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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.

Evidence of discharging saline formation water to the Athabasca River in the oil sands mining region northern Alberta

Authors Gibson, J. J., Fennell J., Birks S. J., Yi Y., Moncur M. C., Hansen B., et al.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
This paper summarizes various lines of evidence, including new geophysical and geochemical surveys indicating the discharge of naturally occurring saline formation water from Cretaceous and Devonian formations to the Athabasca River downstream of Fort McMurray — an active oil sands extraction area. The following features are indicative of saline water discharge: (i) the hydrogeological setting of the reach which is situated near the western, up-dip, and subcropping, edge of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin; (ii) springs and seepage along area rivers and tributaries that have been observed and reported in previous studies; and (iii) a significant increase in dissolved solids in the river, particularly chloride, occurring in a downstream direction from Fort McMurray. Further evidence of the saline groundwater discharge was obtained from electromagnetic surveys conducted along a 125 km reach from the Clearwater River to the Firebag River. This technique was used to map the distribution of saline water in the riverbed hyporheic zone, and revealed broad zones of generally high terrain electrical conductivity values in deeply incised Cretaceous- and Devonian-aged subcrop areas, but with numerous point-source and lineal anomalies attributed to occurrence of saline water discharge in less incised areas. Porewater sampling using drive-point piezometers was then used to confirm the presence of saline water in selected zones. Depth-wise gradients in chemical parameters observed in the riverbed porewaters in these zones are interpreted as evidence of upward movement of saline formation water mixing with the Athabasca River. Geochemical properties of the porewater are consistent with natural sources of groundwater flow from the Cretaceous- and Devonian-aged formations discharging along various reaches of the river.

Citation:
Gibson, J. J., Fennell J., Birks S. J., Yi Y., Moncur M. C., Hansen B., et al. (2013).  Evidence of discharging saline formation water to the Athabasca River in the oil sands mining region northern Alberta. 50(12), 13 pages . Abstract
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Evolution of microstructure during desiccation of oil sands mature fine tailings

Authors T., B., & Simms P.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
The coupling between desiccation and consolidation is a process with important implications for the management of soft soils in general and dewatering of fine grained tailings typical of phosphate, bauxite, and oil sands mining in particular. The management of fine tailings can involve the placement of layers that are allowed to desiccate, and then are subsequently consolidated by burial under fresh tailings. While desiccation does densify the material, it also changes both the strength and volume change behaviour of the subsequently consolidated material. This phenomenon is crucial to the oil sands industry, where regulations mandate that tailings achieve a set undrained strength within 1 year after deposition. To understand the interplay of desiccation and consolidation, the evolution of microstructure of oil sand fine tailings are tracked through different drying and consolidation paths using mercury intrusion porosimetry, and non-biased analyses of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope images. Preliminary results presented in this paper describe the evolution of microstructure in polymer amended tailings during desiccation. The influence of flocculant dose on the microstructure appears to lessen as desiccation progresses, but the final microstructure retains a more open porosity compared to untreated tailings.

Citation:
T., B., & Simms P. (2013).  Evolution of microstructure during desiccation of oil sands mature fine tailings. 3 pages . Abstract
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Evolution of pollution abatement technology as applied to the Alberta oil sands

Authors
Year of Publication: 1976

Citation:
[Anonymous] (1976).  Evolution of pollution abatement technology as applied to the Alberta oil sands. (Western Research & Development Ltd., Ed.). 162 pages .
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Evolution of the hydraulic conductivity of reclamation covers over sodic/saline mining overburden

Authors Meiers, G. P., Barbour S. L., Qualizza C. V., & Dobchuk B. S.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
The evolution of the field saturated hydraulic conductivity of four covers located on a reclaimed saline-sodic shale overburden from oil sands mining is presented. Three covers consisted of a surface layer of peat/glacial topsoil over a mineral, soil. and one cover was a single layer of mixed peat and mineral soil. Measurements of the field saturated hydraulic conductivity of the cover and shale materials were made with a Guelph permeameter between 2000 and 2004. The hydraulic conductivity of the cover materials in the multilayered covers increased by one to two orders of magnitude over the first few monitoring seasons. The hydraulic conductivity of the single-layer cover system, which was placed three years before the multilayered covers, marginally increased from 2000 to 2002 and then remained relatively unchanged. The hydraulic conductivity of the shale underlying all four covers increased approximately one order of magnitude. Soil temper- ature measurements indicated that one freeze/thaw cycle occurred each year within all cover soils and the surficial overburden. This suggests that freeze/thaw effects were the cause of the observed increases in hydraulic conductivity, as previously observed by other researchers working on compacted clays.

