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TitleCarbon dynamics in wetland restoration
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsKovalenko, K., Ciborowski J., Daly C., Dixon D. G., Farwell A., Foote L., Frederick K., Gardner Costa J., Hornung J., Liber K., Roy M., Slama C., Smits J., & Wytrykush C.
Date Published10/2010
Place PublishedToronto, ON
Publication Languageeng
Keywordsaquatic environment, ecology, inventory, Suncor, survey, Syncrude, UofA, UofC, UofS, wetlands
Abstract

Boreal wetlands play an important role in global carbon balance but their ecosystem function is threatened by direct and regional anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Oil sands mining in boreal Canada leaves large areas in need of reclamation and generates considerable quantities of extraction‐process‐affected materials. It is important to know whether reclaimed wetlands are restored to equivalent ecosystem function. We approached this by assessing carbon flows and food web structure in oil‐sands‐affected wetlands to evaluate whether a prescribed reclamation strategy, topsoil amendment, accelerates reclaimed wetland development leading to self‐sustaining peatlands. We determined carbon fluxes and measured compartment standing stocks for residual hydrocarbons, organic substrate, bacterioplankton, phytoplankton, biofilm, macrophytes, detritus, zoobenthos and aquatic‐terrestrial exports (i.e. aquatic insect emergence). Most biotic compartments differed between oil‐sands‐affected and reference wetlands. This difference declined with age since construction but was still detectable in older (15‐20 y) wetlands. Macroinvertebrate trophic diversity was lower in oil‐sands‐affected wetlands. Peat amendment appeared to speed convergence for some compartments but not others. We discuss results in the context of restoration of ecosystem function and optimization of reclamation strategies.

Notes

IN: Proceedings of the 37th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop October 3-62010 Toronto Ontario. Fletcher T. D. Holdway D. Simmons M. Dutton and L.E. Burridge (Eds). Fisheries and Oceans Canada St. Andrews New Brunswick. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/345732.pdf

Locational Keywords

Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR)

Group

OSEMB

Citation Key51762

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