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Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography

The Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA)partnered with the Oil Sands Research and Information Network (OSRIN) to create the new Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography, which includes documents relevant to the environmental management of oil sands development in Alberta. The majority of the documents focus on the mineable oil sands in the Athabasca deposit, though some documents relate to in-situ developments. This bibliography was last updated in November 2014.

Bacteriophage-induced aggregation of oil sands tailings

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Very large quantities of tailings are produced as a result of processing oil sands. After the sand particles settle out, a dense stable mixture of clay, silt, water with residual bitumen, salts and organics called mature fine tailings (MFT) can remain in suspension for decades. Research into developing methods that would allow consolidation and sedimentation of the suspended particles is ongoing. We have studied the ability of a filamentous bacteriophage (called VP12 bearing the peptide DSQKTNPS at the N-terminus of the major coat protein pVIII) to aggregate MFT. To understand the biophysical basis of the aggregation, phage-induced aggregation of diluted MFT was measured at room temperature under varying conditions of pH, salt, detergent. Phage at concentrations of 5.0x10(11) /mL to 10(12) /mL induced rapid settling of the diluted MFT. The addition of sodium chloride (10 mM) lowered the concentration of phage required to induce aggregation. Since the non-ionic detergents Triton-X 100 and Tween-20, and the ionic detergent sodium deoxycholate had little effect, hydrophobic interactions do not appear to be a major contributor to the phage-induced aggregation of MFT. However, aggregation was prevented at pH values higher than 9.0 suggesting that positively charged amino acid residues are required for MFT aggregation by phage. Genetic engineering of the pVIII peptide sequence indicated that hydrogen bonding also contributes to phage-induced aggregation. In addition, replacing the basic residue lysine with an alanine in the recombinant peptide of VP12 completely prevented phage-induced aggregation. Three other phage displaying different amino acid sequences but all containing a lysine in the same position had variable aggregation efficiencies, ranging from no aggregation to rapid aggregation. We conclude that not only are the functional groups of the amino acids important, but the conformation that is adopted by the variable pVIII peptide is also important for phage-induced MFT aggregation. Biotechnol. Bioeng.

Barley a potential species for initial reclamation of saline composite tailings of oil sands

Year of Publication: 2003

Abstract:
The oil sands industry in Alberta (Canada) has developed the composite tailings (CT) process to reduce the fluid fine tails resulting from the processing of oil sands. This process uses a chemical coagulant (gypsum or alum) to produce aggregated fines (clay), so they are retained with the coarse sand fraction of the extraction tailings to form CT, from which fines-free water is released relatively quickly compared with untreated tailings. The resulting CT and CT waters are saline-sodic, with Na+, SO4(2-), and Cl- being the dominant ions. When freshly deposited, the CT deposits are too soft for access by reclamation equipment, and the time required for these deposits to remove the water sufficiently to support traffic is uncertain. A greenhouse study was designed to determine the suitability of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for reclamation of fresh CT deposits and to evaluate benefits of peat amendments. This study assessed germination, early plant growth, chlorophyll content, and survival of barley growing in alum- and gypsum-treated CT, with and without peat amendment. Ion and trace metal accumulation in the root and shoot tissues of barley was determined. Amendment of CT with peat improved germination, survival, and growth of barley, but did not prevent leaf injury (probably due to Na and Cl- and possibly multiple nutrient deficiency). Field studies will be undertaken to validate our greenhouse results suggesting that barley could be used to improve dewatering of the freshly deposited substrates, reduce soil erosion, and facilitate leaching of ions by root penetration into the substrate.

Baseline condition of jack pine biomonitoring plots in the Athabasca oil sands area 1976-1977

Authors Addison, P. A.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
In 1976-77, a set of 13 jack pine biomonitoring sites was established in the Athabasca Oil Sands area in order to biomonitor both impingement and impact of emissions characteristic of oil sands extraction operations. No measureable air pollutant effect was observed on either vascular or lichen communities at any site even though significantly high tissue pollutant concentrations were documented from sites within 10 km of GCOS. The importance of future time-course sampling of permanent sites is emphasized because our inability to measure a biological effect at these sites may have been purely because of the great natural variability in the region.

Baseline discharge and geochemistry of the Wiau Channel Springs 1999 - 2001 Athabasca oil sands (in situ) area Alberta

Authors Stewart, S.
Year of Publication: 2003

Abstract:
The Alberta Geological Survey mapped a number of springs issuing from the bank of the Athabasca River at the presumed outcrop of the Wiau Channel Aquifer. Groundwater from the springs was sampled and analyses in the laboratory to confirm that they are discharging from this aquifer. A weir was installed on one of the major springs to determine base flow from the springs and to document discharge rates. This report provides a site description, field methodology, field measurements and laboratory is results. Our preliminary interpretation is that the springs are indeed discharging from the Wiau Channel Aquifer.