Citation:
Meiers, G. P., Barbour S. L., Qualizza C. V., & Dobchuk B. S. (2011).  Evolution of the hydraulic conductivity of reclamation covers over sodic/saline mining overburden. 137(10), 8 pages . Abstract
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Examining oil sands dissolved carbon and microbial degradation using stable isotope analysis

Authors Videla, P. P.
Year of Publication: 2007

Abstract:
Oil sands mining operations in northeastern Alberta are rapidly expanding. Upgrading and extracting the bitumen from the sand requires large volumes of water generating large quantities of oil sands process water/materials (OSPM) which is high in organic content. Some of the major organic components found in OSPM include unrecovered bitumen, polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), naphthenic acids (NAs) and humic acids. Concerns of acute and chronic toxicity resulting from OSPM have led to provincial legislation preventing the discharge of OSPM into local water and mandating the reclamation of areas affected by oil sands mining. To date, OSPM is stored on lease in settling basins while the mining companies evaluate reclamation strategies. One of the reclamation strategies involves the use of wetlands constructed with differing amounts of OSPM and organic amendments such as peat. Currently, numerous wetlands, both natural and constructed, are present on oil sands leases. To determine the sustainability of these wetlands for reclamation, the assimilation and flow of carbon and nitrogen within the systems need to be defined. Stable isotope analysis can enhance this understanding. To effectively use stable isotopes in the field, there is the need to determine the changes in stable isotope values occurring from the microbial degradation of organic components such as NAs which contribute a significant portion to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in reclamation sites. This study examined the microbial degradation of commercial and oil sands derived NAs by oil sands derived microbial cultures. Changes in stable isotopes values in the biomass (δ13C, δ15N), DOC and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) (δ13C) arising from degradation of the DOC were tracked in both static and semi-continuous tests. Utilization of commercial and oil sands derived NAs resulted in minimal change of the DOC stable isotope values. The biomass was 13C enriched for both the commercial (0.3 to 2.9 per mil (‰)) and oil sands derived NAs (3.7 to 8.5 ‰) relative to the DOC stable isotope values. DIC stable isotope values showed higher variability (-5 to +5.5 ‰). The semi-continuous tests showed biomass that was 15N enriched (3.8 to 8.4 ‰) with the assimilation of ammonium. Isotope trends established in the laboratory study provide further understanding into assimilation of carbon and nitrogen compounds in the field. DOC and DIC concentration and carbon stable isotope values were determined for water sampled from 13 oil sands aquatic reclamation sites varying in age, construction and organic material. Both DOC and DIC concentrations were elevated in OSPM affected sites, by an average of 40 mg/L for DOC and 83 mg/L for DIC concentrations. DOC concentrations were also elevated by approximately 10 mg/L at high organic sites. δ13C DOC values were slightly 13C enriched in young sites: 0.6 ‰ compared to δ13C DOC values at the mature sites. Also, from June to July 13C enrichment (0.3 to 1.9 ‰) of the DOC for all sites was seen. Corresponding with the enrichment seen in the DOC, 13C depletion (-8.8 to -0.3 ‰) of the DIC was seen for most sites from June to July. The trends seen from June to July may be a result of the release of readily degradable organics from the spring thaw stimulating the microbial community. The baseline values determined for DOC and DIC may assist future field food web studies.

