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Bauer AE, Hewitt LM, Roy JW, Parrott JL, Bartlett AJ, Gillis PL, Norwood WP, Rudy MD, Campbell SD, Rodrigues MR, Brown LR, Vanderveen R, Deeth LE, Holman EAM, Salerno J, Marentette JR, Lavalle C, Sullivan C, Shires K, Galicia M, Rubino J, Brown M, O'Neill A, Bickerton G, Dixon DG, Frank RA. The acute toxicity of bitumen-influenced groundwaters from the oil sands region to aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157676. [PMID: 35926600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The extraction of surface mined bitumen from oil sands deposits in northern Alberta, Canada produces large quantities of liquid tailings waste, termed oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), which are stored in large tailings ponds. OSPW-derived chemicals from several tailings ponds migrating past containment structures and through groundwater systems pose a concern for surface water contamination. The present study investigated the toxicity of groundwater from near-field sites adjacent to a tailings pond with OPSW influence and far-field sites with only natural oil sands bitumen influence. The acute toxicity of unfractionated groundwater and isolated organic fractions was assessed using a suite of aquatic organisms (Pimephales promelas, Oryzias latipes, Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Lampsilis spp., Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hexagenia spp., and Vibrio fischeri). Assessment of unfractionated groundwater demonstrated toxicity towards all invertebrates in at least one far-field sample, with both near-field and far-field samples with bitumen influence toxic towards P. promelas, while no toxicity was observed for O. latipes. When assessing the unfractionated groundwater and isolated organic fractions from near-field and far-field groundwater sites, P. promelas and H. azteca were the most sensitive to organic components, while D. magna and L. cardium were most sensitive to the inorganic components. Groundwater containing appreciable amounts of dissolved organics exhibited similar toxicities to sensitive species regardless of an OSPW or natural bitumen source. The lack of a clear distinction in relative acute toxicities between near-field and far-field samples indicates that the water-soluble chemicals associated with bitumen are acutely toxic to several aquatic organisms. This result, combined with the similarities in chemical profiles between bitumen-influenced groundwater originating from OSPW and/or natural sources, suggests that the industrial bitumen extraction processes corresponding to the tailings pond in this study are not contributing unique toxic substances to groundwater, relative to natural bitumen compounds present in groundwater flow systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E Bauer
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - James W Roy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Adrienne J Bartlett
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Patricia L Gillis
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Warren P Norwood
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Martina D Rudy
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Sheena D Campbell
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Maegan R Rodrigues
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lisa R Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Ruth Vanderveen
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lorna E Deeth
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Emily A M Holman
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Joseph Salerno
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Julie R Marentette
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Christine Lavalle
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Cheryl Sullivan
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Kallie Shires
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Melissa Galicia
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Julian Rubino
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mitra Brown
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Alicia O'Neill
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Greg Bickerton
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - D George Dixon
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada.
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2
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Abstract
Oil sands surface mining in Alberta has generated over a billion cubic metres of waste, known as tailings, consisting of sands, silts, clays, and process-affected water that contains toxic organic compounds and chemical constituents. All of these tailings will eventually be reclaimed and integrated into one of two types of mine closure landforms: end pit lakes (EPLs) or terrestrial landforms with a wetland feature. In EPLs, tailings deposits are capped with several metres of water while in terrestrial landforms, tailings are capped with solid materials, such as sand or overburden. Because tailings landforms are relatively new, past research has heavily focused on the geotechnical and biogeochemical characteristics of tailings in temporary storage ponds, referred to as tailings ponds. As such, the geochemical stability of tailings landforms remains largely unknown. This review discusses five mechanisms of geochemical change expected in tailings landforms: consolidation, chemical mass loading via pore water fluxes, biogeochemical cycling, polymer degradation, and surface water and groundwater interactions. Key considerations and knowledge gaps with regard to the long-term geochemical stability of tailings landforms are identified, including salt fluxes and subsequent water quality, bioremediation and biogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and the biogeochemical implications of various tailings treatment methods meant to improve geotechnical properties of tailings, such as flocculant (polyacrylamide) and coagulant (gypsum) addition.
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3
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Milestone CB, Sun C, Martin JW, Bickerton G, Roy JW, Frank RA, Hewitt LM. Non-target profiling of bitumen-influenced waters for the identification of tracers unique to oil sands processed-affected water (OSPW) in the Athabasca watershed of Alberta, Canada. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e8984. [PMID: 33074582 PMCID: PMC7757169 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The objective of this study was to identify unique chemical tracers of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) to enable definitive discrimination of tailings pond seepage from natural bitumen-influenced waters from the Canadian Alberta McMurray formation. METHODS The approach involved comparing unknowns from an unprecedented sample set of OSPW (n = 4) and OSPW-affected groundwaters (n = 15) with natural bitumen-influenced groundwaters (n = 20), using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-HRMS) operated in both polarities. RESULTS Four unknown chemical entities were identified as potential tracers of OSPW seepage and subsequently subjected to structural elucidation. One potential tracer, tentatively identified as a thiophene-containing carboxylic acid [C15 H23 O3 S]- , was only detected in OSPW and OSPW-affected samples, thereby showing the greatest diagnostic potential. The remaining three unknowns, postulated to be two thiochroman isomers [C17 H25 O3 S]+ and an ethyl-naphthalene isomer [C16 H21 ]+ , were detected in one and two background groundwaters, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We advanced the state of knowledge for tracers of tailings seepage beyond heteroatomic classes, to identifying diagnostic substances, with structures postulated. Synthesis of the four proposed structures is recommended to enable structural confirmations. This research will guide and inform the Oil Sands Monitoring Program in its efforts to assess potential influences of oil sands development on the Athabasca River watershed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig B. Milestone
- Sheridan CollegeSchool of Chemical and Environmental Sciences7899 McLaughlin RoadBramptonONL6Y 5H9Canada
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABT6G 2G3Canada
