting in aged tailings waters with reduced toxicity. This study assessed the toxicity of OSPW aged statically for approximately 18 years. Dissolved organics in aged OSPW were fractionated using a preparative solid-phase extraction method that generated three organic fractions (F1-F3) of increasing polarity. Eight aquatic species from different trophic levels were exposed to whole OSPW (WW) and the derived OSPW organic fractions to assess toxicity: Pimephales promelas, Oryzias latipes, Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, Lampsilis cardium, Hyalella azteca, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Hexagenia spp. Broad comparisons revealed that P. promelas and H. azteca were most sensitive to dissolved organics within aged OSPW, while WW was most toxic to L. cardium and H. azteca. Three cases of possible contaminant interactions occurred within whole OSPW treatments, as toxicity was higher than organic fractions for H. azteca and L. cardium, and lower for P. promelas. As such, the drivers of toxicity appeared to be dependent on the species exposed. Of the organic fractions assessed, F3 (most polar) was the most toxic overall while F2 (intermediate polarity) displayed little toxicity to all species evaluated. This presents strong evidence that classical mono-carboxylic naphthenic acids, mostly present in F1 (least polar), are not primarily responsible for the toxicity in aged tailings. The current study indicates that although the aged tailings source (≥18 years) did not display acute toxicity to the majority of organisms assessed, inorganic components and polyoxygenated organics may pose a persistent concern to some aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E Bauer
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada.
| | - J L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - A J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - P L Gillis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - L E Deeth
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, ON, Canada
| | - M D Rudy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - R Vanderveen
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - L Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - S D Campbell
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - M R Rodrigues
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - A J Farwell
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - D G Dixon
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Robidoux PY, Virginie B, Judith L, Marc D. Assessment of acute and chronic toxicity of unweathered and weathered diluted bitumen to freshwater fish and invertebrates. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 164:331-343. [PMID: 30130732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the results of two different studies investigating the acute and chronic toxicity of two blends of diluted bitumens ("dilbit") and weathered dilbit on freshwater fish and invertebrates after exposure to different concentrations of physically-dispersed (water accommodated fraction; WAF) and chemically-dispersed (chemically-enhanced WAF; CEWAF). The first study evaluated the acute and chronic toxicity of weathered, unweathered and dispersed Access Western Blend (AWB) dilbit on Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). In the second study, acute and chronic toxicity of weathered and unweathered Cold Lake Blend (CLB) dilbit was assessed on Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and two invertebrate species, Daphnia (Daphnia magna) and Ceriodaphnia (Ceriodaphnia dubia). For Fathead minnow, unweathered AWB WAF demonstrated a significantly higher acute toxicity (LC50-96 h = 0.628 g/L) compared to the weathered AWB WAF (LC50-96 h = 2.06 g/L). Chronic toxicity tests showed that Fathead minnow lethality was also higher for unweathered AWB (LC50-7 d = 0.593 g/L) compared to the weathered AWB (LC50-7 d = 1.31 g/L) whereas larval growth toxicity was lower for unweathered AWB (IC25-7 d=0.312 g/L) compared to the weathered dilbit (IC25-7 d = 0.096 g/L). Rainbow trout exposed to unweathered CLB demonstrated a significantly higher toxicity (LC50-96 h = 5.66 g/L) compared to the weathered CLB (LC50 > 18 g/L). Lethality (LC50 = 6.43 g/L) was observed in Ceriodaphnia exposed to the CLB WAF while no mortality was observed with the weathered CLB. The reproductive effects on Ceriodaphnia were greater with the CLB (IC25 <1.0) than with the weathered CLB (IC25 = 3.99 g/L). Volatile organic compounds (VOC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) increased as the dilbit CLB and AWB WAF concentrations increased. The total VOC and the total PAHs (including the alkylated PAHs) presented similar concentrations in the weathered and unweathered AWB WAF. These compounds seem therefore not be affected by the AWB WAF weathering process. However, VOC and PAH concentrations decreased significantly in the Rainbow trout and Ceriodaphnia toxicity tests using the weathered CLB WAF. VOC and PAH concentrations were also lower in the weathered AWB CEWAF used for Fathead minnow chronic study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bérubé Virginie
