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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.

Diet, food web and structure of the fish community, lower Slave River, June to December, 1994 and May to August, 1995

Authors Tallman, R. F., Tonn W. M., & Little A.
Year of Publication: 1996

Abstract:
Examines the diet, food web, and seasonal changes in structure of the fish community of the lower Slave River as revealed in sampling studies using gill nets, seines, and set lines used June-December 1994 and May-August 1995. Diet was determined by direct examination and classification of dietary items for the 18 fish species collected, using the percent occurrence method. Catch per unit effort was also calculated for the species. Discussion of results includes summaries of fish life cycles and identification of potential risks of biomagnification effects.

Citation:
Tallman, R. F., Tonn W. M., & Little A. (1996).  Diet, food web and structure of the fish community, lower Slave River, June to December, 1994 and May to August, 1995. 116 pages . Abstract  Download: 0-662-24658-6.pdf (7.12 MB)
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Diethylaminoethyl-cellulose clean-up of a large volume naphthenic acid extract

Authors Frank, R. A., Kavanagh R., Burnison K. B., Headley J. V., Peru K. M., Van Der Kraak G., et al.
Year of Publication: 2006

Abstract:
The Athabasca oil sands of Alberta, Canada contain an estimated 174 billion barrels of bitumen. During oil sands refining processes, an extraction tailings mixture is produced that has been reported as toxic to aquatic organisms and is therefore collected in settling ponds on site. Investigation into the toxicity of these tailings pond waters has identified naphthenic acids (NAs) and their sodium salts as the major toxic components, and a multi-year study has been initiated to identify the principal toxic components within NA mixtures. Future toxicity studies require a large volume of a NA mixture, however, a well-defined bulk extraction technique is not available. This study investigated the use of a weak anion exchanger, diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DEAE-cellulose), to remove humic-like material present after collecting the organic acid fraction of oil sands tailings pond water. The NA extraction and clean-up procedure proved to be a fast and efficient method to process large volumes of tailings pond water, providing an extraction efficiency of 41.2%. The resulting concentrated NA solution had a composition that differed somewhat from oil sands fresh tailings, with a reduction in the abundance of lower molecular weight NAs being the most significant difference. This reduction was mainly due to the initial acidification of tailings pond water. The DEAE-cellulose treatment had only a minor effect on the NA concentration, no noticeable effect on the NA fingerprint, and no significant effect on the mixture toxicity towards Vibrio fischeri.

Citation:
Frank, R. A., Kavanagh R., Burnison K. B., Headley J. V., Peru K. M., Van Der Kraak G., et al. (2006).  Diethylaminoethyl-cellulose clean-up of a large volume naphthenic acid extract. 64(8), 6 pages . Abstract
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Differences in phytotoxicity and dissipation between ionized and nonionized oil sands naphthenic acids in wetland plants

Authors Armstrong, S. A., Headley J. V., Peru K. M., & Germida J. J.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Armstrong, S. A., Headley J. V., Peru K. M., & Germida J. J. (2009).  Differences in phytotoxicity and dissipation between ionized and nonionized oil sands naphthenic acids in wetland plants. 28(10), 7 pages .
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Differences in the composition of soils under open and canopy conditions at two sites close-in to the Great Canadian Oil Sands Operation Fort McMurray, Alberta

Authors Baker, J.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
Soils sampled at Sites 1 and 2, 2.3 and 5.3 km south of the Great Canadian Oil Sands (GCOS) plant, Fort McMurray, respectively were found to differ statistically with reference to several macronutrients. Soils under cover of a canopy and those in open areas differed considerably with respect to soil nutrients and pH. Differences in nutrient concentrations under open versus covered soils probably are due mainly to effects of the canopy; however, this may not fully explain soil sulphur and titanium concentrations. Jack pine foliage sampled at Site 1 was more concentrated in S than that sampled at Site 2, suggesting the possibility that atmospheric sulphur may have played a role. Other foliar nutrient differences more likely are the result of other or natural phenomena. To date, despite the higher S concentrations in both jack pine foliage and soils under the canopy at Site 1, there is no conclusive evidence that atmospheric pollutants emitted as a result of the overall exploration operation have as yet altered the existing soil nutrient regime of the study area, or are responsible for differences observed between the two sites.

