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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.

Genetic population structure of walleye populations in the Athabasca River basin

Authors Burke, L.
Year of Publication: 2008

Abstract:
This report provides a summary of a field program undertaken to study the population genetic structure of walleye. Samples were collected from Lake Athabasca, a site north of Fort McMurray, McLeod River, Lesser Slave Lake, Calling Lake, and Fawcett Lake.

Citation:
Burke, L. (2008).  Genetic population structure of walleye populations in the Athabasca River basin. 44 pages . Abstract
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Genetic variability in salt tolerance of selected boreal woody seedlings

Authors Khasa, D. P., Hambling B., Kernaghan G., Fung M., & Ngimbi E.
Year of Publication: 2002

Abstract:
In order to select woody plant candidates suitable for revegetation of saline–alkaline soils, we tested selected woody plant species and seed lots: Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine), Pinus banksiana (jack pine), Picea glauca (white spruce), Populus tremuloides (trembling aspen), and Alnus rubra, syn. Alnus oregona (red alder). Pre-germinated seedlings were grown for 4 weeks in a greenhouse in a semi-hydroponic system containing 1/2 strength Hoagland solution with additional sodium concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 mM) and composite tailings release water. A significant interaction between salt treatments and seed lots within plant species as well as between salt treatments and plant species was observed for weight and necrosis, indicating that the plant genotype responded differently to salt treatments. Of all examined woody plant species, jack pine (Syncrude seed source) exhibited the highest percent survival followed by white spruce (Syncrude seed source), red alder (seed lot No. 40457), and lodgepole pine (seed lot No. 7960007). Proportionately ranked means for dry biomass production showed lodgepole pine (seed lot No. 7960007) with the greatest biomass followed by aspen (seed lot No. Syncrude), red alder (seed lot No. Port Renfrew), jack pine (seed lot No. 8960049) and white spruce (Syncrude seed source). The best performing seed lots based on aggregation index which combines both the percent survival and dry weight averages were: red alder (seed lot Nos. 40457 and 45958), aspen (Syncrude seed source), jack pine (Syncrude seed source), lodgepole pine (seed lot No. 7960007). Based on variance components, most of the variation was explained by the treatment and seed lot effects. This reveals the importance of intra-specific variability and that selection should be based not only on inter-specific variation but also on the intra-specific variation for the development of salt-tolerant lines to be used in reclamation of saline habitats.

Citation:
Khasa, D. P., Hambling B., Kernaghan G., Fung M., & Ngimbi E. (2002).  Genetic variability in salt tolerance of selected boreal woody seedlings. 165 , 12 pages . Abstract
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Genotoxic potential of several naphthenic acids and a synthetic oil sands process-affected water in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Authors Lacaze, E., Devaux A., Bruneau A., Bony S., Sherry J., & Gagné F.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
The exploitation of oil sands has raised major environmental concerns, particularly regarding the presence of high concentration in contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and naphthenic acids (NAs) in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The purpose of this study was, first to evaluate the genotoxic impact of OSPW-related compounds such as NAs and PAHs in a salmonid species and secondly to assess if OSPW exposure leads to genotoxicity. For this purpose, rainbow trout hepatocytes were exposed in vitro to environmentally relevant concentrations of synthetic NAs, naphtalene, benzo(a)pyrene, and extracts of synthetic OSPW (generated by a laboratory bitumen extraction) and of oil sands leaching water (OSLW, mimicking leaching of oil sands in river water). Primary DNA damage was assessed by the formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycolyase (Fpg)-modified comet assay. Genotoxicity was observed in hepatocytes exposed to several NAs, mixture of them, OSPW and OSLW extracts. The chemical structure of NAs influences the genotoxicity potential: among the NAs tested, the most cyclic NA was the most genotoxic. It also appears that genotoxicity was more marked for OSPW than for OSLW. Because exposure to OSPW led to oxidative DNA damage, while after exposure to several NAs, these types of DNA damage were limited, the NAs tested in this study could not be qualified as the only major contaminants responsible for OSPW genotoxicity. Notwithstanding, it should be noteworthy that exposure to NAs resulted in genotoxic impact at concentrations lower than those documented by literature for fresh OSPW. Further research is needed to explore the relationships between the chemical structure of NAs and their genotoxicity in the light of the distribution of NAs in fresh OSPW samples as well as in surface waters.