Baseline hydrogeological regime at the intermediate scale AOSTRA Underground Test Facility

Year of Publication: 1992

Abstract:
This report presents the baseline hydrogeological regime of formation waters in the Phanerozoic sedimentary succession in an area of approximately 4000 km� (5x8 townships) surrounding the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) Underground Test Facility (UTF) near Fort McMurray in northeast Alberta. The study was prompted by the AOSTRA plans to expand the Underground Test Facility to a pilot operation. As part of this expansion, it is envisaged to dispose of residual waters by on-site deep well injection. Environment Canada and the Alberta Research Council initiated in 1990 a collaborative study on the effects of deep injection of residual water at the UTF site, with data support and cooperation from AOSTRA. The evaluation of the effects of deep injection of residual water is based on predictive modeling, which requires knowledge of the initial baseline hydrogeological conditions. Previous regional-scale studies of the hydrogeological regime in the sedimentary succession in northeast Alberta are too coarse for the resolution needed for predictive modeling at the UTF site. On the other hand, the data are very scarce and incomplete at the local scale. Thus, an intermediate-scale hydrogeological study is required for the identification and characterization of the hydrostratigraphic units at the UTF site, which form the content of this report. The intermediate-scale hydrostratigraphy around the UTF site is less complex than at the regional scale because of the absence of Lower Elk Point Group halite beds and of extensive pre-Cretaceous erosion of Devonian strata. The sedimentary succession can be broadly divided into four main flow units (aquifers) separated by three barriers (aquitards or aquicludes). The flow of formation waters in the lowermost unit, the Winnipegosis-Basal aquifer, is regional in nature. The formation waters are very saline, with depth related trends. The halite and shale Prairie-Watt Mountain aquiclude separates this aquifer from the Beaverhill Lake aquifer above, which exhibits local flow regime characteristics. The formation water salinity is much fresher, and the flow directions are toward the northeast where the formation waters discharge at outcrop along the Athabasca River and its tributaries. The McMurray-Wabiskaw aquifer also has local flow-regime characteristics, being controlled by the topography and physiography of the area. The bitumen-saturated sands at the McMurray Formation seem to form a strong barrier, separating the flow systems in the Beaverhill Lake below and McMurray-Wabiskaw above, respectively. The shale Clearwater aquitard, overlying the McMurray-Wabiskaw aquifer, appears to be a strong barrier to flow. However, its integrity in places may be questionable because of recent and present-day erosion. The post-Clearwater aquifers of Grand Rapids and Pleistocene strata are of limited extent, with paleo-valleys cutting down in places into the Clearwater aquitard.

Baseline inventory of aquatic macrophyte species distributions in the AOSERP study area

Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
This study evaluates the growth of aquatic macrophytes in selected lakes within the AOSERP study area in terms of lake type, and the feasibility of mapping such aquatic macrophytes using the existing FCIR photography of the study area. Field surveys were carried out during August 1978. Ten lakes or groups of lakes were examined in the field and the data utilized to establish three major classes of lakes within the study area: Class 1 (Eutrophic); Class 2 (Limited Growth); and Class 3 (0ligotrophic). Through examination of the 1 :60 000 scale FCIR photographs, a legend for mapping aquatic macrophytes was developed which divided aquatic macrophytes into their three major classes (emergent, floating, and submergent) and allowed for species identification where possible. A complete description of each vegetation type included in the legend is presented, as well as a key for photo interpretation. Examples of the mapping are included. The relationship between aquatic macrophyte growth and habitat factors as found in the AOSERP study area is outlined, as are some of the implications of aquatic macrophyte inventory for management and reclamation of such vegetation. Recommendations for further work state that mapping according to the developed legend should be carried out immediately, for inclusion on the vegetation overlay of the Ecological Habitat Maps. Finally, an annotated bibliography includes literature on the growth, species, and habitat of aquatic macrophytes in the AOSERP and similar study areas, as well as on the use of remote sensing for identification and mapping of aquatic vegetation.