Citation:
Baker, J. (1980).  Differences in the composition of soils under open and canopy conditions at two sites close-in to the Great Canadian Oil Sands Operation Fort McMurray, Alberta. 24 pages . Abstract
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Different analytical mass spectrometric and bioassay to probe how ozonation process degrades naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water

Authors Sun, N., Perez-Estrada L. A., Drzewicz P., Chelme, Ayala P., Klamerth N., Islam M., et al.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Sun, N., Perez-Estrada L. A., Drzewicz P., Chelme, Ayala P., Klamerth N., Islam M., et al. (2013).  Different analytical mass spectrometric and bioassay to probe how ozonation process degrades naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water. 1 page .
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Differential changes in gene expression in rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to extracts of oil sands process-affected water and the Athabasca River

Authors Gagne, F., Douville M., Andre C., Debenst T., Talbot A., Sherry J., et al.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
The oil sands region of northern Alberta represents the world's largest reserves of bitumen, and the accelerated pace of industrial extraction activity has raised concern about the possible impacts on the Athabasca River and its tributaries. An ecotoxicogenomic study was undertaken on Oncorhynchus mykiss trout hepatocytes exposed to extracts of water samples near the oil sand development area, as well as to oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) extracts using the quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique. The expression of the following genes (mRNA) was monitored to track changes in xenobiotic biotransformation (CYP1A1, CYP3A4, glutathione S-transferase, multi-drug resistance transporter), estrogenicity (estrogen receptor and vitellogenin), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and metallothionein) and DNA repair activity (DNA ligase). The extent of DNA-aromatic hydrocarbon adducts was also determined in cells by immuno-staining. A comparative analysis of gene expression between the river/lake and OSPW samples revealed that CYP3A4, metallothioneins, DNA ligase and GST genes, were specifically expressed by OSPW. Cells exposed to OSPW, commercial naphthenic acids, and benzo(a)pyrene showed increased polyaromatic hydrocarbon DNA-adducts, as determined by cell immunofluorescence analysis. Other genes were induced by all types of water samples, although the induction potential was stronger in OSPW most of the time (e.g., VTG gene was expressed nearly 15-fold by surface waters from the lake and river samples but increased to a maximum of 31-fold in OSPW). A multivariate discriminant function analysis revealed that the lake and river water samples were well discriminated from the OSPW. The CYP3A4 gene was the most highly expressed gene in cells exposed to OSPW and responded less to the lake or river water in the Athabasca River area. This study identified a suite of gene targets that responded specifically to OSPW extracts, which could serve as toxicogenomic fingerprints of OSPW contamination. Differential changes in gene expression in rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to extracts of oil sands process-affected water and the Athabasca River (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221753631_Differential_changes_in_gene_expression_in_rainbow_trout_hepatocytes_exposed_to_extracts_of_oil_sands_process-affected_water_and_the_Athabasca_River [accessed Jan 18, 2016].

Citation:
Gagne, F., Douville M., Andre C., Debenst T., Talbot A., Sherry J., et al. (2012).  Differential changes in gene expression in rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to extracts of oil sands process-affected water and the Athabasca River. 155(4), 8 pages . Abstract
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Differentiation of two industrial oil sands process-affected waters by two-dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of diamondoid acid profiles

Authors Rowland, S. J., West C. E., Scarlett A. G., Ho C., & Jones D.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Processing of the oil sands of Canada has produced large amounts of process-affected water (OSPW). Concerns have been raised over the possible environmental impacts of any leakage of OSPW from storage lagoons which contain toxicants, including organic acids. Natural weathering of oil sands deposits may also produce the toxicants, including the acids. Therefore, there is a need for differentiation of the possible natural and industrial sources of such toxicants and also for methods suitable for monitoring changes in the composition of OSPW during long-term storage. Here we show in a simple preliminary study of the two samples currently available to us, by use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/ToF-MS), the distributions of methyl esters of individual isomeric diamondoid acids in OSPW from lagoons with different histories and from different industrial operators. We show that the distributions of methyl esters of individual isomeric diamondoid acids, including methyladamantane carboxylic and ethanoic acids, identified by comparison with data for reference compounds, can be differentiated readily. The use of acids with known structures, each verified by authentic acids, known toxicities and known and/or predictable physicochemical properties, to distinguish the different sources is advantageous, since factors likely to control the fate and dispersion of the acids can then more easily be predicted. It is postulated that the differences observed in the relative amounts of some of the acids result from variable extents of bacterial transformation of the organic matter in OSPW. The differences in distributions of diamondoid acids clearly vary between the two samples of OSPW and may prove very useful for monitoring the fate of different sources of OSPW both in storage and in the wider environment, once a wider collection of representative samples is available for study.