Citation:
Videla, P. P. (2007).  Examining oil sands dissolved carbon and microbial degradation using stable isotope analysis. 111 pages . Abstract
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Examining the ecological effects of naphthenic acids and major ions on phytoplankton in the Athabasca oil sands region

Authors Hayes, T. M. E.
Year of Publication: 2007

Abstract:
The Athabasca oil sands region contains one of the world's largest deposits of oil in the form of bitumen. The extraction of oil from bitumen produces acutely toxic wastewaters, which is due primarily to the naturally occurring organic acids, naphthenic acids (NA). The ecological effects of NA and conductivity were inferred by measuring the responses of a sensitive and representative community of aquatic organisms, the phytoplankton. The current research established the findings using bioassay and microcosm experiments, combined with a comparative analysis of natural systems in the area. The bioassay experiment incorporated natural phytoplankton community assemblages from aquatic systems of varying NA exposure histories and was compared to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (formerly, Selenastrum capricornutum) monospecific assays to infer thresholds for ecological impact using the Pollution Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) approach. All of the assay cultures responded to even the lowest NA addition (24.5 mg/L) with increased duration of lag phases. However, a hormetic like response was witnessed in the exposure history bioassay with the highest biomass attained at the intermediate and high concentration NA additions. This response was not observed in P. subcapitata, which experienced a progressive lengthening of lag phase and decreased biomass and growth rate with increased NA additions. The PICT method defined a threshold for the ecological effect of NA on phytoplankton between 24 and 50 mg/L, a range consistent with some previous estimates. The comparative analyses of Alberta water bodies of widely varying NA and conductivity concentrations were conducted to better resolve the joint and separate effects of NA and salts on phytoplankton community composition. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and Variance Partitioning Analysis (VPA) was performed on both 13 sites across three sampling periods and 30 sites within one sampling period to determine the relationship between the phytoplankton communities and the environmental variables. CCA determined the strongest factors in determining community structure to be NA and conductivity which correlates to previous findings, and that accounting for the temporal effects across the three seasons yielded a more accurate depiction of community structure. (

Citation:
Hayes, T. M. E. (2007).  Examining the ecological effects of naphthenic acids and major ions on phytoplankton in the Athabasca oil sands region. 170 pages . Abstract
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Examining the growth and stable isotopes of phytoplankton and periphyton communities exposed to oil sands reclamation strategies

Authors Boutsivongsakd, M.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
The impacts of oil sands processed materials (OSPM) on phytoplankton and periphyton community growth and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were examined. Estimates of plankton and periphyton community growth, measured as chl a and dry weight, were low and similar in reference and OSPM reclamation wetlands. The use of stable isotope analyses revealed higher δ15N of plankton and periphyton in OSPM wetlands than reference wetlands, possibly due to increased TN concentrations in some OSPM wetlands. In the laboratory, water-soluble fractions (WSF) of two types of OSPM (mature fine tailings, MFT and consolidated tailings, CT) and an amendment material (peat-mineral mixture), potential fill materials in wetland or end pit lake reclamation, were examined for phytoplankton community growth and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes. All WSF treatments had higher chl a compared to reference water and maximum growth was observed at a 50:50 ratio of peat:CT or peat:MFT. In general, WSFs of peat had the highest concentration of total nitrogen (TN) whereas WSFs of MFT had the highest total phosphorus (TP; 3x higher). The results suggested that the addition of peat as an amendment to OSPM (particularly for MFT), contributing additional TN, could improve phytoplankton community growth in oil sands reclamation. At higher percentages of MFT WSF, there was increased turbidity due to fine clay particles that likely contributed to reduced phytoplankton growth. Turbidity could be an important factor limiting phytoplankton growth and thus reducing dietary resources and biological detritus (via sedimentation) in the initial development of an end pit lake. The WSFs also promoted the unfavourable growth of filamentous algae, highest at intermediate concentrations of peat and CT WSFs and inhibited in MFT WSFs due to light limitation. Stable N isotopes of plankton and filamentous algae suggests that 15N enrichment of algae could be a useful indicator of nutrient inputs, including OSPM seepage into natural aquatic systems, for oil sands regional monitoring programs.