- AGAT Laboratories, 9770 Route Transcanadienne, St. Laurent, QC H4S 1V9, Canada
| | - Leblanc Judith
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, 850 Route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Desrosiers Marc
- Public Services and Procurement Canada, 1550, d'Estimauville, Québec, QC G1J 0C7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lyons DD, Philibert DA, Zablocki T, Qin R, Huang R, Gamal El-Din M, Tierney KB. Assessment of raw and ozonated oil sands process-affected water exposure in developing zebrafish: Associating morphological changes with gene expression. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 241:959-968. [PMID: 30029330 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
With the ever-increasing amounts of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) accumulating from Canada's oil sands operations, its eventual release must be considered. As OSPW has been found to be both acutely and chronically toxic to aquatic organisms, remediation processes must be developed to lower its toxicity. Ozone treatment is currently being studied as a tool to facilitate the removal of organic constituents associated with toxicity. Biomarkers (e.g. gene expression) are commonly used when studying the effects of environmental contaminants, however, they are not always indicative of adverse effects at the whole organism level. In this study, we assessed the effects of OSPW exposure on developing zebrafish by linking gene expression to relevant cellular and whole organism level endpoints. We also investigated whether or not ozone treatment decreased biomarkers and any associated toxicity observed from OSPW exposure. The concentrations of classical naphthenic acids in the raw and ozonated OSPW used in this study were 16.9 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L, respectively. Ozone treatment reduced the total amount of naphthenic acids (NAs) in the OSPW sample by 92%. We found that exposure to both raw and ozonated OSPW had no effect on the survival of zebrafish embryos. The expression levels of biotransformation genes CYP1A and CYP1B were induced by raw OSPW exposure, with CYP1B being more highly expressed than CYP1A. In contrast, ozonated OSPW exposure did not increase the expression of CYP1A and only slightly induced CYP1B. A decrease in cardiac development and function genes (NKX2.5 and APT2a2a) was not associates with large changes in heart rate, arrhythmia or heart size. We did not find any indications of craniofacial abnormalities or of increased occurrence of apoptotic cells. Overall, our study found that OSPW was not overtly toxic to zebrafish embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle D Lyons
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Danielle A Philibert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Taylor Zablocki
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Rui Qin
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Rongfu Huang
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Keith B Tierney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lyons DD, Morrison C, Philibert DA, Gamal El-Din M, Tierney KB. Growth and recovery of zebrafish embryos after developmental exposure to raw and ozonated oil sands process-affected water. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 206:405-413. [PMID: 29758497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing volume of oil sands process-affect water (OSPW) and its toxicity to aquatic organisms, it is important to fully understand its effects and study remediation processes that will enable its release to the environment. Ozone treatment is currently being considered as a tool to expedite remediation, as it is known to degrade toxic organic compounds present in OSPW. In this study, we aimed to measure the effects of OSPW exposure on the growth, development and recovery of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. We also used ozone-treated OSPW to determine whether ozonation negated any effects of raw OSPW exposure. As biomarkers of exposure, we assessed the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment (ngn1, neuroD), estrogenicity (vtg), oxidative stress (sod1), and biotransformation (cyp1a, cyp1b). Our study found that exposure to both raw and ozonated OSPW did not impair growth of zebrafish embryos, however, otoliths of exposed embryos were smaller than those of control embryos. The expression levels of both cyp1a and cyp1b were induced by raw OSPW exposure. However, after the exposure period, expression levels of these genes returned to control levels within two days of residence in clean water. We found no changes in the expression levels of ngn1, neuroD and vtg genes with exposure to treated or untreated OSPW. Overall, our study found that raw OSPW exposure did not have many negative effects on zebrafish embryos and embryos appeared to recover relatively quickly after exposure ended. Furthermore, ozone treatment decreased the induction of cyp1a and cyp1b.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle D Lyons