Citation:
Rowland, S. J., West C. E., Scarlett A. G., Ho C., & Jones D. (2012).  Differentiation of two industrial oil sands process-affected waters by two-dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of diamondoid acid profiles. 26(5), 4 pages . Abstract
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Digging beneath the surface of Aboriginal labour market development: Analyzing policy discourse in the context of northern Alberta's oil sands

Authors Friedel, T. L., & Taylor A.
Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:
Friedel, T. L., & Taylor A. (2011).  Digging beneath the surface of Aboriginal labour market development: Analyzing policy discourse in the context of northern Alberta's oil sands.
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Digital plan submission standards and procedures

Authors
Year of Publication: 2015

Abstract:
Each application or amendment for a surface activity on public land must include a plan (sketch/survey) indicating the extent of the activity being applied for and its proximity to existing dispositions. This document outlines the standards and procedures for the digital submission of these plans through the Plan Confirmation Service (PCS) website.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2015).  Digital plan submission standards and procedures. Abstract
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Direct evaluation of in situ biodegradation in Athabasca oil sands tailings ponds using natural abundance radiocarbon

Authors Ahad, J. M. E., & Pakdel H.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Compound-specific stable (δ13C) and radiocarbon (Δ14C) 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 δ13CPLFA 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. Δ14CPLFA 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 Δ14C 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., Δ14C ∼ −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.

Citation:
Ahad, J. M. E., & Pakdel H. (2013).  Direct evaluation of in situ biodegradation in Athabasca oil sands tailings ponds using natural abundance radiocarbon. 47(18), 8 pages . Abstract
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Direct nitrogen deposition

Authors Cape, J. N.
Year of Publication: 2007

Abstract:
This report summarises the methods available for estimating the deposition of reactive (plant- available) nitrogen from the atmosphere, for comparison with Critical Loads, and as a means of assessing the environmental effects of the deposited nitrogen. Sources of atmospheric reactive nitrogen (NR) and its transformations in the atmosphere are briefly summarised, leading to several possible deposition pathways, both wet and dry. The principles behind direct measurements of wet deposition are explained, along with some of the factors that must be considered to avoid artefacts. Continuous direct measurement of dry deposition (i.e. the turbulent transfer of material from the atmosphere to the ground) is possible with the current state-of-the-art, but is expensive because9of the need for fast- response analyzers, operating at concentrations of ppb (parts in 10 by volume) or less. Operation of this type of equipment, and analysis of the resultant data, is not a routine monitoring tool, but a research activity leading to measurement-based estimates of the parameters needed to model dry deposition on temporal and spatial scales that are inaccessible by current measurement methods. However, long-term integrating techniques are becoming available for routine monitoring use. The current available techniques are critically discussed, particularly in relation to practical deployment at a regional scale, with descriptions of what can be achieved using different techniques, and approximate estimates of the relative costs. A structured method for designing a possible monitoring network is described, listing the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Finally, a possible implementation plan is recommended, with an indication of costs. This would provide for a nested network across the oilsands region of Alberta comprising 20 sites; bulk wet deposition would be measured at all sites, air concentrations of major NR species at 10 of the sites, and long-term integrated flux measurements at 4 sites. The annual cost (excluding travel to sites for sampling) is estimated at $220,000. This would provide deposition estimates across the region to indicate whether or not Critical Loads for NR deposition are likely to be exceeded. Bibliographies for further reading and reference are provided for each section of the report.

Citation:
Cape, J. N. (2007).  Direct nitrogen deposition. 41 pages . Abstract
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Directive 023: Guidelines respecting an application for a commercial crude bitumen recovery and upgrading project

Authors Board, E. R. C.
Year of Publication: 1991

Citation:
Board, E. R. C. (1991).  Directive 023: Guidelines respecting an application for a commercial crude bitumen recovery and upgrading project.
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Directive 073: Requirements for inspection and compliance of oil sands mining and processing plant operations in the oil sands mining area

Authors Board, E. R. C.
Year of Publication: 2008

Citation:
Board, E. R. C. (2008).  Directive 073: Requirements for inspection and compliance of oil sands mining and processing plant operations in the oil sands mining area.
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Directive 074: Tailings performance criteria and requirements for oil sands mining schemes

Authors Board, E. R. C.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Board, E. R. C. (2009).  Directive 074: Tailings performance criteria and requirements for oil sands mining schemes.
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Directive 078: Regulatory application process for modifications to commercial in situ oil sands projects