Baseline states of organic constituents in the Athabasca River system upstream of Fort McMurray

Year of Publication: 1979

Abstract:
Investigations were carried out on the Athabasca River upstream of Fort McMurray to determine the baseline quantities of organic constituents and their contribution to the organic water quality of the river system as it continues through the Athabasca Oil Sands strip mining area. Results of these investigations were evaluated to assess the fate of organic matter in this segment of the river. Studies focussed on the natural occurrence of classes of compounds which are known to be major constituents of wastewaters from oil sands processing. Major groups of naturally occurring organic compounds and a limited number of labile compounds were also considered as a means of assessing the assimilative capacities of this river segment. Water soluble constituents, tannins and lignins, asphaltenes, and polar constituents were the major organic components of the river system as determined from the 16 different investigations carried out. Water samples contained an average 9 mg/l of organic carbon, the majority of which was determined as dissolved organic carbon. Water soluble organics, which include the humic acids, averaged 6.9 mg/l and were the largest single organic component of the river water. Also contained in this water soluble fraction were the naturally occurring tannin and lignins at 0.24 mg/l. The extractable carbon fraction contained 20% asphaltenes, 33% polar constituents, and 10% hydrocarbons. Sediment samples contained an average 11,000 to 20,000 mg/kg of total organic carbon, 6% of which occurred as extractable organic carbon. Tannins and lignins were the largest group of compounds detected in the sediments but comprised only 3% of their unextractable carbon fraction. Extractable organic carbon fractions contained 39% asphaltenes, 17% polar compounds, and 16% hydrocarbons. On the basis of these investigations, it is concluded that organic constituents which occur in this segment of the river are mainly water soluble, naturally occurring compounds that persist consistently throughout this upstream study area. Measurements to assess the assimilative capacity of the river system indicate that minimal uptake of the majority of organic matter occurs in this river section, thus providing a constant natural input to the river system at Fort McMurray.

Baseline studies of aquatic environments in the Athabasca River near Lease 17

Year of Publication: 1977

Abstract:
This is a report of baseline studies of aquatic environments in the Athabasca River. These studies were carried out at the request of Syncrude Canada Limited and were focused in the vicinity of Syncrude's Lease Number 17, which borders the west bank of the Athabasca River north of the town of Ft. McMurray, Alberta. The studies were designed to provide a basis for comparison with changing conditions ln the Athabasca River as the Syncrude development proceeds. The study consisted of three parts: 1) A general reconnaissance early in the study period including a survey of fish species, benthic invertebrates, periphyton (attached algae) and water quality. On the basis of this preliminary survey, permanent sampling stations were identified and particular environmental parameters selected for further study. 2) Detailed studies of selected environmental parameters. Data describing these parameters will form the baseline against which any future changes will be assessed. 3) A survey of the scientific literature relevant to various aspects of the study.

Baseline study of the water quality and aquatic resources of the MacKay River, Alberta

Year of Publication: 1978

Abstract:
Syncrude Canada Ltd. is producing synthetic crude oil from a surface mine on the eastern portion of Crown Lease 17, Alberta. Aquatic Environments Limited was commissioned to survey the MacKay River which crosses Leases 17 and 22, also held by Syncrude. The survey is intended to provide a baseline, as Syncrude's present operations do not affect the MacKay watershed. The pattern of discharge in the MacKay River in 1977 was characterized by three peaks, two major (April 19 and July 8) and one minor (October 16). Peak discharge for the year was 22.5 m3/sec and the low 0.2 m3/sec. Mean discharge was 4.2 m3/sec per day and total discharge was 176.6 x 106 m3. The densities of periphyton were highest on natural substrates than on either artificial substrate. In general, the densities were low throughout the summer but increased in September. At some locations, however, densities on glass substrates were highest in July. A total of 80 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa was collected, with 59 taxa found at the Upper Station, 56 at the Middle Station, and 49 at the Lower Station. In total, 19 fish species were collected from the MacKay River. The common or abundant species are: goldeye, northern pike, lake chub, longnose dace, longnose sucker, white sucker, trout-perch, walleye, and slimy sculpin.

Beach fines capture study

Authors
Year of Publication: 2014

Citation:

Behaviour of the clay/bitumen/water sludge system from oil sands extraction plants

Year of Publication: 1985

Abstract:
Rational waste management for large mineral extraction operations requires behavioural information and a clear understanding of processes. The behaviour of the clay/water/bitumen/sand systems at Syncrude Canada Ltd. is being studied. The macroscopic behaviour is becoming well understood, particularly with respect to the role of bitumen. The bitumen aids settlement, but hinders consolidation. Clay mineral behaviour in the presence of bitumen is unclear and remains worthy of detailed study, particularly with respect to the nature of the mineral/bitumen interface in the presence of various ions. Data are presented on system rheology, gel strength of sand/sludge mixes, the void ratio to permeability relationships for sludge, and the void ratio/effective stress relationship for sludge. Of considerable interest are the data at extremely low stresses, less than 1.0 kPa, as the great majority of water is expelled below this stress value.