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABT6G 2G3Canada
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical ChemistryStockholm UniversityStockholm10691Sweden
| | - Greg Bickerton
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
| | - James W. Roy
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
| | - Richard A. Frank
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
| | - L. Mark Hewitt
- Environment and Climate CanadaWater Science and Technology Directorate867 Lakeshore RoadBurlingtonONL7S 1A1Canada
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4
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Rashed Y, Messele SA, Zeng H, Gamal El-Din M. Mesoporous carbon xerogel material for the adsorption of model naphthenic acids: structure effect and kinetics modelling. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 41:3534-3543. [PMID: 31046640 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1615130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The study examined the preparation, characterization and the use of carbon xerogel (CX) material for the adsorption of three model naphthenic acids (NAs); such as, heptanoic acid (HPA), 5-cyclohexanepentanoic acid (CHPA), and 5-phenylvaleric acid (PVA). CX was synthesized by sol-gel method from resorcinol and formaldehyde. The characterization results showed that CX was a mesoporous material with large surface area (573 m2/g) and high pore volume (1.55 cm3/g), which was mainly composed of carbon (93.20%) and oxygen (6.71%). Adsorption studies revealed that PVA, the NA having an aromatic ring was adsorbed more easily by CX (87 mg/g) due to π-π interactions, followed by HPA (65 mg/g) and CHPA (61 mg/g). In addition, by studying the effect of solution pH, the result confirmed that repulsion greatly hindered the adsorption of HPA onto CX at pHs above that of the pHPZC and at lower pHs attractive electrostatic forces promoted adsorption. Adsorption kinetics fitted the pseudo-first-order model, which suggested that physisorption was most likely the means of adsorption. For the intraparticle diffusion model, the rate of film diffusion was higher than the rate of pore diffusion for each model compound regardless of their structure. Accordingly, this confirmed that pore diffusion was the rate-limiting step, although film diffusion still maintained a significant role in the rate of diffusion. In general, CX exhibited excellent adsorption performance due to its highly mesoporous character so it could be used as a passive treatment method in tailing ponds for removal of organic matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Rashed
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Hongbo Zeng
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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5
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Gammon PR, Mayer B, Savard MM, Peru KM, Headley JV. Distinguishing Natural from Anthropogenic Sources of Acid Extractable Organics in Groundwater near Oil Sands Tailings Ponds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2790-2799. [PMID: 31995355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Distinguishing between naphthenic acids (NAs) associated with oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) and those found naturally in groundwaters in contact with the bituminous McMurray Formation poses a considerable analytical challenge to environmental research in Canada's oil sands region. Previous work addressing this problem combined high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry with carbon isotope values generated by online pyrolysis (δ13Cpyr) to characterize and quantify the acid extractable organics (AEOs) fraction containing NAs in the subsurface near an oil sands tailings pond. Here, we build upon this work through further development and application of these techniques at two different study sites near two different tailings ponds, in conjunction with the use of an additional isotopic tool-sulfur isotope analysis (δ34S) of AEOs. The combined use of both δ13Cpyr and δ34S allowed for discrimination of AEOs into the three end-members relevant to ascertaining the NA environmental footprint within the region: (1) OSPW; (2) McMurray Formation groundwater (i.e., naturally occurring bitumen), and; (3) naturally occurring non-bitumen. A Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to determine the relative proportions of these three sources in groundwater at both study sites. Although background levels of OSPW-derived AEOs were generally low, one sample containing 49-99% (95% credibility interval) OSPW-derived AEOs was detected within an inferred preferential flow-path, highlighting the potential for this technique to track tailings pond seepage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS Eau Terre Environnement, Québec City, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Paul R Gammon
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8, Canada
| | - Bernhard Mayer
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Martine M Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, Québec G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada
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6
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Hewitt LM, Roy JW, Rowland SJ, Bickerton G, DeSilva A, Headley JV, Milestone CB, Scarlett AG, Brown S, Spencer C, West CE, Peru KM, Grapentine L, Ahad JM, Pakdel H, Frank RA. Advances in Distinguishing Groundwater Influenced by Oil Sands Process-Affected Water (OSPW) from Natural Bitumen-Influenced Groundwaters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1522-1532. [PMID: 31906621 PMCID: PMC7003248 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to advance analytical methods for detecting oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) seepage from mining containments and discriminating any such seepage from the natural bitumen background in groundwaters influenced by the Alberta McMurray formation. Improved sampling methods and quantitative analyses of two groups of monoaromatic acids were employed to analyze OSPW and bitumen-affected natural background groundwaters for source discrimination. Both groups of monoaromatic acids showed significant enrichment in OSPW, while ratios of O2/O4 containing heteroatomic ion classes of acid extractable organics (AEOs) did not exhibit diagnostic differences. Evaluating the monoaromatic acids to track a known plume of OSPW-affected groundwater confirmed their diagnostic abilities. A secondary objective was to assess anthropogenically derived artificial sweeteners and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as potential tracers for OSPW. Despite the discovery of acesulfame and PFAS in most OSPW samples, trace levels in groundwaters influenced by general anthropogenic activities preclude them as individual robust tracers. However, their inclusion with the other metrics employed in this study served to augment the tiered, weight of evidence methodology developed. This methodology was then used to confirm earlier findings of OSPW migrations into groundwater reaching the Athabasca River system adjacent to the reclaimed pond at Tar Island Dyke.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Mark Hewitt
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - James W. Roy
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Steve J. Rowland
- Petroleum
and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, 5, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Greg Bickerton
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Amila DeSilva
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - John V. Headley
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK Canada, S7N3H5
| | - Craig B. Milestone
- School
of Chemical and Environmental Sciences, Davis Campus, Sheridan College, 7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, ON Canada, L6Y 5H9
| | - Alan G. Scarlett
- Petroleum
and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, 5, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Susan Brown
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Christine Spencer
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Charles E. West
- Petroleum
and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, 5, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.