Citation:
Boutsivongsakd, M. (2013).  Examining the growth and stable isotopes of phytoplankton and periphyton communities exposed to oil sands reclamation strategies. 85 pages . Abstract
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Examining the microbial degradation of naphthenic acids using stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen

Authors Videla, P. P., Farwell A. J., Butler B. J., & Dixon D. G.
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a complex group of naturally occurring oil sands constituents that constitute a significant portion of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool available for microbial degradation in the process-related waste water associated with oil sands mine sites. One approach to understanding the biological fate of oil sands process-derived carbon and nitrogen in aquatic reclamation of the mine sites involves the use of stable isotope analyses. However, for stable isotope analyses to be useful in such field-based assessments, there is a need to determine how microbial degradation of a complex mixture of NAs might change the stable isotope values (δ 13C, δ 15N). In batch cultures and semi-continuous laboratory microcosms, utilization of a commercial mixture of NAs by oil sands-derived microbial cultures resulted in microbial biomass that was similar or slightly 13C enriched (1.4[per thousand] to 3.0[per thousand]) relative to the DOC source, depending on the length of incubation. Utilization of a NA-containing extract of oil sands processed water resulted in greater 13C enrichment of microbial biomass (8.5[per thousand]) relative to the DOC source. Overall, the δ13C of the DOC comprised of complex mixtures of NAs showed minimal change (-0.5[per thousand] to -0.1[per thousand]) during the incubation period whereas the δ13C of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was more variable (-5.0[per thousand] to +5.4[per thousand]). In tests where the concentration of available nitrogen was increased, the final biomass values were 15N enriched (3.8[per thousand] to 8.4[per thousand]) relative to the initial biomass. The isotope trends established in this study should enhance our ability to interpret field-based data from sites with hydrocarbon contamination, particularly in terms of carbon source utilization and 15N enrichment.

Citation:
Videla, P. P., Farwell A. J., Butler B. J., & Dixon D. G. (2009).  Examining the microbial degradation of naphthenic acids using stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen. 197(1-4), 12 pages . Abstract
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Executive summary of a workshop on the impacts of land clearing on the hydrologic and aquatic resources of boreal forests in Alberta, November 18 and 19, 1994

Authors Alke, E.
Year of Publication: 1995

Abstract:
The Northern River Basins Study (NRBS) workshop on the impacts of large scale land clearing on the hydrologic and aquatic resources of the Northern River Basins was held November 18 and 19, 1994 in Edmonton, Alberta. Court reporters generated a transcript of over 548 pages, from which this executive summary was derived. This summary includes precis of expert presentations on the following topics: the history ofland-use policies in Alberta, the hydrologic impacts of forest land clearing, forest impacts and the extent of harvesting in Northern Alberta, hydrologic impacts of agricultural production, impacts of land clearing activities on water quality, approaches to management at the watershed scale, food chains and large scale land clearing, and social and human issues associated with large scale land clearing and development ofboreal ecosystems. This report also includes a summary of the discussions of expert land managers, industry representatives, and scientific researchers who took part in breakaway and plenary sessions that were designed to answer a series of related questions. As a result, the body of this report reflects the expert knowledge and experience of participants relevant to 1) the unique geography, soils, climate, hydrology, water quality, vegetation and wildlife of the boreal forest, 2) the impacts of land clearing activities, agriculture, forestry, hydrology and roads on these natural processes and resources, 3) research needs in terms of agriculture, forestry, hydrology, water quality, biology and general land disturbance activities, 4) larger research issues such as goals, strategic planning, land-use decisions, regulations, approaches to science, models and the scale o f research, and 5) the challenges and advantages o f interdisciplinary studies. The conclusion contains comments about points of general consensus that emerged from the workshop as well as very specific recommendations for further action by the Science Advisory Committee of the Northern River Basins Study.