Citation:
Lacaze, E., Devaux A., Bruneau A., Bony S., Sherry J., & Gagné F. (2014).  Genotoxic potential of several naphthenic acids and a synthetic oil sands process-affected water in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). 152, 8 pages . Abstract
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Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of oil sands process water acid extractable organics

Authors Zetouni, N. C., & Martin J. W.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Zetouni, N. C., & Martin J. W. (2013).  Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of oil sands process water acid extractable organics. 2 pages .
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Geochemical and isotope data for formation water from selected wells Cretaceous to Quaternary succession Athabasca oil sands (in situ) area Alberta

Authors Lemay, T. G.
Year of Publication: 2002

Abstract:
Sampling of selected wells from Quaternary drift aquifers, Quaternary-Tertiary buried channel aquifers and Lower Cretaceous aquifers, in the Athabasca Oil Sands (in situ) Area, was conducted between the summer of 1999 and the spring of 2001. The purpose of the sampling program was to obtain high-quality water samples that could be used to better define baseline groundwater chemistry in these various geological units.

Citation:
Lemay, T. G. (2002).  Geochemical and isotope data for formation water from selected wells Cretaceous to Quaternary succession Athabasca oil sands (in situ) area Alberta. 30 pages . Abstract
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Geochemical and isotopic investigations of lake sediments from the Athabasca oil sands region

Authors Stanners, F. M.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
The Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) is one of the largest unconventional oil reserves globally, and is projected to become increasingly important as conventional oil resources are depleted. This has lead to increasing concerns about the impact of industrial emissions on surrounding ecosystems. Four sediment cores from three lakes in northeastern Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan were analyzed to assess the type and quantity of organic matter (OM) in sediments, and whether there had been any impact from industrial emissions originating in the AOSR on lake sediment geochemistry. Analyses showed that sediments in all three lakes are organic-rich, and the OM is dominantly derived from authochthonous primary production of phytoplankton and bacteria. Stable N and S isotope analyses of sediments, deposited between 1850 and 2010 showed no clear impact from industrial emissions in the AOSR.

Citation:
Stanners, F. M. (2014).  Geochemical and isotopic investigations of lake sediments from the Athabasca oil sands region. Abstract
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Geochemical interactions between process-affected water from oil sands tailings ponds and North Alberta surficial sediments

Authors Holden, A. A., Donahue R. B., & Ulrich A. C.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
In Northern Alberta, the placement of out-of-pit oil sands tailings ponds atop natural buried sand channels is becoming increasingly common. Preliminary modeling of such a site suggests that process-affected (PA) pond water will infiltrate through the underlying clay till aquitard, reaching the sand channel. However, the impact of seepage upon native sediments and groundwater resources is not known. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of adsorption and ion exchange reactions in the clay till and their effect on the attenuation or release of inorganic species. This was evaluated using batch sorption experiments (traditional and a recent modification using less disturbed sediment samples) and geochemical modeling with PHREEQC. The results show that clay till sediments have the capacity to mitigate the high concentrations of ingressing sodium (600 mg L(-1)), with linear sorption partitioning coefficients (K(d)) of 0.45 L kg(-1). Ion exchange theory was required to account for all other cation behaviour, precluding the calculation of such coefficients for other species. Qualitative evidence suggests that chloride will behave conservatively, with high concentrations remaining in solution (375 mg L(-1)). As a whole, system behaviour was found to be controlled by a combination of competitive ion exchange, dissolution and precipitation reactions. Observations, supported by PHREEQC simulations, suggest that the influx of PA water will induce the dissolution of pre-existing sulphate salts. Sodium present in the process-affected water will exchange with sediment-bound calcium and magnesium, increasing the divalent ions' pore fluid concentrations, and leading to the precipitation of a calcium-magnesium carbonate mineral phase. Thus, in similar tailings pond settings, particularly if the glacial till coverage is thin or altogether absent, it is reasonable to expect that high concentrations of sodium and chloride will remain in solution, while sulphate concentrations will exceed those of the ingressing plume (150 mg L(-1)).