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Christie Morrison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Danielle A Philibert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Keith B Tierney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dogra Y, Scarlett AG, Rowe D, Galloway TS, Rowland SJ. Predicted and measured acute toxicity and developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos produced by exposure to individual aromatic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 205:98-107. [PMID: 29689530 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum acids, often called 'Naphthenic Acids' (NA), enter the environment in complex mixtures from numerous sources. These include from Produced and Process-Affected waters discharged from some oil industry activities, and from the environmental weathering of spilled crude oil hydrocarbons. Here, we test the hypothesis that individual NA within the complex mixtures can induce developmental abnormalities in fish, by screening a range of individual acids, with known chemical structures. Sixteen aromatic NA were tested using a Thamnocephalus platyrus (beavertail fairyshrimp) assay, to establish acute toxicity. Toxicities ranged from 568 to 8 μM, with the methylbiphenyl acid, 4-(p-tolyl)benzoic acid, most toxic. Next, five of the most toxic monoacids and for comparison, a diacid, were assayed using Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos to test for lethality and developmental abnormalities. The toxicities were also predicted using Admet predictor™ software. Exposure to the five monoacids produced deformities in zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, exposure to 4-(p-tolyl)benzoic acid produced abnormalities in >90% of the embryos at concentrations of <1 μM; exposure to dehydroabietic acid caused pericardial edema and stunted growth in 100% of the embryos at 6 μM and exposure to pyrene-1-carboxylic acid caused 80% of embryos to be affected at 3 μM. The findings of this preliminary study therefore suggest that some aromatic acids are targets for more detailed mechanistic studies of mode of action. The results should help to focus on those NA which may be important for monitoring in oil industry wastewaters and polluted environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuktee Dogra
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Alan G Scarlett
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Darren Rowe
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Steven J Rowland
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Parrott JL, Marentette JR, Hewitt LM, McMaster ME, Gillis PL, Norwood WP, Kirk JL, Peru KM, Headley JV, Wang Z, Yang C, Frank RA. Meltwater from snow contaminated by oil sands emissions is toxic to larval fish, but not spring river water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 625:264-274. [PMID: 29289775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To assess the toxicity of winter-time atmospheric deposition in the oil sands mining area of Northern Alberta, embryo-larval fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to snowmelt samples. Snow was collected in 2011-2014 near (<7km) oil sands open pit mining operations in the Athabasca River watershed and at sites far from (>25km) oil sands mining. Snow was shipped frozen back to the laboratory, melted, and amended with essential ions prior to testing. Fertilized fathead minnow eggs were exposed (<24h post-fertilization to 7-16days post-hatch) to a range of 25%-100% snowmelt. Snow samples far from (25-277km away) surface mining operations and upgrading facilities did not affect larval fathead minnow survival at 100%. Snow samples from sites near surface mining and refining activities (<7km) showed reduced larval minnow survival. There was some variability in the potencies of snow year-to-year from 2011 to 2014, and there were increases in deformities in minnows exposed to snow from 1 site on the Steepbank River. Although exposure to snowmelt from sites near oil sands surface mining operations caused effects in larval fish, spring melt water from these same sites in late March-May of 2010, 2013 and 2014 showed no effects on larval survival when tested at 100%. Snow was analyzed for metals, total naphthenic acid concentrations, parent PAHs and alkylated PAHs. Naphthenic acid concentrations in snow were below those known to affect fish larvae. Concentrations of metals in ion-amended snow were below published water quality guideline concentrations. Compared to other sites, the snowmelt samples collected close to mining and upgrading activities had higher concentrations of PAHs and alkylated PAHs associated with airborne deposition of fugitive dusts from mining and coke piles, and in aerosols and particles from stack emissions. CAPSULE Snow collected close to oil sands surface mining sites is toxic to larval fathead minnows in the lab; however spring melt water samples from the same sites do not reduce larval fish survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada.