Authors Board, E. R. C.
Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:
Board, E. R. C. (2010).  Directive 078: Regulatory application process for modifications to commercial in situ oil sands projects.
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Directive 081: Water disposal limits and reporting requirements for thermal in situ oil sands schemes

Authors Board, E. R. C.
Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:
Board, E. R. C. (2012).  Directive 081: Water disposal limits and reporting requirements for thermal in situ oil sands schemes.
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Dirty oil ethical oil legitimate or not? The struggle to categorize the Alberta oil sands

Authors Lefsrud, L. M., Graves H., & Phillips N.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Organizational research has focussed almost exclusively on the role of legitimate categories of practices, strategies, and structures in organizational phenomena, while neglecting the creation and use of illegitimate categories. To address this gap, we draw on social theories of legitimacy and social semiotics to show how illegitimate cultural categorizations are dialectical, embedded within symbolic systems, and how they are used to shape organizational action. More specifically, we analyse the processes by which various participants construct categorical illegitimacy in ongoing public debate about a controversial energy source – oil from Alberta’s oil sands. These influential actors employ images and words to contest opponent organizations taking a discursive stake in this field as they struggle over the legitimacy of extracting this form of oil. Based on our study, we offer a model for understanding the visual and emotional processes of categorical legitimation and delegitimation

Citation:
Lefsrud, L. M., Graves H., & Phillips N. (2014).  Dirty oil ethical oil legitimate or not? The struggle to categorize the Alberta oil sands. Abstract
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Dirty oil: How the tar sands are fueling the global climate crisis

Authors Nikiforuk, A.
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
The unrestrained release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the burning of fossil fuels now threatens the political stability of human civilization. Every year, climate change kills approximately 300,000 people and costs the global economy more than $100 billion. Even the most conservative of predictions for the future anticipates that extreme weather events combined with food and water shortages and increased diseases could unravel many nation states by 2040. While most scientific experts now call for radical reductions in GHGs (by 80 per cent) by 2050, many nations remain reluctant to change course. The favourable outcome of United Nations Climate Change Conference talks aimed at establishing a new global carbon treaty, to be held in Copenhagen this December, is in doubt. The greatest threat to our future, argues famed Canadian political scientist Thomas Homer Dixon, is not "that our fossil fuel economy will disappear but that it will endure."

Citation:
Nikiforuk, A. (2009).  Dirty oil: How the tar sands are fueling the global climate crisis. 43 pages . Abstract
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DISCONNECT: Assessing and managing the social effects of development in the Athabasca oil sands

Authors Earley, R. J.
Year of Publication: 2003

Abstract:
This research investigated the system by which the social effects of oil sands development on Fort McMurray, a city in northeastern Alberta, are assessed and managed. The research focused on Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and the work of an industry initiative, the Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG). The oil sands industry, which involves large, labour- intensive mining and drilling operations in a boom-bust cycle, places considerable pressure on Fort McMurray, a city of approximately 50,000 inhabitants and the only urban area within 350 km of the oil sands. The social effects experienced there include exorbitant housing prices, shortages in service industry labour, insufficient social services, at times, to assist individuals and families who can no longer cope with the difficult conditions in the area, and a variety of other negative effects. Sixteen key informant interviews were conducted with urban planners, municipal politicians, provincial employees, a spokesperson for one of the First Nations in the area, community NGOs, and oil sands industry representatives. Data from the interviews were combined with a literature review and a document analysis. A modified McKinsey 7S Integrated Management Framework was used as a structure for describing and analyzing the Social Effects Assessment and Management System (SEAMS) in Fort McMurray. The SEAMS was found to be weak in comparison to the needs of the community. Project-by-project assessment of oil sands development was found to downplay the cumulative nature of social effects. Furthermore, no legislation or regulation existed that demanded action based on the findings of SIA. As a result, mitigation and management of social effects was insufficient, often occurring only when it was directly in the interests of the oil sands industry. While government and industry have plans in place to resolve some of the negative social effects, their actions were criticized by informants as being uncoordinated, inconsistent and often ineffective. The findings indicate that a strategy for exploiting Alberta’s oil sands is necessary. The project-by-project evaluation of oil sands development proposals is not addressing the important long-term and regional social issues that arise as a result of construction and operation of the mines and facilities. A tool recommended for incorporating resolutions to long-term, regional social effects into the development plan is SEA with an explicit Strategic Social Assessment component. This strategic assessment and planning process should be undertaken by a publicly-accountable government body empowered to regulate the pace of oil sands development based on social, environmental and economic effects, and to coordinate long-term responses by government and industry.