Citation:
Holden, A. A., Donahue R. B., & Ulrich A. C. (2011).  Geochemical interactions between process-affected water from oil sands tailings ponds and North Alberta surficial sediments. 119(1-4), 13 pages . Abstract
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Geology and geological engineering at Syncrude

Authors O'Donnell, N. D.
Year of Publication: 1988

Citation:
O'Donnell, N. D. (1988).  Geology and geological engineering at Syncrude. 18 pages .
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Geomorphic design of alluvial channels for oil sands mine closure

Authors Ade, F., Sawatsky L., Beersing A., & Fitch M.
Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:
Ade, F., Sawatsky L., Beersing A., & Fitch M. (2011).  Geomorphic design of alluvial channels for oil sands mine closure.
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Geophysical characterization of an undrained oil sands tailings pond dyke Alberta Canada

Authors Booterbaugh, A., & Bentley L.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Geophysical characterization of an undrained oil sands tailings pond dyke was conducted at Syncrude Canada’s Southwest Sand Storage Facility (SWSS). Push tool conductivity (PTC), electromagnetic (EM), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods in conjunction with hydrogeological and chemistry measurements were used to investigate soil moisture, hydraulic head, and groundwater salinity distributions. Normalization and calibration procedures were conducted on EM data to build statistically consistent maps between survey years. An Archie’s Law petrophysical model was utilized to relate measured bulk conductivity, from geophysical surveying, with measures of soil moisture and fluid electrical conductivity. It was found that a relatively strong relationship between bulk electrical conductivity and soil moisture exists, while weak to no correlation was observed between bulk and fluid electrical conductivity. ERT surveying was capable of clearly identifying the location of the water table within the dyke. This study provides a unique look into the application of geophysical techniques to investigate soil moisture, hydraulic head, and salt distribution in an active undrained tailings dam structure.

Citation:
Booterbaugh, A., & Bentley L. (2014).  Geophysical characterization of an undrained oil sands tailings pond dyke Alberta Canada. Abstract
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Geophysical methods as an aid to planning monitoring and abandoning tailings facilities in the Alberta oil sands

Authors Bauman, P., Parker D., Hansen B., & Pankratow L.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Bauman, P., Parker D., Hansen B., & Pankratow L. (2013).  Geophysical methods as an aid to planning monitoring and abandoning tailings facilities in the Alberta oil sands.
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Geophysical methods as an aid to planning mopnitoring and abandoning tailings facilities in the Alberta oil sands

Authors Bauman, P., Parker D., Pankratow L., & Hume K.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
This study was designed to determine if Alberta's sulfur blocks were inhabited by microorganisms which contribute to oxidation of elemental sulfur. The first objective was to elucidate a functional method of differentiating between viable and non-viable organisms in environmental samples. The second objective was to use this and other more established microbiological analyses to characterize the microbial population inhabiting the block and determine if they influence elemental sulfur oxidation. In order to differentiate between viable and non-viable microorganisms, I relied on a DNA binding agent called ethidium monoazide bromide (EMA). Based on previous literature, I was able to test its activity in different environmental samples. Treatment with EMA inhibits the amplification of free DNA, whereas DNA protected by the membranes of viable cells is not affected. After finding that killed pure culture cells had a substantial reduction in their DNA amplification I proceeded to inoculate the same species of killed and viable cells into either soil, biofilm, or elemental sulfur samples obtained from Syncrude's Phase I sulfur block. I have found the EMA treatment to be sufficient at inhibiting amplification of DNA from non-viable cells inoculated into both the soil and sulfur samples, but not in the biofilms. In achieving the second objective I designed experiments which tested in vitro and in situ samples of the sulfur block. Bioreactors containing microbiological inoculants from water running off the sulfur block were compared to sterile bioreactors for levels of acidity, sulfate accumulation and microbial population. Comparison between the surface block samples and the matrix samples showed a higher number of bacteria in the surface samples; however, the differences between the two bioreactor treatments were not significant. Bioreactors which received sterile water did not increase in acidity or sulfate accumulation. The two treatments which were inoculated with 10% sulfur block run off increased by 3 and 4.3 mM sulfate, and 8.6 x 10-3 and 1.8 x 10-2 hydronium ion concentration, in the surface and matrix treatments respectively. In situ samples obtained by coring the sulfur blocks showed that microbial inhabitants are present throughout the block depth profile with a discontinuous pattern, which could be attributed to the fractures associated with the solidification of the block and subsequent colonization. The level of microbiological inhabitants ranged from 2.5 to 5.5 log heterotroph colony forming units g-1 sulfur, and 3.19 x 101 to 1.62 x 102 A. thiooxidans amplified copy numbers, and 1.23 x 103 to 1.11 x 104 Eubacteria amplified DNA copy numbers μg-1 of extracted DNA from EMA treated sulfur block samples. Most probable number counts for autotrophs only detected organisms along the 0-10 cm depth of the block. The results of this study suggest that the use of ethidium monoazide bromide is a suitable method of detecting the large and varied microbial population inhabiting Alberta's sulfur blocks which can influence the level of block oxidation. The level of microorganisms present in the block is varied, which may parallel the varied pockets of air and water collected in the geomorphic fractures. Microbial communities residing in the sulfur block are partially responsible for sulfur oxidation. Methods aimed at reducing the level of sulfur oxidation must aim to reduce both the chemical and biological pathways leading to sulfur oxidation.