Bench-scale drying of multi-layered thickened TSRU tailings

Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Atmospheric drying technologies as practiced by Shell and Suncor are promising options to manage oil sands fine tailings. While single-layer tailings deposits have been shown to dry and gain strength effectively, there are questions as to how the strength and water content of the dried layers will change when successive fresh wet tailings slurries are deposited. A bench-scale testing program was conducted at Shell Canada Energy’s Muskeg River Mine in northern Alberta to study multi-lift drying of thickened paraffinic froth treatment or tailings solvent recovery unit (TSRU) tailings. The tests were conducted under controlled conditions in boxes with varied drainage conditions to evaluate changes in geotechnical parameters as additional lifts were placed and dried. The tailings were placed in lifts of 50 cm. Instruments were deployed in each lift to monitor soil matric suction, water content and pore-water pressure. Additional analysis included vane shear tests and hand-held tensiometer measurements. This study found that after placement of a second lift, the first lift lost little strength, and quickly recovered to exceed the prior strength. Soil matric suction returned to its prior values, as did water content, although the drier upper portion of a lift may not return to its prior minimum water content. Second and subsequent lifts gained matric suction and strength after placement more quickly than had the first lift. These findings apply to thickened TSRU tailings, and may have been strongly influenced by partial decant water removal prior to lift placement.

Benign-by-design: Synthesis of engineered silicon nanoparticles and their application to oil sands water contaminant remediation

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Oil sands are naturally occurring mixtures of sand or clay, water, fine silts, and bitumen. The oil sands extraction process consumes large volumes of water (i.e., ca. 3 barrels of fresh water for every 1 barrel of oil). Following the extraction of bitumen from the oil sands, a tailings slurry is produced that consists of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), sand, silt, clay particles and trace quantities of unrecovered bitumen. This slurry is hydraulically transported to large containment facilities (i.e., open tailings ponds) that, in Alberta, currently occupy approximately 130 km2 with 200 million litres of mature fine tailings produced each day. These vast storage facilities pose a risk to the environment, wildlife, and society. There are many candidate technologies that could be applied to the treatment of OSPW. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are particularly useful for degrading biologically toxic or non-degradable materials such as aromatics, pesticides, petroleum constituents, and volatile organic compounds in wastewater. In this report, we investigate the use of advanced oxidation processes via photocatalysts based on nanoparticles. Silicon nanoparticles were specifically engineered for water remediation by making them water soluble and more potent towards contaminant removal. Si nanoparticles of different sizes and morphologies were investigated for model contaminant (methanol) removal in the presence of UV light. A medium pressure UV lamp was used for the purpose. Control experiments were also performed to ascertain the extent of remediation by the Si nanoparticles. Effect of methanol concentration, nanoparticle concentration and exposure time of UV were systematically studied to optimize the remediation parameters. Moreover, a cost effective and high yielding synthetic protocol was also developed for large scale synthesis of Si nanoparticles which is crucial for scale up. Quantum yield calculations were performed on different Si nanoparticles and compared with titanium dioxide (TiO2), the most commonly proposed nanoparticle system.

Benthos and bottom sediment field collections, upper Athabasca River, April to May, 1992

Authors
Year of Publication: 1993

Abstract:
The Northern River Basins Study was initiated through the "Canada-Alberta-Northwest Territories Agreement Respecting the Peace-Athabasca-Slave River Basin Study, Phase II - Technical Studies" which was signed September 27, 1991. The purpose of the Study is to understand and characterize the cumulative effects of development on the water and aquatic environment of the Study Area by coordinating with existing programs and undertaking appropriate new technical studies. This report documents field methods and sampling sites in the Upper Athabasca River, northern Alberta, for a study of pollution in river bed sediments and fauna.

Benthos field collections under-ice sampling Athabasca River February and March 1993

Year of Publication: 1993

Abstract:
Report identifying and describing field sampling methologies, observations, schedules, and listing samples delivered to Northern Rivers Basins Study as a result of conducting under-ice sampling of benthic aquatic macroinvertebrates, biofilm, and forage fish on the Athabasca River, northern Alberta.

Bibliography of the Athabasca oil sands Alberta

Authors Carrigy, M. A.
Year of Publication: 1962

Abstract:
The number requests received at the Research Council of Alberta for information about the Athabasca oil sands has indicated that a need exists for a compilation of all the literature references relevant to this vast, potentially economic reserve of petroleum. A bibliography of the oil sands of Alberta has been compiled over the past five years; its accuracy has been established by continual use in card index form and it is now (1962) felt that as a Preliminary Report it will fulfill a need of the oil industry and at the same time will permit revisions and additions to be incorporated in future editions. This report has two parts; in Part I all the citations were listed alphabetically under the author�s name with full title and publication data; in Part II the same publications were grouped under thirteen subject headings. Each of the thirteen sections of Part II is completely self-contained.

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