| | - J R Marentette
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - L M Hewitt
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - M E McMaster
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - P L Gillis
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - W P Norwood
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - J L Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - K M Peru
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, SK, Canada
| | - J V Headley
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, SK, Canada
| | - Z Wang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, River Road, Ottawa K1A 0H2 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - C Yang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, River Road, Ottawa K1A 0H2 1A1, ON, Canada
| | - R A Frank
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7S 1A1, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Raine JC, Turcotte D, Romanowski L, Parrott JL. Oil sands tailings pond sediment toxicity to early life stages of northern pike (Esox lucius). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:567-575. [PMID: 29268228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Athabasca River in Alberta flows through natural sources of eroding oil sands bitumen and oil sands mining operations that may result in low level contamination of surface waters. Northern pike (Esox lucius) are apex predators and important food and game fish species native to the Athabasca River system. This species has the potential to be exposed to both natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination from oil sands related materials throughout its life cycle. Pike are difficult to rear in the laboratory and little information exists on the toxicity of oil sands related materials to this key indigenous fish species. In this study, the potential effects of two sediment samples collected from different areas of one tailings pond in the Athabasca oil sands area are assessed in a daily renewal bioassay on early life stages of northern pike. Gametes were collected from spawning wild pike captured from a reference site outside of the oil sands area. Fertilized eggs were exposed to control water or increasing concentrations of tailings pond sediments for 21days, coinciding with initiation of exogenous feeding and completion of yolk absorption. Developing fish were examined for survival and changes in body weight, length, and development. Embryos exhibited increased developmental abnormalities and decreased growth and survival with increasing sediment concentration. Both sediment samples had similar levels of naphthenic acids and similar types of PAHs, with alkylated PAHs dominating. However, concentrations of total and alkylated PAHs differed between sediment samples and were related to increasing developmental abnormalities and decreased growth and survival. This is consistent with developmental changes observed with exposure to PAHs in other fish species. These results provide information on the effects of tailings pond sediments comprising mixtures of PAHs and alkylated PAHs on the development and survival of a key species in the northern aquatic ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Raine
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada.
| | - D Turcotte
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - L Romanowski
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada; National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - J L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Improved coverage of naphthenic acid fraction compounds by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1536:88-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
24
|
Li C, Fu L, Stafford J, Belosevic M, Gamal El-Din M. The toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW): A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:1785-1802. [PMID: 28618666 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) are produced by the surface-mining oil sands industry in Alberta. Both laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the exposure to OSPW leads to many physiological changes in a variety of organisms. Adverse effects include compromised immunological function, developmental delays, impaired reproduction, disrupted endocrine system, and higher prevalence of tissue-specific pathological manifestations. The composition of OSPW varies with several factors such as ore sources, mining process, and tailings management practices. Differences in water characteristics have confounded interpretation or comparison of OSPW toxicity across studies. Research on individual fractions extracted from OSPW has helped identify some target pollutants. Naphthenic acids (NAs) are considered as the major toxic components in OSPW, exhibiting toxic effects through multiple modes of action including narcosis and endocrine disruption. Other pollutants, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, and ions may also contribute to the overall OSPW toxicity. Studies have been conducted on OSPW as a whole complex effluent mixture, with consideration of the presence of unidentified components, and the interactions (potential synergistic or antagonistic reactions) among chemicals. This review summarizes the toxicological data derived from in vitro and in vivo exposure studies using different OSPW types, and different taxa of organisms. In general, toxicity of OSPW was found to be dependent on the OSPW type and concentration, duration of exposures (acute versus sub chronic), and organism studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G1H9, Canada
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2E9, Canada
| | - James Stafford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2E9, Canada
| | - Miodrag Belosevic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2E9, Canada.
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G1H9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Raine JC, Turcotte D, Tumber V, Peru KM, Wang Z, Yang C, Headley JV, Parrott JL. The effect of oil sands tailings pond sediments on embryo-larval walleye (Sander vitreus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 229:798-809. [PMID: 28712873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a commercially important North American fish species that inhabit the Athabasca River. This river flows through the Athabasca oil sands where natural sources of bitumen erode from the McMurray formation. Little information is available on responses of walleye embryos to oil sands tailings pond sediments in a laboratory setting. The current study describes the design and implementation of a daily-renewal bioassay to assess the potential effects of tailings pond sediments from the Athabasca oil sands area on walleye development. Developing walleye embryos were exposed to increasing concentrations of two tailings pond sediments (collected in the Athabasca oil sands area) until the completion of yolk absorption in control fish. Sediments from the tailings pond represent a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs. During the 31 day exposure, the walleye were examined for mortalities, weight, length and developmental abnormalities to provide an initial evaluation of the effects of the oil sands tailings pond sediments. Walleye embryo survival differed between the tailings pond sediments, and survival decreased with increasing sediment concentration. Alkylated PAH content differed between the two tailings pond sediments and lower embryo survival corresponded to higher total and alkylated PAH content. Tailings pond sediment-exposed walleye exhibited a delay in development, as well as increased percentages of larvae with heart and yolk sac edema, and cranial and spinal malformations. These abnormalities in development are often associated with PAH and alkylated PAH exposure. This study provides an exposure design that can be used to assess sediment toxicity to early developmental stages of a fish species not commonly tested in the lab, and lays the groundwork for future studies with this and other difficult-to-culture species. These results offer information on the potential effects of tailings pond sediments containing PAH/alkylated PAH mixtures on walleye development and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Raine
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada.