Citation:
Bauman, P., Parker D., Pankratow L., & Hume K. (2014).  Geophysical methods as an aid to planning mopnitoring and abandoning tailings facilities in the Alberta oil sands. 94 pages . Abstract
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Geotechnical behavior of in-line thickened oil sands tailings

Authors Jeeravipoolvarn, S.
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
This research is an experimental, field and numerical study of the sedimentation and consolidation of in-line thickened oil sands fine tailings. In-line thickening is a process that adds flocculant and coagulant into a modified tailings pipeline in a multi stage fashion to improve the dewatering behaviour of oil sands fine tailings cyclone overflow. The parent untreated cyclone overflow, in-line thickened tailings and sheared in-line thickened tailings were investigated in the laboratory. In-line thickened tailings were produced in the laboratory using the same process as in the field project and sheared in-line thickened tailings were prepared by shearing the thickened tailings with a specified shearing effort to simulate tailings transportation. A combination of hindered sedimentation tests, compressibility standpipe tests and large strain consolidation tests with vane shear tests was then used to capture a full range of sedimentation, consolidation and shear strength characteristics for these materials. Results show that the in-line thickening process significantly improves hydraulic conductivity and undrained shear strength of the fine tails. Shearing damages some of the floc structure but does not cause the material to fully return to the original state of the cyclone overflow. The laboratory data of the in-line thickened tailings was compared with field performance at two in-line thickened tailings pilot scale ponds and with a validation standpipe test by utilizing a developed finite strain consolidation model. Good agreements were obtained between the field performance, the laboratory test results and the validation standpipe test. These good agreements confirmed the validity of the laboratory determined geotechnical parameters and of the developed numerical model and indicated that it is possible to model large scale field performance with small scale laboratory tests. Finally, composite tailings was made from the in-line thickened tailings and was found to have a similar segregation boundary to that of gypsum treated composite tailings made with mature fine tailings but had a much higher hydraulic conductivity and shear strength which were inherited from the flocculated fines.

Citation:
Jeeravipoolvarn, S. (2010).  Geotechnical behavior of in-line thickened oil sands tailings. 410 pages . Abstract
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Geotechnical characterisation of oil sand tailings beach deposits in flume tests