| | - Kerry M. Peru
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK Canada, S7N3H5
| | - Lee Grapentine
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
| | - Jason M.E. Ahad
- Geological
Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC Canada, G1K 9A9
| | | | - Richard A. Frank
- Water
Science and Technology Directorate, Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON Canada, L7R 4A6
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7
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Fennell J, Arciszewski TJ. Current knowledge of seepage from oil sands tailings ponds and its environmental influence in northeastern Alberta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:968-985. [PMID: 31200313 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Seepage of oil sand process-affected waters (OSPW) from tailings ponds into surface waters is a common concern in the minable oil sands region of northeast Alberta. Research on seepage has been extensive, but few comprehensive treatments evaluating all aspects relevant to the phenomenon are available. In this work, the current information relevant for understanding the state of seepage from tailings ponds was reviewed. The information suggests the infiltration of OSPW into groundwater occurs near some ponds. OSPW may also be present in sediments beneath the Athabasca River adjacent to one pond, but there are no clear observations of OSPW in the river water. Similarly, most water samples from tributaries also show no evidence of OSPW, but these observations are limited by the lack of systematic, systemic, and repeated surveys, missing baseline data, standard analytical approaches, and reference materials. Waters naturally influenced by bitumen, discharge of saline groundwaters, and dilution also potentially affect the consolidation of information and certainty of any conclusions. Despite these challenges, some data suggest OSPW may be present in two tributaries of the Athabasca River adjacent to tailings ponds: McLean Creek and Lower Beaver River. Irrespective of the possible source(s), constituents of OSPW often affect organisms exposed in laboratories, but research in all but one study suggests the concentrations of organics in the surface water bodies assessed are below the standard toxicological effect thresholds for these compounds. In contrast, many samples of groundwater, irrespective of source, likely affect biota. Biomonitoring of surface waters suggests generic responses to stressors, but the influence of natural phenomena and occasionally nutrient enrichment are often suggested by data. In summary, valuable research has been done on seepage. The data suggest infiltration into groundwater is common, seepage into surface waters is not, and anthropogenic biological impacts are not likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Fennell
- Integrated Sustainability, Calgary, AB, Canada
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8
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Bowman DT, Warren LA, McCarry BE, Slater GF. Profiling of individual naphthenic acids at a composite tailings reclamation fen by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:1522-1531. [PMID: 30308920 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are naturally occurring in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) and accumulate in tailings as a result of water-based extraction processes. NAs exist as a complex mixture, so the development of an analytical technique to characterize them has been an on-going challenge. The aim of this study was to use comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to monitor individual NAs within a wetland reclamation site in the AOSR. Samples were collected from four monitoring wells at the site and the extracts were found to contain numerous resolved isomers of classical (monocyclic-, bicyclic-, adamantane-, indane-, and tetralin-type carboxylic acids) and sulfur-containing NAs (thiamonocyclic- and thiophene-type carboxylic acids). The absolute abundances of the monitored NAs were compared between four monitoring wells and unique profiles were observed at each well. Few significant changes in absolute abundances were observed over the sampling period, with the exception of one well (Well 6A). In addition, isomeric percent compositions were calculated for each set of structural isomers, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-dimensional hierarchical cluster analysis revealed high spatial variation at the site. However, consistent distributions were observed at each of the monitoring wells for some sets of NA isomers (such as: adamantane NAs), which may be useful for forensic applications, such as identifying sources of contamination or demonstrating biodegradation. The methods and results presented in this study demonstrate the utility of monitoring individual NAs, since both changes in absolute abundances of individual NAs and the distribution of NA isomers have the ability to provide insight into their sources and the processes controlling their concentrations that are not only of relevance to the Alberta Oil Sands, but also to other petroleum deposits and environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Bowman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, ON, Canada
| | - Lesley A Warren
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George St. Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Brian E McCarry
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory F Slater
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4M1, ON, Canada; School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada.
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9
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Huang R, Chen Y, Meshref MNA, Chelme-Ayala P, Dong S, Ibrahim MD, Wang C, Klamerth N, Hughes SA, Headley JV, Peru KM, Brown C, Mahaffey A, Gamal El-Din M. Monitoring of classical, oxidized, and heteroatomic naphthenic acids species in oil sands process water and groundwater from the active oil sands operation area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 645:277-285. [PMID: 30029109 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The classical, oxidized, and heteroatomic naphthenic acids (NAs) species were monitored in the oil sands process water (OSPW) and groundwater from the active oil sands operation area, using solid phase extraction sample preparation and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Groundwater samples include Pleistocene channel aquifer groundwater (PLCA) and oil sands basal aquifer groundwater (OSBA) from different depth of underground. The concentrations of Ox-NAs decreased from OSPW to PLCA, and then increased from PLCA to OSBA, which is deeper than PLCA. The NAs in PLCA mainly comprised of Ox-NAs and N-NAs and the percentage of S-NAs was negligible. Results revealed relative abundances of individual NA species in total NAs varies among different water layers and the potential environmental impacts are expected to be variable. Principal component analysis results of O2-NAs or O4-NAs could be used for differentiation of water types. O2-NAs with n = 12-16 and |Z| = 4-6, and O4-NAs with n = 14-20 and |Z| = 6-8, were identified as marker compounds that could serve as surrogates of the larger complex NA mixture for source differentiation. This work utilized a combination of sample preparation, instrumental analysis, and statistical analysis methods to obtain knowledge of the occurrence, composition, and transfer of NAs in the groundwater of the Alberta oil sands operation area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfu Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed N A Meshref
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Pamela Chelme-Ayala
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Shimiao Dong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mohamed D Ibrahim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Chengjin Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Klamerth
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Sarah A Hughes
- Shell Health - Americas, Shell Oil Company, Woodcreek E276K, 150 North Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77079, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - John V Headley
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Christine Brown
- Shell Canada Ltd. Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Ashley Mahaffey
- Coral Waters Consulting Inc., Shell Technology Centre Calgary, 3655 36 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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10