Citation:
Alke, E. (1995).  Executive summary of a workshop on the impacts of land clearing on the hydrologic and aquatic resources of boreal forests in Alberta, November 18 and 19, 1994. (E. Alke Consulting, Ed.). 82 pages. Abstract  Download: 0-662-24035-9.pdf (4.24 MB)
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Existing and historical water monitoring in the Phase 2 Geographic Expansion Area to 2011

Authors Lindeman, D. H., Riston-Bennett E., & Hall S.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
This report, Phase 2 Component 2, is a bibliographic compilation of water-related monitoring programs and activities in the Expanded Geographic Extent prior to the implementation of the Integrated Monitoring Plan for the Oil Sands (Environment Canada and Alberta Environment 2011c). It comprises an information table of parameters sampled by the most relevant ongoing and historical programs and activities, annotated abstracts and descriptions of relevant programs and studies, notes on particularly relevant organizations, and maps of monitoring locations and other information, up to July 2011. This document is a bibliographic tool for locating sources of water quality information, providing a general roadmap to "who has measured what, when, and where?" within the Expanded Geographic Extent. It was not intended to collect or contain data. Although Component 2 was originally designed to cover only water quality and quantity (as in Phase 1), it was expanded to include readily accessible information on fish programs and benthic invertebrate monitoring in the Expanded Geographic Extent. The most important tool in this document is Appendix 1, which includes specific information on parameters sampled by the major monitoring programs and other activities in the Expanded Geographic Extent region up to July 2011.

Citation:
Lindeman, D. H., Riston-Bennett E., & Hall S. (2011).  Existing and historical water monitoring in the Phase 2 Geographic Expansion Area to 2011. 114 pages . Abstract
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Experiences relevant to ERCB Directive 074

Authors Mittal, H. K., & Landine P. G.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Mittal, H. K., & Landine P. G. (2013).  Experiences relevant to ERCB Directive 074.
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Experimental and modeling study of residual liquid recovery from spent sand in bitumen extraction processes from oil sands

Authors Faradonbeh, M. R., Dong M., Harding T. G., & Abedi J.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Disposing solid residue with high liquid content into the environment may impact the immediate ecosystem and its surroundings. In bitumen recovery process from oil sands, it is environmentally and economically desirable to effectively recover as much of the liquid trapped in the spent solids as possible, prior to releasing it into the environment. An experiment was designed to investigate the effect of capillary force to enhance liquid recovery by using a thin, semipermeable layer as the membrane. The results indicate that by employing a membrane at the outlet, and pressurizing the air above the sand bed, the average liquid saturation can be decreased by 50%; however, the maximum pressure applied is restricted by the physical characteristics of the membrane. A mathematical model is developed to predict the liquid saturation profile along the sand pack during transient and steady-state conditions, and results are validated against measured average saturation using two different sand types. Results suggest that more liquid can be recovered from the spent sand bed by increasing the height of the bed; however, the required time to achieve the maximum recovery is increased as well. This method can be applied to reduce the liquid content of spent sand from any process before it is disposed of, thereby reducing possible hazards which may affect the environment.

Citation:
Faradonbeh, M. R., Dong M., Harding T. G., & Abedi J. (2013).  Experimental and modeling study of residual liquid recovery from spent sand in bitumen extraction processes from oil sands. 47(4), 7 pages . Abstract
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Experimental investigation of the predictive capabilities of data driven modeling techniques in hydrology - Part 2: Application