| | - D Turcotte
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - V Tumber
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - K M Peru
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Z Wang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, River Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H2, Canada
| | - C Yang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, River Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H2, Canada
| | - J V Headley
- National Hydrology Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - J L Parrott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Petersen K, Hultman MT, Rowland SJ, Tollefsen KE. Toxicity of organic compounds from unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) to primary fish hepatocytes. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 190:150-161. [PMID: 28711771 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental matrices contaminated with organic pollutants derived from crude oil or degraded petroleum contain mixtures so complex that they are typically unresolved by conventional analytical techniques such as gas chromatography. The resulting chromatographic features have become known as 'humps' or unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs). These UCMs often dominate the organic contaminants of polluted environmental samples: for example, in oil sands produced water up to 150mgL-1 of 'naphthenic acids' appear as UCMs when examined by gas chromatography as the esters. In oil-contaminated mussels, aromatic hydrocarbon UCMs may comprise almost all of the total toxic hydrocarbons, with over 7000μgg-1 dry weight reported in some samples. Over the last 25 years, efforts to resolve and thus identify, or at least to produce average structures, for some UCM components, have proved fruitful. Numerous non-polar UCM hydrocarbons and more polar UCM acids have been identified, then synthesised or purchased from commercial suppliers. As UCMs have been proposed to represent a risk to aquatic organisms, the need for assessment of the ecotoxicological effects and characterisation of the mode of action (MoA) of these environmental pollutants has arisen. In the present study, several chemicals with structures typical of those found in some UCMs, were assessed for their potential to disrupt membrane integrity, inhibit metabolic activity, activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and activate the estrogen receptor (ER) in primary rainbow trout hepatocytes (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These endpoints were determined in order to screen for common toxic modes of action (MoA) in this diverse group of chemicals. The results from the in vitro screening indicated that of the endpoints tested, the predominant toxic MoA was cytotoxicity. EC50 values for cytotoxicity were obtained for 16 compounds and ranged from 77μM-24mM, whereof aliphatic monocyclic acids, monoaromatic acids, polycyclic monoaromatic acids and alkylnaphthalenes were the most toxic. The observed cytotoxicity of the chemicals correlated well with the hydrophobicity (LogKOW) suggesting that the toxicity was predominantly due to a non-specific MoA. Interestingly, two compounds induced the ER-mediated production of vitellogenin (Vtg) and six compounds induced the AhR-mediated Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) enzymatic activity to >20% of the positive control; by doing so suggesting that they may act as ER or AhR agonists in fish. The heterogeneous group of 'UCM compounds' tested exhibited multiple MoA that may potentially cause adverse effects in fish. Additional studies to determine if these compounds may cause adverse effects in vivo at environmentally relevant concentrations, are warranted to identify if such compounds are indeed of potential environmental concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Petersen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria T Hultman
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Post box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Steven J Rowland
- Petroleum & Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, Devon, UK
| | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Post box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fu L, Li C, Lillico DME, Phillips NAI, Gamal El-Din M, Belosevic M, Stafford JL. Comparison of the Acute Immunotoxicity of Nonfractionated and Fractionated Oil Sands Process-Affected Water Using Mammalian Macrophages. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:8624-8634. [PMID: 28682603 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OSPW is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic substances and its principal toxic components have yet to be fully characterized. Previously, we showed in vitro that the oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) organic fraction (OF) caused a concentration-dependent immunotoxicity in mammals. In the present study we further explore the immunotoxicological properties of OSPW in mammals using a series of in vitro bioassays. Specifically, using the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line we show that whole OSPW containing naphthenic acid (NA) concentrations ranging from 12 to 18 mg/L, significantly inhibited cell proliferation, reduced cell viability, and was directly cytotoxic, whereas the exposure of cells to equivalent doses of the OSPW-OF had no measurable effects. Whole OSPW exposures also caused morphological changes in RAW 264.7 cells, and at sublethal doses (i.e., 10 mg/L) it induced the early expression of the stress genes hmox1 and gadd45. In addition, at NA concentrations of 10 mg/L, whole OSPW but not the OSPW-OF had significant effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels and cytokine protein secretion activities. Finally, whole OSPW also impaired the ability of RAW 264.7 cells to perform phagocytosis. Overall, we demonstrate that exposure to whole OSPW (at NA doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg/L), but not the OSPW-OF caused both cytotoxic and immunomodulatory changes in mouse macrophages. This suggests that the complex mixture of inorganic and organic components found in whole OSPW are acutely toxic at much lower doses than we previously reported for the OSPW-OF (i.e., 50 mg/L) due to unknown additive and/or synergistic interactions that likely occur between the various components present in whole OSPW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Fu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2E1
