Skip To Content

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.

Impact of seedling characteristics outplanting time and container size on early establishment of aspen (Populus tremuloides) on reclamation sites

Authors Rodriguez-Alvarez, J.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Aspen seedlings often suffer from transplant shock after outplanting. The influence of seedling characteristics and time of outplanting (spring, summer and fall) on field performance was examined on mining reclamation sites. Seedling characteristics were modified by inducing premature bud set using blackout (B), artificial growth retardants (H) and naturally reduced photoperiod (C). Some seedlings were also shortened by clipping their shoots (CL). Seedling characteristics were also manipulated by growing them in two container sizes and moving them outside the greenhouse at different times of the growing cycle. Results indicated that stock types with high root to shoot ratio (RSR) and root reserves (TNC) that were outplanted in the spring or fall had greater growth and reduced dieback. Seedlings moved earlier outside the greenhouse showed also better height growth, while container size had little effect, as long as RSR and root TNC were high.

Citation:
Rodriguez-Alvarez, J. (2011).  Impact of seedling characteristics outplanting time and container size on early establishment of aspen (Populus tremuloides) on reclamation sites. 104 pages . Abstract
Full record

Impacts of Canadian oil sands development on the United States' economy

Authors Shahmoradi, A., Honarvar A., Howard P., & Kralovic P.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Shahmoradi, A., Honarvar A., Howard P., & Kralovic P. (2009).  Impacts of Canadian oil sands development on the United States' economy. 43 pages .
Full record

Impacts of climate change on soil moisture and evapotranspiration in reconstructed watersheds in northern Alberta, Canada

Authors Keshta, N., Elshorbagy A., & Carey S.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
This study aims at developing a generalized understanding of the sensitivity of soil moisture patterns in reconstructed watersheds, in northern Alberta, to changes in the projected precipitation in the twenty-first century. The GSDW model is applied to three watersheds using climate scenarios generated using daily precipitation and air temperature output from a global climate model (CGCM3), under A2 and B1 emission scenarios, to simulate the corresponding soil moisture. CGCM3 results indicate an increase in the mean annual temperature for Fort McMurray, Alberta of 3·3 (A2) and 2·4 °C (B1), and an increase in the predicted annual precipitation of 34% (A2) and 8·6% with A2 and B1 emission scenarios, respectively. The GSDW model is used, along with onsite historical data, to downscale A2 and B1 emission scenarios and to evaluate the future hydrological performance of the designated watersheds with respect to soil moisture deficit and actual evapotranspiration using a probabilistic framework. The forecasted maximum soil moisture deficit values based on A2 and B1 emission scenarios are expected to decrease compared to those based on the current, largely because of the expected increase in precipitation rates, associated with an expected increase in evapotranspiration.

Citation:
Keshta, N., Elshorbagy A., & Carey S. (2012).  Impacts of climate change on soil moisture and evapotranspiration in reconstructed watersheds in northern Alberta, Canada. 26(9), 10 pages . Abstract
Full record

Impacts of contaminants and nutrients in bleached kraft mill effluent on benthic insect and periphyton communities : assessments using artificial streams, Athabasca River, 1993 and 1994

Authors Culp, J. M., & Podemski C. L.
Year of Publication: 1996

Abstract:
Discusses results from artificial stream experiments in relation to the effects of effluent stressors and nutrient enrichment on benthic algal and invertebrate communities; also compares results from autumn 1993 and 1994 to document between-year variability in the relationships between effluent additions, and effects on primary and secondary producers. Results from spring 1994 are contrasted with those from autumn 1993 and 1994 to assess the importance of seasonal changes in moderating the nutrient-contaminant effects on benthic food web interactions. The artificial stream experiments were designed to decouple the effects on the riverine food web of the potentially confounding effects of nutrients and contaminants within effluent. By comparing the effects of nutrient and effluent treatments on different trophic components of the food web, the study was able to provide a mechanistic understanding of the stimulatory and/or inhihbitory effects of pulp mill effluents on the benthic food webs of the Athabasca River.

Citation:
Culp, J. M., & Podemski C. L. (1996).  Impacts of contaminants and nutrients in bleached kraft mill effluent on benthic insect and periphyton communities : assessments using artificial streams, Athabasca River, 1993 and 1994. 70 pages . Abstract  Download: 0-662-24951-1.pdf (6.98 MB)
Full record

Impacts of flow regulation on the aquatic ecosystem of the Peace and Slave Rivers

Authors Prowse, T. D., & Conly M.
Year of Publication: 1996

Abstract:
Ecological effects of flow regulation of large northern rivers.--Biophysical description of the Peace and Slave Rivers.--Aquatic impacts of flow regulation on the Peace-Slave river system: scientific reviews and study results.