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Gammon PR, Siddique T, Kuznetsova A, Savard MM. Evaluating in situ biodegradation of 13C-labelled naphthenic acids in groundwater near oil sands tailings ponds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:392-399. [PMID: 29940450 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Potential seepage of naphthenic acids (NAs) from tailings ponds into surface water and groundwater is one of the main environmental concerns associated with the Canadian Athabasca oil sands mining operations. Here we report the application of 13C-labelled NA surrogate compounds to evaluate intrinsic biodegradation along groundwater flow-paths originating from oil sands tailings ponds at two different sites: a glacio-fluvial aquifer (Site 1) and a low-lying wetland (Site 2). Microcosms containing the carboxyl group labelled (99%) NA surrogates (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, CHCA; 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, CHDCA; 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid, ACA) were lowered into monitoring wells for several months to allow sufficient time for substrate degradation and formation of a biofilm in conditions characteristic of the local aquifer. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), biomarkers for the active microbial population, were extracted from the biofilms for stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis. At Site 1, highly 13C-enriched δ13C values (up to ~+7100‰) confirmed the in situ microbial breakdown of CHCA and CHDCA. At Site 2, δ13C-PLFA values from -60.6 to -24.5‰ indicated uptake of a 13C-depleted substrate such as biogenic methane and not 13C-labelled ACA. Determination of the microbial community using 16s RNA sequencing confirmed the presence of methane-oxidizing bacteria in the subsurface at Site 2. The in situ biodegradation of NAs at Site 1 demonstrates that the indigenous microbial population in the shallow subsurface near tailings ponds can readily break down some of these compounds prior to surface water discharge. The lack of evidence for microbial uptake of 13C-labelled ACA at Site 2 demonstrates that other NAs, in particular tricyclic diamondoid acids, may persist in the environment following seepage from tailings ponds or natural sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Paul R Gammon
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E8, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Alsu Kuznetsova
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Martine M Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
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11
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Lavoie D, Lefebvre R, Peru KM, Headley JV. Naphthenic acids in groundwater overlying undeveloped shale gas and tight oil reservoirs. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 191:664-672. [PMID: 29078190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The acid extractable organics (AEOs) containing naphthenic acids (NAs) in groundwater overlying undeveloped shale gas (Saint-Édouard region) and tight oil (Haldimand sector, Gaspé) reservoirs in Québec, Canada, were analysed using high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry and thermal conversion/elemental analysis - isotope ratio mass spectrometry. As classically defined by CnH2n+ZO2, the most abundant NAs detected in the majority of groundwater samples were straight-chain (Z = 0) or monounsaturated (Z = -2) C16 and C18 fatty acids. Several groundwater samples from both study areas, however, contained significant proportions of presumably alicyclic bicyclic NAs (i.e., Z = -4) in the C10-C18 range. These compounds may have originated from migrated waters containing a different distribution of NAs, or are the product of in situ microbial alteration of shale organic matter and petroleum. In most groundwater samples, intramolecular carbon isotope values generated by pyrolysis (δ13Cpyr) of AEOs were on average around 2-3‰ heavier than those generated by bulk combustion (δ13C) of AEOs, providing further support for microbial reworking of subsurface organic carbon. Although concentrations of AEOs were very low (<2.0 mg/L), the detection of potentially toxic bicyclic acids in groundwater overlying unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs points to a natural background source of organic contaminants prior to any large-scale commercial hydrocarbon development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Hooshang Pakdel
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Denis Lavoie
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - René Lefebvre
- INRS, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
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12
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Mizutani K, Fisher-Power LM, Shi Z, Cheng T. Cu and Zn adsorption to a terrestrial sediment: Influence of solid-to-solution ratio. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 175:341-349. [PMID: 28235743 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.069] [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: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory batch adsorption experiments are commonly used to quantify contaminant adsorption to natural sediments. The distribution coefficients (KD) determined via these experiments are often incorporated into reactive transport models to predict contaminant movement in groundwater. The solid-to-solution ratio (SSR) in most laboratory experiments is much lower in comparison to that in aquifers, therefore it is questionable if distribution coefficients thus obtained can accurately quantify contaminant adsorption in the natural environment. SSR may also influence the leaching of multivalent cations and organic matters from natural sediments, which in turn could alter contaminant adsorption. The objective of this study is to determine how SSR influences heavy metal adsorption to a heterogeneous natural sediment. Cu and Zn adsorption was examined at SSRs of 250 and 25 g/L in the pH range of 3-8 using both batch experiments and surface complexation modelling. Results indicated that Ca, Mg, and DOC leaching depended on SSR, with higher SSR generally resulting in greater leaching. Conversely, Al and Fe leaching was less dependent on SSR. Cu distribution coefficients in the low pH range (3-6) and Zn distribution coefficients across the pH range (3-8) were not very sensitive to the SSR, despite higher leached concentrations of competing cations at a higher SSR. In contrast, Cu distribution coefficients at high pH (6-8) were more SSR-dependent, likely due to formation of non-adsorbing aqueous Cu-DOC complexes. This study demonstrates that cautions must be taken when distribution coefficients measured by laboratory batch experiments are used to predict contaminant transport in aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhito Mizutani
- Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Leanne M Fisher-Power
- Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Zhenqing Shi
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X5, Canada.
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13
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Yue S, Ramsay BA, Wang J, Ramsay JA. Biodegradation and detoxification of naphthenic acids in oil sands process affected waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:273-279. [PMID: 27501426 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
After oil sands process affected water (OSPW) was treated in a continuous flow biofilm reactor, about 40% of the organic compounds in the acid extractable fraction (AEF) including naphthenic acids (NAs) were degraded resulting in a reduction of 73% in the Microtox acute toxicity and of 22% in the yeast estrogenic assay. Using effect directed analysis, treated and untreated OSPW were fractionated by solid phase extraction and the fractions with the largest decrease in toxicity and estrogenicity were selected for analysis by electrospray ionization combined with linear ion trap and a high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer (negative ion mode). The aim of this study was to determine whether compositional changes between the untreated and treated fractions provide insight related to biodegradation and detoxification of NAs. The O2S, O3S and O4S compounds were either not major contributors of toxicity or estrogenicity or the more toxic or estrogenic ones were biodegraded. The O3- and O4-NAs seem to be more readily metabolized than O2NAs and their degradation would contribute to detoxification. The decrease in acute toxicity may be associated with the degradation of C12 and C13 bicyclic and C12-C14 tricyclic NAs while the decrease in estrogenicity may be linked to the degradation of C16 O2-NAs with double bond equivalents (DBE)=5 and 6, C16 and 17 O2-NAs with DBE=7, and C19-O2-NAs with DBE=8. The residual acute toxicity may be caused by recalcitrant components and/or degradation products such as the O2 bicyclic and tricyclic NAs, particularly the C14 and C15 bicyclic and C14-C16 tricyclic NAs as well as the polycyclic aromatic NAs (DBE≥5 compounds). The decrease in estrogenicity may be linked to the degradation of the O3 and O4 oxidized NAs while much of the residual estrogenicity may be due to the recalcitrant polycyclic aromatic O2-NAs. Hence, treatment to further detoxify OSPW should target these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Yue
- Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Bruce A Ramsay
- Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Jiaxi Wang
- Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Juliana A Ramsay
- Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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14
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Frank RA, Milestone CB, Rowland SJ, Headley JV, Kavanagh RJ, Lengger SK, Scarlett AG, West CE, Peru KM, Hewitt LM. Assessing spatial and temporal variability of acid-extractable organics in oil sands process-affected waters. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 160:303-313. [PMID: 27391053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The acid-extractable organic compounds (AEOs), including naphthenic acids (NAs), present within oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) receive great attention due to their known toxicity. While recent progress in advanced separation and analytical methodologies for AEOs has improved our understanding of the composition of these mixtures, little is known regarding any variability (i.e., spatial, temporal) inherent within, or between, tailings ponds. In this study, 5 samples were collected from the same location of one tailings pond over a 2-week period. In addition, 5 samples were collected simultaneously from different locations within a tailings pond from a different mine site, as well as its associated recycling pond. In both cases, the AEOs were analyzed using SFS, ESI-MS, HRMS, GC×GC-ToF/MS, and GC- & LC-QToF/MS (GC analyses following conversion to methyl esters). Principal component analysis of HRMS data was able to distinguish the ponds from each other, while data from GC×GC-ToF/MS, and LC- and GC-QToF/MS were used to differentiate samples from within the temporal and spatial sample sets, with the greater variability associated with the latter. Spatial differences could be attributed to pond dynamics, including differences in inputs of tailings and surface run-off. Application of novel chemometric data analyses of unknown compounds detected by LC- and GC-QToF/MS allowed further differentiation of samples both within and between data sets, providing an innovative approach for future fingerprinting studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Craig B Milestone
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Steve J Rowland
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - John V Headley
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | | | - Sabine K Lengger
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Alan G Scarlett
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Charles E West
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Kerry M Peru
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - L Mark Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
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15
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Roy JW, Bickerton G, Frank RA, Grapentine L, Hewitt LM. Assessing Risks of Shallow Riparian Groundwater Quality Near an Oil Sands Tailings Pond. GROUND WATER 2016; 54:545-58. [PMID: 26743232 DOI: 10.1111/gwat.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The potential discharge of groundwater contaminated by oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a concern for aquatic ecosystems near tailings ponds. Groundwater in the area, but unaffected by OSPW, may contain similar compounds, complicating the assessment of potential ecological impacts. In this study, 177 shallow groundwater samples were collected from riparian areas along the Athabasca River and tributaries proximate to oil sands developments. For "pond-site" samples (71; adjacent to study tailings pond), Canadian aquatic life guidelines were exceeded for 11 of 20 assessed compounds. However, "non-pond" samples (54; not near any tailings pond) provided similar exceedances. Statistical analyses indicate that pond-site and non-pond samples were indistinguishable for all but seven parameters assessed, including salts, many trace metals, and fluorescence profiles of aromatic naphthenic acids (ANA). This suggests that, regarding the tested parameters, groundwater adjacent to the study tailings pond generally poses no greater ecological risk than other nearby groundwaters at this time. Multivariate analyses applied to the groundwater data set separated into 11 smaller zones support this conclusion, but show some variation between zones. Geological and potential OSPW influences could not be distinguished based on major ions and metals concentrations. However, similarities in indicator parameters, namely ANA, F, Mo, Se, and Na-Cl ratio, were noted between a small subset of samples from two pond-site zones and two OSPW samples and two shallow groundwater samples documented as likely OSPW affected. This indicator-based screening suggests that OSPW-affected groundwater may be reaching Athabasca River sediments at a few locations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Bickerton
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - R A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - L Grapentine
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
| | - L M Hewitt
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
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16
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Morandi GD, Wiseman SB, Pereira A, Mankidy R, Gault IGM, Martin JW, Giesy JP. Effects-Directed Analysis of Dissolved Organic Compounds in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:12395-12404. [PMID: 26381019 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Acute toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is caused by its complex mixture of bitumen-derived organics, but the specific chemical classes that are most toxic have not been demonstrated. Here, effects-directed analysis was used to determine the most acutely toxic chemical classes in OSPW collected from the world's first oil sands end-pit lake. Three sequential rounds of fractionation, chemical analysis (ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry), and acute toxicity testing (96 h fathead minnow embryo lethality and 15 min Microtox bioassay) were conducted. Following primary fractionation, toxicity was primarily attributable to the neutral extractable fraction (F1-NE), containing 27% of original organics mass. In secondary fractionation, F1-NE was subfractionated by alkaline water washing, and toxicity was primarily isolated to the ionizable fraction (F2-NE2), containing 18.5% of the original organic mass. In the final round, chromatographic subfractionation of F2-NE2 resulted in two toxic fractions, with the most potent (F3-NE2a, 11% of original organic mass) containing predominantly naphthenic acids (O2(-)). The less-toxic fraction (F3-NE2b, 8% of original organic mass) contained predominantly nonacid species (O(+), O2(+), SO(+), NO(+)). Evidence supports naphthenic acids as among the most acutely toxic chemical classes in OSPW, but nonacidic species also contribute to acute toxicity of OSPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett D Morandi
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Steve B Wiseman
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Alberto Pereira
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Rishikesh Mankidy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Ian G M Gault
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
- Department of Zoology, and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department of Biology & Chemistry and State Key Laboratory for Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong , Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), People's Republic of China
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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17
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Evaporative emissions from tailings ponds are not likely an important source of airborne PAHs in the Athabasca oil sands region. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E2439. [PMID: 24872447 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1403515111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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18