Authors Elshorbagy, A., Corzo G., Srinivasulu S., & Solomatine D. P.
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
In this second part of the two-part paper, the data driven modeling (DDM) experiment, presented and explained in the first part, is implemented. Inputs for the five case studies (half-hourly actual evapotranspiration, daily peat soil moisture, daily till soil moisture, and two daily rainfall-runoff datasets) are identified, either based on previous studies or using the mutual information content. Twelve groups (realizations) were randomly generated from each dataset by randomly sampling without replacement from the original dataset. Neural networks (ANNs), genetic programming (GP), evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR), Support vector machines (SVM), M5 model trees (M5), K-nearest neighbors (K-nn), and multiple linear regression (MLR) techniques are implemented and applied to each of the 12 realizations of each case study. The predictive accuracy and uncertainties of the various techniques are assessed using multiple average overall error measures, scatter plots, frequency distribution of model residuals, and the deterioration rate of prediction performance during the testing phase. Gamma test is used as a guide to assist in selecting the appropriate modeling technique. Unlike two nonlinear soil moisture case studies, the results of the experiment conducted in this research study show that ANNs were a sub-optimal choice for the actual evapotranspiration and the two rainfall-runoff case studies. GP is the most successful technique due to its ability to adapt the model complexity to the modeled data. EPR performance could be close to GP with datasets that are more linear than nonlinear. SVM is sensitive to the kernel choice and if appropriately selected, the performance of SVM can improve. M5 performs very well with linear and semi linear data, which cover wide range of hydrological situations. In highly nonlinear case studies, ANNs, K-nn, and GP could be more successful than other modeling techniques. K-nn is also successful in linear situations, and it should not be ignored as a potential modeling technique for hydrological applications.

Citation:
Elshorbagy, A., Corzo G., Srinivasulu S., & Solomatine D. P. (2010).  Experimental investigation of the predictive capabilities of data driven modeling techniques in hydrology - Part 2: Application. 14, 18 pages . Abstract
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Experimental measurements of turbulent sand and slurry jets

Authors Hall, N., Elenany M., Zhu D., & Rajaratnum N.
Year of Publication: 2008

Citation:
Hall, N., Elenany M., Zhu D., & Rajaratnum N. (2008).  Experimental measurements of turbulent sand and slurry jets. 10 pages .
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Experimental research on accelerated consolidation using filter jackets in oil sands tailings

Authors Yao, Y., van Paassen L., van Tol F., Everts B., & Mulder A.
Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:
Yao, Y., van Paassen L., van Tol F., Everts B., & Mulder A. (2010).  Experimental research on accelerated consolidation using filter jackets in oil sands tailings. 8 pages .
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Experimental research on mud farming of fine oil sands tailings

Authors Yao, Y., van Tol F., van Paassen L., Everts B., & Mulder A.
Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:
Yao, Y., van Tol F., van Paassen L., Everts B., & Mulder A. (2010).  Experimental research on mud farming of fine oil sands tailings. 9 pages .
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Experimental sediment exchanges between natural and constructed wetlands on oil sands leases near Fort McMurray, Alberta: A look at the relationship between sediment treatments and benthic macroinvertebrates colonizers

Authors Barr, L., Ciborowski J. J. H., Cooper N., & Foote L.
Year of Publication: 2003

Abstract:
Oil sand mining activity has been ongoing in the Fort McMurray area since the 1960s, affecting more than 1400 sq. km. of land that has required, and will continue to require, land reclamation. This study examined the feasibility of sequestering mining by-products, a method that has received much attention in recent years. In particular, it examined the suitability of using the mining by-product consolidated tailings as sediment for constructed wetlands. The study isolates the effect of tailings associated water from the effect of consolidated tailings sediment on benthic macroinvertebrate population health. Sediments from reference and opportunistic wetlands were transplanted with sediment from a constructed wetland layered with 4 metres of consolidated tailings. The effects of macrophyte presence in these plots will be examined and contrasted with macroinvertebrates to determine a possible relationship

Citation:
Barr, L., Ciborowski J. J. H., Cooper N., & Foote L. (2003).  Experimental sediment exchanges between natural and constructed wetlands on oil sands leases near Fort McMurray, Alberta: A look at the relationship between sediment treatments and benthic macroinvertebrates colonizers. 53 pages . Abstract
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Exploring the biodegradation and toxicity of naphthenic acids present in Athabasca oil sands process-affected waters using simulated wetlands