Authors Anglow Kouakou, W.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
In recent years, the oil sands industry has been investigating alternatives to the conventional tailings management practice to address the accumulation of large volumes of mature fine tailings (MFT) and abide by new government regulations in the province of Alberta. The main goals are to achieve a 50% total fines capture and a minimum undrained shear strength gain of 5 kPa in one year for the deposited material in the dedicated oil sand tailings disposal area (DDA). TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. is performing beaching studies in test flumes using MFT based slurries with different sand to fines ratio (SFR) at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) facility in Saskatoon, SK. This thesis presents the results of the field and laboratory investigations which were implemented to analyse the fines capture of the resulting flume deposits. The beach materials were essentially silty sands and captured 9% - 17% fines. Vertical sorting and the distribution of fines particle along the slope of the beach were also observed throughout the deposits. The amount of fines captured was function of the slope of the beach deposits. The flume deposit with lower slope (i.e., 0.5%) captured 17% of fines as compared to 9% for the deposit with the highest slope (i.e., 8%). Additionally, the fines content was observed to increase with increasing distance away from the discharge point towards the toe of the beach slope. The magnitudes of in-situ and laboratory hydraulic conductivities (ks) were in the range of 1×10-6 m/s - 1×10-8 m/s and varied with respect to the fines content distribution. In general, the magnitudes of the vertical and horizontal ks were close to each other. A comparison of results from particle size distribution (PSD), soil water characteristic curves (SWCC) and associated drying curves indicated that the behaviour of the flume deposits was within the envelope of Devon silt (upper boundary) and typical tailings beach sand (lower boundary) samples. It was observed that the flume deposits exhibited both contractile and dilatant behaviours during direct shear tests with mean peak and residual friction angles of 38° and 33° respectively. Large strain consolidation tests highlighted the low compressibility of the flume deposits with about 1% change in void ratio with little change noted in k. Results of this study are of value for the oil sands industry for the management and modelling of the behaviour of deposited tailings.

Citation:
Anglow Kouakou, W. (2014).  Geotechnical characterisation of oil sand tailings beach deposits in flume tests. 226 pages . Abstract
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Geotechnical design problems in tar sand development

Authors Brooker, E. W.
Year of Publication: 1975

Citation:
Brooker, E. W. (1975).  Geotechnical design problems in tar sand development. 27 pages .
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Geotechnical engineering beyond soil mechanics-a case study

Authors Morgenstern, N. R., Fair A. E., & McRoberts E. C.
Year of Publication: 1988

Abstract:
Geotechnical engineering embraces soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology. In practice it employs a wide variety of techniques ranging from site mapping and characterization to advanced theoretical analysis and performance monitoring. This paper draws on the development of the Alberta oil sands as a case study to illustrate the breadth of application of geotechnical engineering in large-scale resource developments.A description of the resource base and common extractive procedures used in the Alberta oil sands is given. The geological setting and geotechnical characterization of the Athabasca deposit are summarized. Detailed discussions are presented on geotechnical contributions to surface mining and slope stability, waste handling and tailings dam construction, and in situ recovery processes. The substantial opportunities for geotechnical engineering to contribute to both safe and economical operations in the extractive industries are emphasized. Key words: oil sands, mining, slope stability, monitoring, dredging, shear strength, tailings dam, overburden, liquefaction, pore pressures, geotechnical engineering.

Citation:
Morgenstern, N. R., Fair A. E., & McRoberts E. C. (1988).  Geotechnical engineering beyond soil mechanics-a case study. 25(4), 24 pages . Abstract
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Geotechnical investigations of dredged overburden at the Syncrude oil sand mine in northern Alberta, Canada

Authors Lord, E. R. F., & Isaac B. A. A.
Year of Publication: 1989

Abstract:
The feasibility of constructing a stable overburden waste dump using hydraulic techniques has been investigated. A joint Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority - Syncrude field pilot resulted in a total of 25 000 m3 of overburden being dredged, hydraulically transported in lump form, and deposited in a number of study cells. The geotechnical properties of the deposits were tested in the field and laboratory. The results indicate that the potential exists to hydraulically construct waste dumps with Pleistocene materials. Clearwater Formation clay shale can also be hydraulically transported in lump form but the resulting deposit requires containment.