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 1H9
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 1H9
| | - Dustin M E Lillico
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2E1
| | - Nicole A I Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2E1
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada , T6G 1H9
| | - Miodrag Belosevic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2E1
| | - James L Stafford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2E1
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bartlett AJ, Frank RA, Gillis PL, Parrott JL, Marentette JR, Brown LR, Hooey T, Vanderveen R, McInnis R, Brunswick P, Shang D, Headley JV, Peru KM, Hewitt LM. Toxicity of naphthenic acids to invertebrates: Extracts from oil sands process-affected water versus commercial mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 227:271-279. [PMID: 28477551 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) has been primarily attributed to polar organic constituents, including naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs). Our objective was to assess the toxicity of NAFCs derived from fresh and aged OSPW, as well as commercial naphthenic acid (NA) mixtures. Exposures were conducted with three aquatic species: Hyalella azteca (freshwater amphipod), Vibrio fischeri (marine bacterium, Microtox® assay), and Lampsilis cardium (freshwater mussel larvae (glochidia)). Commercial NAs were more toxic than NAFCs, with differences of up to 30-, 4-, and 120-fold for H. azteca, V. fischeri, and L. cardium, respectively, demonstrating that commercial NAs are not reliable surrogates for assessing the toxicity of NAFCs. Differences in toxicity between species were striking for both commercial NAs and NAFCs. Overall, V. fischeri was the least sensitive and H. azteca was the most sensitive organism. Responses of V. fischeri and H. azteca to NAFC exposures were consistent (< 2-fold difference) regardless of source and age of OSPW; however, effects on L. cardium ranged 17-fold between NAFCs. NAFCs derived from fresh OSPW sources were similarly or less toxic to those from aged OSPW. Our results support the need to better characterize the complex mixtures associated with bitumen-influenced waters, both chemically and toxicologically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Julie R Marentette
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa R Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Tina Hooey
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ruth Vanderveen
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Rodney McInnis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela Brunswick
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver V7H 1V2, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Dayue Shang
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver V7H 1V2, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon S7N 3H5, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington L7S 1A1, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Brunswick P, Hewitt LM, Frank RA, Kim M, van Aggelen G, Shang D. A traceable reference for direct comparative assessment of total naphthenic acid concentrations in commercial and acid extractable organic mixtures derived from oil sands process water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2017; 52:274-280. [PMID: 27901640 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2016.1253399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The advantage of using naphthenic acid (NA) mixtures for the determination of total NA lies in their chemical characteristics and identification of retention times distinct from isobaric interferences. However, the differing homolog profiles and unknown chemical structures of NA mixtures do not allow them to be considered a traceable reference material. The current study provides a new tool for the comparative assessment of different NA mixtures by direct reference to a single, well-defined and traceable compound, decanoic-d19 acid. The method employed an established liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QToF) procedure that was applicable both to the classic O2 NA species dominating commercial mixtures and additionally to the O4 species known to be present in acid extractable organics (AEOs) derived from oil sands process water (OSPW). Four different commercial NA mixtures and one OSPW-derived AEOs mixture were comparatively assessed. Results showed significant difference among Merichem Technical, Aldrich, Acros, and Kodak commercial NA mixtures with respect to "equivalent to decanoic-d19 acid" concentration ratios to nominal. Furthermore, different lot numbers of single commercial NA mixtures were found to be inconsistent with respect to their homolog content by percent response. Differences in the observed homolog content varied significantly, particularly at the lower (n = 9-14) and higher (n = 20-23) carbon number ranges. Results highlighted the problem between using NA mixtures from different sources and different lot numbers but offered a solution to the problem from a concentration perspective. It is anticipated that this tool may be utilized in review of historical data in addition to future studies, such as the study of OSPW derived acid extractable organics (AEOs) and fractions employed during toxicological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Brunswick