Authors Toor, N., Liber K., MacKinnon M., & Fedorak P.
Year of Publication: 2008

Abstract:
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a persistent group of dissolved organic acids found in oil sands process affected water (OSPW) from the Athabasca Oil Sands (AOS) in northern Alberta. This study investigated the feasibility of reducing the toxicity of OSPW in wetland environments, and proposed a strategy for reclamation at the AOS. Laboratory microcosms were used to mimic natural wetlands. The purpose was to determine if the toxicities of OSPWs generated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. (Syncrude) and Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor) change with time as a result of aging and biodegradation. Experiments involved 2 types of OSPW obtained from Syncrude and Suncor. Nutrient availability (nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment) was increased for both short and long hydraulic retention times (40 and 400 days). The NAs found in the OSPW were tracked over the course of one year using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Microtox bioassays. The objective was to determine the relationships between total NA concentrations, the degree to which different sub-groups of NAs are biodegraded and any potential reduction in OSPW toxicity

Citation:
Toor, N., Liber K., MacKinnon M., & Fedorak P. (2008).  Exploring the biodegradation and toxicity of naphthenic acids present in Athabasca oil sands process-affected waters using simulated wetlands. 1 page. Abstract
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Exploring the world beneath your feet - soil mesofauna as potential biological indicators of success in reclaimed soils

Authors Battigelli, J. P.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Soil formation is crucial for successful reclamation of industrial affected land. Companies are anxious to obtain ecological data indicating success of their remediation efforts. Soil fauna are a vital part of soil ecosystem function, actively involved in decomposition, nutrient cycling and soil formation. Soil mesofauna are an abundant and species-rich group of organisms in soil that may also provide a useful function as biological indicators of habitat disturbance, soil quality and reclamation success. The primary objective of this study was to compare soil mesofauna communities among natural and reclaimed sites and establish baseline data to allow for long-term monitoring of recolonization on disturbed sites. Reclamation prescription significantly influenced density and community structure of soil mesofauna. Densities were greater in natural soils than in reclaimed soils and community structure differed between natural and reclaimed soils. Integration of this biological data with other monitored soil properties should provide a better overall indication of soil ecosystem recovery and reclamation success.

Citation:
Battigelli, J. P. (2011).  Exploring the world beneath your feet - soil mesofauna as potential biological indicators of success in reclaimed soils. (Stantec Consulting Ltd., Ed.). 12 pages . Abstract
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Exports imports and energy security: Keystone XL Pipeline and the role of Canadian oil sands

Authors
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Over the past 18 months EPRINC has published several assessments on the economic benefits of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.1 The project has been subject to an environmental review for the last three years with expectations a decision would be made by early 2012. However, the Obama Administration recently decided to delay a decision on whether to issue a permit for the pipeline until 2013 in order to evaluate an alternative route in Nebraska. Congressional concerns over further delays on the project are now generating legislative initiatives to accelerate a presidential decision on the project. The pipeline is opposed by many environmental groups who seek to constrain further development of Canadian oil sands and view halting the pipeline as an effective strategy to do so. Opponents of the project also have raised concerns that the benefits of the project are over stated since rising shipments of Canadian oil sands to the U.S. Gulf Coast may also yield higher export volumes of refined petroleum products. As shown in Figures I and II below, the U.S. imports approximately 11 million barrels a day (mbd) of crude oil and petroleum products.2 But the U.S. also exports over 3 mbd of petroleum products. Over the last five years, rising exports of refined petroleum products have contributed to the decline in net imports, which have fallen by 3 mbd to 8 mbd. Of the 8 mbd of net crude and petroleum product imports, 2.5 mbd are sourced from Canada.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2011).  Exports imports and energy security: Keystone XL Pipeline and the role of Canadian oil sands. (Energy Policy Research Foundation, Inc., Ed.). 5 pages . Abstract
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Exposure and effects of oil sands-related emissions on wild birds