Citation:
Lord, E. R. F., & Isaac B. A. A. (1989).  Geotechnical investigations of dredged overburden at the Syncrude oil sand mine in northern Alberta, Canada. 26(1), 11 pages . Abstract
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Geotechnics of non-segregating oil sand tailings

Authors Caughill, D. L.
Year of Publication: 1992

Citation:
Caughill, D. L. (1992).  Geotechnics of non-segregating oil sand tailings. 243 pages .
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Geotechnics of nonsegregating oil sand tailings

Authors Caughill, D. L., Morgenstern N. R., & Scott J. D.
Year of Publication: 1993

Abstract:
The present method of oil sands tailings disposal results in a tailings pond with a fine tailings zone that will take many decades to consolidate fully. The fine tailings accumulate as a result of the segregating characteristics of the tailings stream. Nonsegregating mixes of total tailings are desirable to prevent or greatly reduce the formation of a fine tailings zone. This study investigated the use of lime and sulphuric acid to prevent segregation of the tailings stream. Two batches of Syncrude tailings were tested. These averaged 48 and 55% solids and 17% fines (< 44 pm). The hindered settling and consolidation properties of nonsegregating mixes were determined using large-diameter standpipe and slurry consolidation cells. Nonsegregating mixes were achieved by adding 600-800 ppm CaO, based on total weight, or 7.5-10 mL/L of 10% H,SO,, based on the total volume of tailings. Predictions of field performance using a finite strain consolidation program indicate that a deposition rate of up to 20 mlyear of treated total tailings is possible, depending upon the simultaneous degree of consolidation desired. The discovery of non- segregating mixes with sufficient self-draining capability opens many options to address this important waste- management problem.

Citation:
Caughill, D. L., Morgenstern N. R., & Scott J. D. (1993).  Geotechnics of nonsegregating oil sand tailings. 30(5), 10 pages . Abstract
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Geotextile enabled smart monitoring solutions for safe and effective management of tailings and waste sites - Two case studies: Volgermeerpolder (The Netherlands) and Suncor (Canada)

Authors Dijcker, R., van der Wijk M., Artieres O., Dortland G., & Lostumbo J.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Numerous accidents at tailing disposal sites have occurred due to dam failure and geotechnical instability. The uncontrolled spreading of pollution into the surrounding environment, illustrates over and over again the need for safe and effective management of these kinds of sites. Safe and effective management measures can only be implemented on the basis of a thorough understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes taking place at the tailing facilities. After implementation of the necessary measures, ongoing monitoring can verify the proper functioning of the rehabilitated tailing disposal sites. Assessment and evaluation of historic tailing facilities has shown a need for improved monitoring concepts and techniques. In this paper the authors present a new monitoring technique which meets the needs for safe and effective monitoring and can be applied within a smart monitoring concept.

Citation:
Dijcker, R., van der Wijk M., Artieres O., Dortland G., & Lostumbo J. (2011).  Geotextile enabled smart monitoring solutions for safe and effective management of tailings and waste sites - Two case studies: Volgermeerpolder (The Netherlands) and Suncor (Canada). 8 pages . Abstract
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Germination growth and gas exchange of selected boreal forest seedlings in soil containing oil sands tailings

Authors Renault, S., Zwiazek J. J., Fung M., & Tuttle S.
Year of Publication: 2000

Abstract:
Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of soil enriched in fine tailings (FT), produced by the oil sands extraction, on germination, seedling growth and physiology of several plant species of the boreal forest. The germination of seeds was initially delayed by 15% FT in dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb) but not in white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. In the second set of experiments we showed that all dogwood seedlings survived 6 months of treatment with 15% FT while the survival rates of raspberry, jack pine and white spruce seedlings were reduced to 44, 55 and 94%, respectively. FT reduced root and shoot dry weights in raspberry seedlings and the number of lateral shoots in jack pine and white spruce seedlings. In raspberry and jack pine seedlings, reductions of gas exchange were recorded. The results of our study suggest that the modifications of soil chemistry, texture and structure by FT may all contribute to the observed phytotoxic effects.

Citation:
Renault, S., Zwiazek J. J., Fung M., & Tuttle S. (2000).  Germination growth and gas exchange of selected boreal forest seedlings in soil containing oil sands tailings. 107(3), 8 pages . Abstract
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Gill and liver histopathological changes in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) exposed to oil sands process-affected water

Authors Nero, V., Farwell A., Lister A., Van Der Kraak G., Lee L. E. J., Van Meer T., et al.
Year of Publication: 2006