Citation:
Earley, R. J. (2003).  DISCONNECT: Assessing and managing the social effects of development in the Athabasca oil sands. 219 pages . Abstract
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Disease and gill lesions in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) exposed to oil sands mining-associated waters

Authors van den Heuvel, M. R., Power M., Richards J., MacKinnon M., & Dixon D. G.
Year of Publication: 2000

Abstract:
Adult yellow perch were stocked into experimental ponds designed to test the biological effects of aquatic reclamation alternatives currently being pursued by the oil sands mining industry. Water-quality characteristics of oil sands-influenced water in the experimental ponds included increased salinity and elevated trace organics associated with raw oil sands (bitumen). After 3 and 10 months of exposure to affected waters, perch gross pathologies including severe fin erosion and virally induced tumors were observed in exposed individuals. Gill histopathology revealed large aneurysms accompanied by a proliferation of chloride and epithelial cells in the interlamellar spaces. Gill pathologies were not paralleled by a decrease in plasma sodium, calcium, or chloride. The frequencies of gross pathologies and gill changes were correlated to the concentrations of the oil sands-related compounds. As inorganic and organic compounds associated with oil sands activities are highly intercorrelated, and the observed lesions and changes are not diagnostic of particular toxicants, it was not possible to isolate the causative chemical factor(s) responsible. The incidence of observed lesions and gill pathologies could not be conclusively linked to increased mortality rates observed in the exposed populations. Evidence of recovery in the pathologies was observed between 3 and 10 months of exposure, coincident with a stabilization in population numbers.

Citation:
van den Heuvel, M. R., Power M., Richards J., MacKinnon M., & Dixon D. G. (2000).  Disease and gill lesions in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) exposed to oil sands mining-associated waters. 46(3), 7 pages . Abstract
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Dispersion from low level sources in the wake of a tailings pond dike

Authors Wilson, D. J., & Djurfors S. G.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
The interaction between the turbulent wake, created by a tailings pond dike and the low level emissions at the Syncrude Tar Sands Plant has been investigated using wind tunnel model simulation. At the large Reynolds numbers experienced by model and full-scale dike the flow remains attached to the downwind side of the dike, with no recirculation zone. The effects on dispersion of three dike heights are compared to the flat terrain case for one typical low level source in the dike wake. By increasing the dike height, a small reduction in ground level concentration results, which is consistent with the observed increase in crosswind plume spread relative to vertical spread. Simple Gaussian plume model predictions are compared to wind tunnel observations, and are shown to be accurate estimates of ground level concentrations. At the Syncrude plant site the tailings pond containment dike is located about 1.2 km north of the main stack. This containment dike may in time reach a height of 50 meters, about 25 percent of the main stack height and about the same height as the low level sources. Eventually, the dike will become the predominant topographical feature in the neighborhood of the plant site. The effect of this dike on the dispersion of material from low level sources within the plant site forms the basis for the present investigation.

Citation:
Wilson, D. J., & Djurfors S. G. (1980).  Dispersion from low level sources in the wake of a tailings pond dike. 24 pages . Abstract
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Dispersion modeling of a plume in the tar sands area

Authors Slawson, P. R., Davidson G. A., & Maddukuri C. S.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
The plume rise, spread and supporting meterological and source data given in Slawson et al (1978) were further analyzed in order to provide a more suitable data set upon which a site-tuned plume dispersion model could be developed. This dispersion model was considered to consist of a buoyant plume rise and growth phase followed by an atmospheric (Gaussian) dispersion phase. Since a truly predictive plume dispersion model is ultimately required for use in emission limitation control programs some effort was spent in developing and testing a predictive one dimensional planetary boundary layer model. Both analytical and simple numerical integration plume rise and growth models are described in some detail and tested against a reduced set of observed time-mean plume behavior. The numerical integration plume rise models (NIM) proved to be superior to the analytical models for the G.C.O.S. plume as: (1) non-linear temperature and win~ fields were more easily incorporated, (2) the Boussinesq approximation (which proved to be significant) was not required, and (3) low windspeed predictions were improved. Thus, a NIM is recommended for plume rise and growth in the buoyant phase. Considerable time was spent on re-analyzing the aircraft inplume transect data in an attempt to reduce scatter and obtain more consistent standard deviations of plume spread (sigmas) and their rates of growth under various atmospheric stability conditions so that a better comparison with several typing schemes could be made. Plume cross-section isopleths were constructed from the aircraft transect data for all cross-sections flown and are contained in an Appendix. The sigma data abstracted from the isopleths had less scatter than that found previously and correct trends in the data were noted. A sigma typing scheme due to Briggs (1975) was selected as best representative of that observed in the absence of cross-wind shear. Since an equivalent Gaussian plume dispersion model was required a tentative empirical formulation for the effects of cross-wind shear enhanced diffusion was extracted from the data. Also, a model that incorporates the effect of plume distortion directly into a modified Gaussian plume model is described and tested against some of the observed plume cross-sections. A plume rise and Gaussian dispersion model based on these measurements of the G.CO.S. plume is described and tested against observed ground plane aircraft transect data. This model may form the basis for a subsequent Syncrude plume model.