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Frank RA, Roy JW, Bickerton G, Rowland SJ, Headley JV, Scarlett AG, West CE, Peru KM, Parrott JL, Conly FM, Hewitt LM. Profiling oil sands mixtures from industrial developments and natural groundwaters for source identification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:2660-70. [PMID: 24446583 DOI: 10.1021/es500131k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify chemical components that could distinguish chemical mixtures in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) that had potentially migrated to groundwater in the oil sands development area of northern Alberta, Canada. In the first part of the study, OSPW samples from two different tailings ponds and a broad range of natural groundwater samples were assessed with historically employed techniques as Level-1 analyses, including geochemistry, total concentrations of naphthenic acids (NAs) and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS). While these analyses did not allow for reliable source differentiation, they did identify samples containing significant concentrations of oil sands acid-extractable organics (AEOs). In applying Level-2 profiling analyses using electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS) and comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF/MS) to samples containing appreciable AEO concentrations, differentiation of natural from OSPW sources was apparent through measurements of O2:O4 ion class ratios (ESI-HRMS) and diagnostic ions for two families of suspected monoaromatic acids (GC × GC-TOF/MS). The resemblance between the AEO profiles from OSPW and from 6 groundwater samples adjacent to two tailings ponds implies a common source, supporting the use of these complimentary analyses for source identification. These samples included two of upward flowing groundwater collected <1 m beneath the Athabasca River, suggesting OSPW-affected groundwater is reaching the river system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Frank
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4A6
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Sohrabi V, Ross MS, Martin JW, Barker JF. Potential for in situ chemical oxidation of acid extractable organics in oil sands process affected groundwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 93:2698-2703. [PMID: 24054134 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.08.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The process of bitumen extraction from oil sands in Alberta, Canada leads to an accumulation of toxic acid-extractable organics (AEOs) in oil sands process water (OSPW). Infiltration of OSPW from tailings ponds and from their retaining sand dykes and subsequent transport towards surface water has occurred. Given the apparent lack of significant natural attenuation of AEOs in groundwater, remediation may be required. This laboratory study evaluates the potential use of unactivated persulfate and permanganate as in situ oxidation agents for remediation of AEOs in groundwater. Naphthenic acids (NAs; CnH2n+zO2), which are a component of the acutely toxic AEOs, were degraded by both oxidants in OSPW samples. Permanganate oxidation yielded some residual dissolved organic carbon (DOC) whereas persulfate mineralized the AEO compounds with less residual DOC. Acid-extractable organics from oxidized OSPW had essentially no Microtox toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sohrabi
- Dept. of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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20
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H. Direct evaluation of in situ biodegradation in Athabasca oil sands tailings ponds using natural abundance radiocarbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:10214-10222. [PMID: 23957578 DOI: 10.1021/es402302z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Compound-specific stable (δ(13)C) and radiocarbon (Δ(14)C) isotopes of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were used to evaluate carbon sources utilized by the active microbial populations in surface sediments from Athabasca oil sands tailings ponds. Algal-specific PLFAs were absent at three of the four sites investigated, and δ(13)CPLFA values were generally within ~3‰ of that reported for oil sands bitumen (~-30‰), suggesting that the microbial communities growing on petroleum constituents were dominated by aerobic heterotrophs. Δ(14)CPLFA values ranged from -906 to -586‰ and pointed to significant uptake of fossil carbon, particularly in PLFAs (e.g., cy17:0 and cy19:0) often associated with petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. The comparatively heavier Δ(14)C values found in other, less specific PLFAs (e.g., 16:0) indicated the preferential uptake of younger organic matter by the general microbial population. Since the main carbon pools in tailings sediment were essentially "radiocarbon dead" (i.e., Δ(14)C ~ -1000‰), the principal source for this relatively modern carbon is considered to be the Athabasca River, which provides the bulk of the water used in the bitumen extraction process. The preferential utilization of the minor amount of younger and presumably more labile material present in systems otherwise dominated by petroleum carbon has important implications for remediation strategies, since it implies that organic contaminants may persist long after reclamation has begun. Alternatively, this young organic matter could play a vital and necessary role in supporting the microbial utilization of fossil carbon via cometabolism or priming processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada , Québec City, Québec, G1K 9A9, Canada
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21
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Abolfazlzadehdoshanbehbazari M, Birks SJ, Moncur MC, Ulrich AC. Fate and transport of oil sand process-affected water into the underlying clay till: a field study. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2013; 151:83-92. [PMID: 23752067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The South Tailings Pond (STP) is a ~2300-ha tailing pond operated by Suncor Energy Inc. that has received oil sand process-affected (PA) water and mature fine tailings since 2006. The STP is underlain by a clay till, which is in turn underlain by the Wood Creek Sand Channel (WCSC). The sandy deposits of the WCSC provide greater geotechnical stability but could act as a potential flow pathway for PA water to migrate off site and into the Athabasca River. Preliminary modeling of the STP suggests that PA water from the pond will infiltrate into the underlying sand channel, but the extent and development of this impact is still poorly understood. Suncor Energy Inc. built interception wells and a cut-off-wall to control any potential seepage. Here we present the results of an investigation of the fate and transport of PA water in clay till underlying a 10 m × 10 m infiltration pond that was constructed on the southeastern portion of the STP. The geochemistry of pore water in the till underlying the infiltration pond was determined prior to filling with process-affected water (2008) and two years after the infiltration pond was filled with PA waters (2010). Pore water was analyzed for metals, cations, anions, and isotopes ((2)H and (18)O). The distribution of conservative tracers ((18)O and chloride) indicated migration of the PA waters to approximately 0.9 m, but the migrations of major ions and metals were significantly delayed relative to this depth. Uptake of Na and Mo and release of Ca, Mg, Mn, Ba, and Sr suggest that adsorption and ion exchange reactions are the foremost attenuation processes controlling inorganic solutes transport.
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Holden AA, Haque SE, Mayer KU, Ulrich AC. Biogeochemical processes controlling the mobility of major ions and trace metals in aquitard sediments beneath an oil sand tailing pond: laboratory studies and reactive transport modeling. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2013; 151:55-67. [PMID: 23727691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Increased production and expansion of the oil sand industry in Alberta are of great benefit to the economy, but they carry major environmental challenges. The volume of fluid fine tailings requiring storage is 840×10(6) m(3) and growing, making it imperative that we better understand the fate and transport of oil sand process-affected water (OSPW) seepage from these facilities. Accordingly, the current study seeks to characterize both a) the potential for major ion and trace element release, and b) the principal biogeochemical processes involved, as tailing pond OSPW infiltrates into, and interacts with, underlying glacial till sediments prior to reaching down gradient aquifers or surface waters. Objectives were addressed through a series of aqueous and solid phase experiments, including radial diffusion cells, an isotope analysis, X-ray diffraction, and sequential extractions. The diffusion cells were also simulated in a reactive transport framework to elucidate key reaction processes. The experiments indicate that the ingress and interaction of OSPW with the glacial till sediment-pore water system will result in: a mitigation of ingressing Na (retardation), displacement and then limited precipitation of exchangeable Ca and Mg (as carbonates), sulfate reduction and subsequent precipitation of the produced sulfides, as well as biodegradation of organic carbon. High concentrations of ingressing Cl (~375 mg L(-1)) and Na (~575 mg L(-1)) (even though the latter is delayed, or retarded) are expected to migrate through the till and into the underlying sand channel. Trace element mobility was influenced by ion exchange, oxidation-reduction, and mineral phase reactions including reductive dissolution of metal oxyhydroxides - in accordance with previous observations within sandy aquifer settings. Furthermore, although several trace elements showed the potential for release (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Mn, Pb, Si, Sr), large-scale mobilization is not supported. Thus, the present results suggest that in addition to the commonly cited naphthenic acids, remediation of OSPW-impacted groundwater will need to address high concentrations of major ions contributing to salinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Holden