Abstract:
The extraction of bitumen from the Athabasca oil sands (Alberta, Canada) produces significant volumes of process-affected water containing elevated levels of naphthenic acids (NAs), ions, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The sublethal response of aquatic organisms exposed to oil sands constituents in experimental aquatic environments that represent possible reclamation options has been studied. In this study, the effects of process-affected waters on gill and liver tissues in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and caged goldfish (Carassius auratus) held in several reclamation ponds at Syncrude's Mildred Lake site have been assessed. Following a 3-week exposure, significant gill (epithelial cell necrosis, mucous cell proliferation) and liver (hepatocellular degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration) histopathological changes were noted in fish held in waters containing high levels of oil sands process-affected water. In addition, measurements of gill dimensions (gill morphometrical indices) proved sensitive and provided evidence of a physiological disturbance (gas exchange) with exposure to oil sands materials. Due to the complexity of oil sands process-affected water, the cause of the alterations could not be attributed to specific oil sands constituents. However, the histopathological parameters were strong indicators of exposure to oil sands process-affected water and morphometrical data were sensitive indicators of pathological response, which can be used to identify the interactive effects of ionic content, NAs, and PAHs in future laboratory studies

Citation:
Nero, V., Farwell A., Lister A., Van Der Kraak G., Lee L. E. J., Van Meer T., et al. (2006).  Gill and liver histopathological changes in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) exposed to oil sands process-affected water. 63(3), 12 pages . Abstract
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Gill histopathology of goldfish exposed to oil sands processed-waters

Authors Nero, V., Lister A., Farwell A. J., Lee L. E. J., Van Der Kraak G. J., & Dixon D. G.
Year of Publication: 2002

Abstract:
Large volumes of processed wastewater are generated through the oil extraction process at Alberta's Athabasca oil sand deposit. These wastewaters are very toxic to aquatic biota because they are high in salinity and consist of napthenic acids and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In this study, goldfish were caged in 3 different experimental ponds in order to evaluate the biological effects of aquatic reclamation alternatives for process-affected waters. The first pond was a control pond, while the other 2 ponds consisted of known and varying chemicals. The fish were exposed to the ponds for 19 days. Those in the pond with elevated levels of napthenic acids and high salinity exhibited severe gill histopathological changes. Alterations included epithelial hyperplasia resulting in severe lamellar fusion, chloride cell hyperplasia, and lamellar edema, all of which were believed to be defense responses of the fish. Additional severe gill alterations were also observed that may indicate the direct negative effects of oil sands processed-water on fish. Exposed goldfish also showed signs of necrosis and degenerative changes resulting in desquamation of the epithelial surfaces of the gill, which are symptoms seen in free-range exposure of yellow perch, a native fish species, at the same sites and exposure times

Citation:
Nero, V., Lister A., Farwell A. J., Lee L. E. J., Van Der Kraak G. J., & Dixon D. G. (2002).  Gill histopathology of goldfish exposed to oil sands processed-waters. 64 pages . Abstract
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Global trends in mine reclamation and closure regulation

Authors Otto, J. M.
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
This chapter examines global trends in mine reclamation and closure regulation. It addresses the following main topics: identification of key issues; statutory requirements and voluntary guidelines; implementation during the various phases of mining; and financial assurance requirements, methods, and costs. Statutory examples are provided from a number of jurisdictions to illustrate different approaches. Best practice recommendations are offered.

Citation:
Otto, J. M. (2009).  Global trends in mine reclamation and closure regulation. (Richards, J. P., Ed.). 37 pages . Abstract
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Glossary of terms and acronyms used in oil sands mining processing and environmental management

Authors
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Glossaries help provide a common understanding of the language and acronyms used in various specialized fields such as oil sands mining, processing and environmental management. This broad subject area is comprised of many different technical fields, each of which has its own language. There are many Glossaries available in print or on the web, however these often relate only to one technical field or one stakeholder’s interests. Therefore OSRIN felt it was valuable to prepare this Glossary as a single reference source. The Glossary focuses initially on reclamation terms. Some general remediation terms are provided; for a more comprehensive listing of remediation and related risk-management terminology see Powter (2002). This will be a living document – updated as necessary to expand coverage in processing and environmental management and as new terms or acronyms come to light.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2010).  Glossary of terms and acronyms used in oil sands mining processing and environmental management. (Oil Sands Research and Information Network, Ed.). 102 pages . Abstract
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