- a Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing , Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre, Environment & Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- b Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario , Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- b Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada , Burlington , Ontario , Canada
| | - Marcus Kim
- c Agilent Technologies Inc. , Ontario , Canada
| | - Graham van Aggelen
- a Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing , Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre, Environment & Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Dayue Shang
- a Pacific and Yukon Laboratory for Environmental Testing , Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Environmental Science Centre, Environment & Climate Change Canada , North Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Marentette JR, Sarty K, Cowie AM, Frank RA, Hewitt LM, Parrott JL, Martyniuk CJ. Molecular responses of Walleye (Sander vitreus) embryos to naphthenic acid fraction components extracted from fresh oil sands process-affected water. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 182:11-19. [PMID: 27842271 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs) are constituents of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), which is generated as a result of unconventional oil production via surface mining in the Athabasca oil sands region. NAFCs are often considered to be major drivers of OSPW toxicity to various taxa, including fishes. However, the molecular targets of these complex mixtures are not fully elucidated. Here we examined the effects in walleye (Sander vitreus) embryos after exposure to NAFCs extracted from fresh OSPW. Eleutheroembryos (exposed to 0, 4.2 or 8.3mg/L NAFCs from 1day post-fertilization to hatch) were subsampled, measured for growth and deformities, and molecular responses were assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fourteen genes were evaluated, with a focus on the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) - cytochrome P450 pathway (arnt, cyp1a1), the oxidative stress axis (cat, gst, sod, gpx1b), apoptosis (e.g. casp3, bax and p53), growth factor signaling (e.g. insulin-like growth factors igf1, igf1b, and igf1bp), and tissue differentiation (vim). NAFC exposure was associated with an increase in the expression of cyp1a1, and a decrease in gpx1b and ribosomal protein rps40. These results indicate that NAFC effects on walleye early-life stages may be mediated through oxidative stress via pathways that include AhR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Marentette
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleena Sarty
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
| | - Andrew M Cowie
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Marentette JR, Frank RA, Bartlett AJ, Gillis PL, Hewitt LM, Peru KM, Headley JV, Brunswick P, Shang D, Parrott JL. Toxicity of naphthenic acid fraction components extracted from fresh and aged oil sands process-affected waters, and commercial naphthenic acid mixtures, to fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 164:108-117. [PMID: 25957715 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are constituents of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). These compounds can be both toxic and persistent and thus are a primary concern for the ultimate remediation of tailings ponds in northern Alberta's oil sands regions. Recent research has focused on the toxicity of NAs to the highly vulnerable early life-stages of fish. Here we examined fathead minnow embryonic survival, growth and deformities after exposure to extracted NA fraction components (NAFCs), from fresh and aged oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), as well as commercially available NA mixtures. Commercial NA mixtures were dominated by acyclic O2 species, while NAFCs from OSPW were dominated by bi- and tricyclic O2 species. Fathead minnow embryos less than 24h old were reared in tissue culture plates terminating at hatch. Both NAFC and commercial NA mixtures reduced hatch success, although NAFCs from OSPW were less toxic (EC50=5-12mg/L, nominal concentrations) than commercial NAs (2mg/L, nominal concentrations). The toxicities of NAFCs from aged and fresh OSPW were similar. Embryonic heart rates at 2 days post-fertilization (dpf) declined with increasing NAFC exposure, paralleling patterns of hatch success and rates of cardiovascular abnormalities (e.g., pericardial edemas) at hatch. Finfold deformities increased in exposures to commercial NA mixtures, not NAFCs. Thus, commercial NA mixtures are not appropriate surrogates for NAFC toxicity. Further work clarifying the mechanisms of action of NAFCs in OSPW, as well as comparisons with additional aged sources of OSPW, is merited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Marentette
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Adrienne J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Pamela Brunswick
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dayue Shang
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|