Citation:
Slawson, P. R., Davidson G. A., & Maddukuri C. S. (1980).  Dispersion modeling of a plume in the tar sands area. 316 pp.. Abstract
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Disposal of fine tailings utilizing hydrocyclone techniques

Authors Shaw, W., Livingstone B., & Beck J.
Year of Publication: 1993

Citation:
Shaw, W., Livingstone B., & Beck J. (1993).  Disposal of fine tailings utilizing hydrocyclone techniques. 21 pages .
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Disposal of tailings sludge in overburden waste dumps

Authors Lord, E. H., & Ostrowski T. P.
Year of Publication: 1990

Citation:
Lord, E. H., & Ostrowski T. P. (1990).  Disposal of tailings sludge in overburden waste dumps. 13 pages .
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Dissipation and phytotoxicity of oil sands naphthenic acids in wetland plants

Authors Armstrong, S. A.
Year of Publication: 2008

Abstract:
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are toxic organic acid compounds released during the caustic hot-water extraction of crude oil from oil sands in north-eastern Alberta, Canada. NAs subsequently accumulate in the large volume of oil sands process water (OSPW) produced daily by oil sands operations. The complexity of dealing with a mixture of over 200 individual NA compounds, combined with their acute aquatic toxicity and large volume of production has made them an emerging pollutant of concern for western Canada. The following thesis outlines a variety of experiments designed to determine the potential to use wetland plants to enhance the dissipation of NAs from OSPW (phytoremediation). Investigations were carried out with three native emergent macrophyte species cattail (Typha latifolia), common reed (Phragmites australis subsp. americanus), and hard-stem bulrush (Scirpus acutus) to see if they enhanced the dissipation of NAs from a hydroponic system. Dissipation of NAs (at 30 mg L-1 and 60 mg L-1) was investigated with both a commercially available NA mixture as well as with a NA mixture extracted from the OSPW. Dissipation of NAs was also investigated under the different ionized forms of NAs (ionized, pH = 7.8; and non-ionized, pH = 5.0) to better elucidate the mechanisms of NA uptake and toxicity in plants. Phytotoxicity of NAs was investigated in hydroponic experiments through fresh weight gain and evapotranspiration was monitored throughout the experiment by water uptake. Commercially available NA mixture was more phytotoxic than oil sands NAs mixture. As well, NAs were found to be more phytotoxic in their non-ionized form therefore indicating that they may be taken up through an „ion-trap‟ mechanism. However despite this, no significant dissipation of total NAs was observed from planted hydroponic systems. Nevertheless there was a significant change in the distribution (percent abundance) of individual NA families of certain size. These changes were related to the one- and two-ring NA compounds (Z = -2 and Z = -4). Despite not detecting any dissipation of total NAs from the systems, plants were able to reduce the toxicity of a NA system over 30 days by 45% as determined by Daphnia magna acute toxicity bioassays; a 11% greater reduction than unplanted systems. Studies were also conducted investigating the microbial community inhabiting cattail roots exposed to NAs. It was observed that the rhizosphere community changed with NA exposure, with a general increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in bacteria previously found to be beneficial to plant growth. The observed microbial community change could be an indirect effect of the phytotoxicity experienced by aquatic macrophytes exposed to NAs. Synchrotron-sourced, fourier transform microspectroscopy analysis of root cross sections revealed that there were significant physiological changes to those roots exposed to NAs. These changes were identified as being cell death in the plant root epidermis as well as a change in the chemistry of parenchyma cells in the root pith. It is not known if these changes are a direct effect of NAs to the plant or due to changes of the associated rhizosphere community in the roots or some combination of both these factors.

Citation:
Armstrong, S. A. (2008).  Dissipation and phytotoxicity of oil sands naphthenic acids in wetland plants. Abstract
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