Authors Cruz Martinez, L. A.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Most of the toxicological research in the oil sands region has focused on aquatic contaminants with little attention being given to air contaminants. Therefore, we conducted experimental and field studies on birds. Captive Japanese quail (control, low, and high dose groups; n=12/group) and American kestrels (control and exposed; n=10/group) were exposed experimentally through inhalation, to mixtures of benzene, toluene, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) for 1.5 hrs/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. In addition, nest boxes for tree swallows were erected at two oil sands sites and a reference site, passive air monitors were set up underneath and behind the boxes. Air contaminants were higher at the oil sands sites for NO2, SO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) (> 5fold). The tree swallow nestlings had a decreased T cell response (p=0.007), whereas the quail and kestrels had no differences in the B or T cell immune responses (p>0.5). The bursa of Fabricius was smaller in the swallow nestlings (p<0.02) only. There were no histological alterations in the bursa of Fabricius and the spleen (p>0.05) for any of the three species studied. Plasma corticosterone in quail displayed a hormetic response (higher levels in low than in high group), and the exposed kestrels had higher levels than controls (p = 0.007). Feather corticosterone was similar among nestlings (p>0.6). Free and total thyroxine was lower in exposed kestrels than in controls (p= 0.001 and p=0.004). Hepatic cytochrome P450 measured by the 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) assay was induced in kestrels (p=0.02) but not in quail (p=0.43). Compared to the reference nestlings, birds from the industrial sites had greater hepatic EROD induction (p<0.0001) with decreased hepatic mass (p=0.0001). In these studies we show evidence of biological costs associated with exposure to air contaminants; however, the birds appear to compensate successfully. For the first time, we demonstrate hepatic EROD induction from exposure to air contaminants. We suggest that birds residing in the oil sands region are valuable sentinels of environmental health and are good models for studying the long-term impacts of contaminants from the oil sands on biota.

Citation:
Cruz Martinez, L. A. (2014).  Exposure and effects of oil sands-related emissions on wild birds. Abstract
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Extraction and measurement of oil content in mineral fines (sludge)

Authors Yeung, P., & Johnson R.
Year of Publication: 1986

Citation:
Yeung, P., & Johnson R. (1986).  Extraction and measurement of oil content in mineral fines (sludge). 11 pages .
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Extraction of energy resources - exploitation of the Canadian oil sands

Authors Zhang, W.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Considerable reserves of oil sands are located in northern Alberta. Exploitation of these reserves has been instrumental in the development of the Alberta economy. Mining and processing tech- niques, including “in situ” processing and surface mining/aqueous treatment, are presented. Oil assisted flotation and solvent extraction are discussed as possible future processing alternatives. Subsequent froth treatment and refining methods are described. The rapid expansion of bitumen processing in the Fort McMurray area has drastically affected Alberta’s economic, political and so- cial policy. Corresponding strain has been placed on the regional ecosystem. A comparison be- tween wind and bitumen as sources of energy is offered.

Citation:
Zhang, W. (2014).  Extraction of energy resources - exploitation of the Canadian oil sands. 5, 12 pages . Abstract
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Extraction of vanadium from oil sands fly ash

Authors Schneider, L. G.
Year of Publication: 1983

Citation:
Schneider, L. G. (1983).  Extraction of vanadium from oil sands fly ash. 126 pages .
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Extraction separation and intramolecular carbon isotope characterization of Athabasca oil sands acids in environmental samples

Authors Ahad, J. M. E., Pakdel H., Savard M. M., Simard M. - C., & Smirnoff A.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Here we report a novel approach to extract, isolate, and characterize high molecular weight organic acids found in the Athabasca oil sands region using preparative capillary gas chromatography (PCGC) followed by thermal conversion/elemental analysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (TC/EA-IRMS). A number of different “naphthenic acids” surrogate standards were analyzed as were samples from the bitumen-rich unprocessed McMurray Formation, oil sands process water, groundwater from monitoring wells, and surface water from the Athabasca River. The intramolecular carbon isotope signature generated by online pyrolysis (δ13Cpyr) showed little variation (±0.6‰) within any given sample across a large range of mass fractions separated by PCGC. Oil sand, tailings ponds, and deep McMurray Formation groundwater were significantly heavier (up to ∼9‰) compared to surface water and shallow groundwater samples, demonstrating the potential use of this technique in source apportionment studies.

Citation:
Ahad, J. M. E., Pakdel H., Savard M. M., Simard M. - C., & Smirnoff A. (2012).  Extraction separation and intramolecular carbon isotope characterization of Athabasca oil sands acids in environmental samples. 84(23), 6 pages . Abstract
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