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G-2W2, Canada
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Savard MM, Calderhead AI, Gammon PR, Rivera A, Peru KM, Headley JV. Characterization and quantification of mining-related "naphthenic acids" in groundwater near a major oil sands tailings pond. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:5023-30. [PMID: 23607666 DOI: 10.1021/es3051313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The high levels of acid extractable organics (AEOs) containing naphthenic acids (NAs) found in oil sands process-affected waters (OSPW) are a growing concern in monitoring studies of aquatic ecosystems in the Athabasca oil sands region. The complexity of these compounds has substantially hindered their accurate analysis and quantification. Using a recently developed technique which determines the intramolecular carbon isotope signature of AEOs generated by online pyrolysis (δ(13)Cpyr), natural abundance radiocarbon, and high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry analyses, we evaluated the sources of AEOs along a groundwater flow path from a major oil sands tailings pond to the Athabasca River. OSPW was characterized by a δ(13)Cpyr value of approximately -21‰ and relatively high proportions of O₂ and O₂S species classes. In contrast, AEO samples located furthest down-gradient from the tailings pond and from the Athabasca River were characterized by a δ(13)Cpyr value of around -29‰, a greater proportion of highly oxygenated and N-containing compound classes, and a significant component of nonfossil and, hence, non-bitumen-derived carbon. The groundwater concentrations of mining-related AEOs determined using a two end-member isotopic mass balance were between 1.6 and 9.3 mg/L lower than total AEO concentrations, implying that a less discriminating approach to quantification would have overestimated subsurface levels of OSPW. This research highlights the need for accurate characterization of "naphthenic acids" in order to quantify potential seepage from tailings ponds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
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Nyakas A, Han J, Peru KM, Headley JV, Borchers CH. Comprehensive analysis of oil sands processed water by direct-infusion Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with and without offline UHPLC sample prefractionation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:4471-9. [PMID: 23566025 DOI: 10.1021/es400813s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands processed water (OSPW) is the main byproduct of the large-scale bitumen extraction activity in the Athabasca oil sands region (Alberta, Canada). We have investigated the acid-extractable fraction (AEF) of OSPW by extraction-only (EO) direct infusion (DI) negative-ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) on a 12T-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS), as well as by offline ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) followed by DI-FTICR-MS. A preliminary offline UHPLC separation into 8 fractions using a reversed-phase C4 column led to approximately twice as many detected peaks and identified compounds (973 peaks versus 2231 peaks, of which 856 and 1734 peaks, respectively, could be assigned to chemical formulas based on accurate mass measurements). Conversion of these masses to the Kendrick mass scale allowed the straightforward recognition of homologues. Naphthenic (CnH2n+zO2) and oxy-naphthenic (CnH2n+zOx) acids represented the largest group of molecules with assigned formulas (64%), followed by sulfur-containing compounds (23%) and nitrogen-containing compounds (8%). Pooling of corresponding fractions from two consecutive offline UHPLC runs prior to MS analysis resulted in ~50% more assignments than a single injection, resulting in 3-fold increase of identifications compared to EO-DI-FTICR-MS using the same volume of starting material. Liquid-liquid extraction followed by offline UHPLC fractionation thus holds enormous potential for a more comprehensive profiling of OSPW, which may provide a deeper understanding of its chemical nature and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Nyakas
- University of Victoria - Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre, Vancouver Island Technology Park, #3101 - 4464 Markham Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8, Canada
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Headley JV, Peru KM, Mohamed MH, Frank RA, Martin JW, Hazewinkel RRO, Humphries D, Gurprasad NP, Hewitt LM, Muir DCG, Lindeman D, Strub R, Young RF, Grewer DM, Whittal RM, Fedorak PM, Birkholz DA, Hindle R, Reisdorph R, Wang X, Kasperski KL, Hamilton C, Woudneh M, Wang G, Loescher B, Farwell A, Dixon DG, Ross M, Pereira ADS, King E, Barrow MP, Fahlman B, Bailey J, McMartin DW, Borchers CH, Ryan CH, Toor NS, Gillis HM, Zuin L, Bickerton G, Mcmaster M, Sverko E, Shang D, Wilson LD, Wrona FJ. Chemical fingerprinting of naphthenic acids and oil sands process waters-A review of analytical methods for environmental samples. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2013; 48:1145-1163. [PMID: 23647107 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2013.776332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This article provides a review of the routine methods currently utilized for total naphthenic acid analyses. There is a growing need to develop chemical methods that can selectively distinguish compounds found within industrially derived oil sands process affected waters (OSPW) from those derived from the natural weathering of oil sands deposits. Attention is thus given to the characterization of other OSPW components such as oil sands polar organic compounds, PAHs, and heavy metals along with characterization of chemical additives such as polyacrylamide polymers and trace levels of boron species. Environmental samples discussed cover the following matrices: OSPW containments, on-lease interceptor well systems, on- and off-lease groundwater, and river and lake surface waters. There are diverse ranges of methods available for analyses of total naphthenic acids. However, there is a need for inter-laboratory studies to compare their accuracy and precision for routine analyses. Recent advances in high- and medium-resolution mass spectrometry, concomitant with comprehensive mass spectrometry techniques following multi-dimensional chromatography or ion-mobility separations, have allowed for the speciation of monocarboxylic naphthenic acids along with a wide range of other species including humics. The distributions of oil sands polar organic compounds, particularly the sulphur containing species (i.e., OxS and OxS2) may allow for distinguishing sources of OSPW. The ratios of oxygen- (i.e., Ox) and nitrogen-containing species (i.e., NOx, and N2Ox) are useful for differentiating organic components derived from OSPW from natural components found within receiving waters. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy also provides a powerful screening technique capable of quickly detecting the presence of aromatic organic acids contained within oil sands naphthenic acid mixtures. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy provides diagnostic profiles for OSPW and potentially impacted groundwater that can be compared against reference groundwater and surface water samples. Novel applications of X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) are emerging for speciation of sulphur-containing species (both organic and inorganic components) as well as industrially derived boron-containing species. There is strong potential for an environmental forensics application of XANES for chemical fingerprinting of weathered sulphur-containing species and industrial additives in OSPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Headley
- Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Ross MS, Pereira ADS, Fennell J, Davies M, Johnson J, Sliva L, Martin JW. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of naphthenic acids in natural waters surrounding the Canadian oil sands industry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:12796-805. [PMID: 23134288 DOI: 10.1021/es303432u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Canadian oil sands industry stores toxic oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) in large tailings ponds adjacent to the Athabasca River or its tributaries, raising concerns over potential seepage. Naphthenic acids (NAs; C(n)H(2n-Z)O(2)) are toxic components of OSPW, but are also natural components of bitumen and regional groundwaters, and may enter surface waters through anthropogenic or natural sources. This study used a selective high-resolution mass spectrometry method to examine total NA concentrations and NA profiles in OSPW (n = 2), Athabasca River pore water (n = 6, representing groundwater contributions) and surface waters (n = 58) from the Lower Athabasca Region. NA concentrations in surface water (< 2-80.8 μg/L) were 100-fold lower than previously estimated. Principal components analysis (PCA) distinguished sample types based on NA profile, and correlations to water quality variables identified two sources of NAs: natural fatty acids, and bitumen-derived NAs. Analysis of NA data with water quality variables highlighted two tributaries to the Athabasca River-Beaver River and McLean Creek-as possibly receiving OSPW seepage. This study is the first comprehensive analysis of NA profiles in surface waters of the region, and demonstrates the need for highly selective analytical methods for source identification and in monitoring for potential effects of development on ambient water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Ross
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G3
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Ahad JME, Pakdel H, Savard MM, Simard MC, Smirnoff A. Extraction, Separation, and Intramolecular Carbon Isotope Characterization of Athabasca Oil Sands Acids in Environmental Samples. Anal Chem 2012; 84:10419-25. [DOI: 10.1021/ac302680y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. E. Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, QC, Canada,
| | | | - Martine M. Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, QC, Canada,
| | | | - Anna Smirnoff
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Québec City, QC, Canada,
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Satyawali Y, Seuntjens P, Van Roy S, Joris I, Vangeel S, Dejonghe W, Vanbroekhoven K. The addition of organic carbon and nitrate affects reactive transport of heavy metals in sandy aquifers. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2011; 123:83-93. [PMID: 21237527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Organic carbon introduction in the soil to initiate remedial measures, nitrate infiltration due to agricultural practices or sulphate intrusion owing to industrial usage can influence the redox conditions and pH, thus affecting the mobility of heavy metals in soil and groundwater. This study reports the fate of Zn and Cd in sandy aquifers under a variety of plausible in-situ redox conditions that were induced by introduction of carbon and various electron acceptors in column experiments. Up to 100% Zn and Cd removal (from the liquid phase) was observed in all the four columns, however the mechanisms were different. Metal removal in column K1 (containing sulphate), was attributed to biological sulphate reduction and subsequent metal precipitation (as sulphides). In the presence of both nitrate and sulphate (K2), the former dominated the process, precipitating the heavy metals as hydroxides and/or carbonates. In the presence of sulphate, nitrate and supplemental iron (Fe(OH)(3)) (K3), metal removal was also due to precipitation as hydroxides and/or carbonates. In abiotic column, K4, (with supplemental iron (Fe(OH)(3)), but no nitrate), cation exchange with soil led to metal removal. The results obtained were modeled using the reactive transport model PHREEQC-2 to elucidate governing processes and to evaluate scenarios of organic carbon, sulphate and nitrate inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Satyawali
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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Holden AA, Donahue RB, Ulrich AC. Geochemical interactions between process-affected water from oil sands tailings ponds and North Alberta surficial sediments. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2011; 119:55-68. [PMID: 20980071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2010.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In Northern Alberta, the placement of out-of-pit oil sands tailings ponds atop natural buried sand channels is becoming increasingly common. Preliminary modeling of such a site suggests that process-affected (PA) pond water will infiltrate through the underlying clay till aquitard, reaching the sand channel. However, the impact of seepage upon native sediments and groundwater resources is not known. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of adsorption and ion exchange reactions in the clay till and their effect on the attenuation or release of inorganic species. This was evaluated using batch sorption experiments (traditional and a recent modification using less disturbed sediment samples) and geochemical modeling with PHREEQC. The results show that clay till sediments have the capacity to mitigate the high concentrations of ingressing sodium (600 mg L(-1)), with linear sorption partitioning coefficients (K(d)) of 0.45 L kg(-1). Ion exchange theory was required to account for all other cation behaviour, precluding the calculation of such coefficients for other species. Qualitative evidence suggests that chloride will behave conservatively, with high concentrations remaining in solution (375 mg L(-1)). As a whole, system behaviour was found to be controlled by a combination of competitive ion exchange, dissolution and precipitation reactions. Observations, supported by PHREEQC simulations, suggest that the influx of PA water will induce the dissolution of pre-existing sulphate salts. Sodium present in the process-affected water will exchange with sediment-bound calcium and magnesium, increasing the divalent ions' pore fluid concentrations, and leading to the precipitation of a calcium-magnesium carbonate mineral phase. Thus, in similar tailings pond settings, particularly if the glacial till coverage is thin or altogether absent, it is reasonable to expect that high concentrations of sodium and chloride will remain in solution, while sulphate concentrations will exceed those of the ingressing plume (150 mg L(-1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Holden
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G-2W2, Canada
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Grewer DM, Young RF, Whittal RM, Fedorak PM. Naphthenic acids and other acid-extractables in water samples from Alberta: what is being measured? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:5997-6010. [PMID: 20825979 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing international interest in naphthenic acids (NAs, classical formula C(n)H(2n+Z)O(2)) found in the oil sands from Alberta, Canada and in petroleum from around the world. The complexity of NAs poses major analytical challenges for their quantification and characterization. We used ultrahigh resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR MS) to probe the make up of NAs from various sources by searching for peaks corresponding to the formula C(n)H(2n+Z)O(x), for combinations of n=8 to 30, Z=0 to -12, and x=2 to 5. The sources included three commercial NAs preparations, and the acid-extractable organics from eight oil sand process-affected waters (OSPW) and from six surface fresh waters. Extracts from OSPW contained between 1 and 7% sulfur. The mass spectra showed between 300 and 1880 peaks, with >99% of the peaks having m/z between 145 and 600. In most cases, <20% of the peaks were assigned as classical NAs (x=2) and oxy-NAs (x=3 to 5). The classical NAs from the OSPW were predominantly Z=-4 and -6, whereas those from the fresh waters were mainly Z=0, with palmitic and stearic acids being the major components in the fresh waters. Remarkably, when the peak abundances were considered, <50% of the total abundance could be assigned to the classical and oxy-NAs. Thus, >50% of the compounds in the extracts of OSPW were not "naphthenic acids". Based on these findings, it appears that the term "naphthenic acids", which has been used to describe the toxic extractable compounds in OSPW, should be replaced by a term such as "oil sands tailings water acid-extractable organics (OSTWAEO)". Classical and oxy-NAs are components of OSTWAEO, but this term would not be as misleading as "naphthenic acids".
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Grewer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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