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TitleEstimating the in situ biodegradation of naphthenic acids in oil sands process waters by HPLC/HRMS
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsHan, X., MacKinnon M. D., & Martin J. W.
Volume76
Issue1
Pagination7 pages
Date Published06/2009
PublisherChemosphere
Publication Languageeng
KeywordsBiodegradation, bioremediation, chemistry, field trials, naphthenic acids, Syncrude, UofA
Abstract

The oil sands industry in Northern Alberta produces large volumes of oil sands process water (OSPW) containing high concentrations of persistent naphthenic acids (NAs; CnH2n+ZO2). Due to the growing volumes of OSPW that need to be reclaimed, it is important to understand the fate of NAs in aquatic systems. A recent laboratory study revealed several potential markers of microbial biodegradation for NAs; thus here we examined for these signatures in field-aged OSPW on the site of Syncrude Canada Ltd. (Fort McMurray, AB). NA concentrations were lower in older OSPW; however parent NA signatures were remarkably similar among all OSPW samples examined, with no discernible enrichment of the highly cyclic fraction as was observed in the laboratory. Comparison of NA signatures in fresh oil sands ore extracts to OSPW in active settling basins, however, suggested that the least cyclic fraction (i.e. Z = 0 and Z = −2 homologues) may undergo relatively rapid biodegradation in active settling basins. Further evidence for biodegradation of NAs came from a significantly higher proportion of oxidized NAs (i.e. CnH2n+ZO3 + CnH2n+ZO4) in the oldest OSPW from experimental reclamation ponds. Taken together, there is indirect evidence for rapid biodegradation of relatively labile Z = 0 and Z = −2 NAs in active settling basins, but the remaining steady-state fraction of NAs in OSPW appear to be very recalcitrant, with half-lives on the order of 12.8–13.6 years. Alternative fate mechanisms to explain the slow disappearance of parent NAs from OSPW are discussed, including adsorption and atmospheric partitioning.

Locational Keywords

Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR), Fort McMurray

Active Link

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/5902206815

Group

OSEMB

Citation Key52281

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