Citation:
Prowse, T. D., & Conly M. (1996).  Impacts of flow regulation on the aquatic ecosystem of the Peace and Slave Rivers. (Environment Canada, Ed.). 7 pages . Abstract  Download: 0-662-24697-7-bw.pdf (7.13 MB)
Full record

Impacts of oil sands process water on fen plants: Implications for plant selection in required reclamation projects

Authors Pouliot, R., Rochefort L., & Graf M. D.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Fen plant growth in peat contaminated with groundwater discharges of oil sands process water (OSPW) was assessed in a greenhouse over two growing seasons. Three treatments (non-diluted OSPW, diluted OSPW and rainwater) were tested on five vascular plants and four mosses. All vascular plants tested can grow in salinity and naphthenic acids levels currently produced by oil sands activity in northwestern Canada. No stress sign was observed after both seasons. Because of plant characteristics, Carex species (C. atherodes and C. utriculata) and Triglochin maritima would be more useful for rapidly restoring vegetation and creating a new peat-accumulating system. Groundwater discharge of OSPW proved detrimental to mosses under dry conditions and ensuring adequate water levels would be crucial in fen creation following oil sands exploitation. Campylium stellatum would be the best choice to grow in contaminated areas and Bryum pseudotriquetrum might be interesting as it has spontaneously regen- erated in all treatments.

Citation:
Pouliot, R., Rochefort L., & Graf M. D. (2012).  Impacts of oil sands process water on fen plants: Implications for plant selection in required reclamation projects. 5 pages . Abstract
Full record

Impacts of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from oil sands operations on soils and vegetation

Authors Cartwright, S. L.
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
In an effort to better understand the impacts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from oil sands development on soils and vegetation, a laboratory experiment was designed, which mimicked the natural and reclaimed boreal forest environment found in the Fort McMurray area. The primary objective of this research was to examine the effects of various types and concentrations of NOx under a controlled laboratory study, and to provide recommendations and management strategies with respect to NOx deposition management. Findings indicated that, for some vegetation types, significant relationships exist between NOx treatment and vegetation height, biomass, and percent total nitrogen responses. Furthermore, some soil chemical parameters exhibited significant differences due to treatment and or soil depth, and some appeared to serve as better indicators of NOx deposition. Recommendations are made with respect to future research considerations and management strategies for NOx emissions including consideration of both eutrophication and acidification potential.

Citation:
Cartwright, S. L. (2009).  Impacts of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from oil sands operations on soils and vegetation. 143 pages . Abstract
Full record

Impacts of the CN Rail oil spill on softstem bulrush-dominated lacustrine marshes in Wabamun Lake

Authors Thormann, M. N.
Year of Publication: 2008

Abstract:
A train derailment occurred on Canadian National Railway Co's primary route through northern Alberta on August 3, 2005, spilling bunker 'C' oil and small quantities of Imperial Pole Treating oil (PTO) into the water on the north shore of Wabamun Lake. Subsequently, oil spread along the northern, eastern and southern shores of Wabamun Lake, negatively affecting crucial habitat for numerous aquatic organisms, waterbirds, and waterfowl.

Citation:
Thormann, M. N. (2008).  Impacts of the CN Rail oil spill on softstem bulrush-dominated lacustrine marshes in Wabamun Lake. Abstract
Full record

Impeded aquatic plant production in oil sand affected wetlands - delaying reclamation timelines?

Authors Hornung, J.
Year of Publication: 2007

Abstract:
Aquatic macrophytes are important components of any wetland ecosystem. How aquatic plants like cattail (Typha latifolia) grow and accrue carbon under the stress toxic oil sands process materials (OSPM) can exert is important information for the eventual remediation of the aquatic habitats affected by oil sands production. Leaf production and photosynthesis was measured in 96 transplanted cattail plants placed in 5 gallon plastic buckets containing four combinations of growing substrate: 1) pure consolidated tailings (CT) a by-product of the oil sands extraction process, 2) a soil / peat mixture atop CT (a potential remediation option), 3) the soil / peat mixture atop sterilized sand (a control for the potentially toxic constituents in CT), and 4) a pure soil / peat mixture. These four combinations were replicated four times in each of six constructed wetlands; each wetland was filled with either CT-affected water (another oil sands process by-product) or natural wetland water (three wetlands with natural and three wetlands with CT water). Production was estimated by measuring the length and width of every leaf and by tracking new growth by marking already measured leaves. We used a CO2 gas analyzer to measure photosynthesis (Licor 6400 Photosynthesis meter) of all plants. Preliminary results show that production of leaf biomass was significantly greater in those cattail that were unaffected by oil sands process materials. The rate of carbon accrual (photosynthesis) in cattail affected by OSPM was decreased, although a significant difference was not detected. The observed negative affect of OSPM on cattail suggests that the time needed for OSPM-affected wetlands to return to a natural, reclaimed state will be longer than observed in wetlands not affected by these materials.

Citation:
Hornung, J. (2007).  Impeded aquatic plant production in oil sand affected wetlands - delaying reclamation timelines?. Abstract
Full record

Implications of changing environmental requirements on oil sands royalties.

Authors Valera, E., & Powter C. B.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Environmental requirements for oil sands operations have increased over time and are likely to continue to do so. Oil sands operators are responsible for the costs associated with meeting environmental requirements prescribed by the government. However, the province’s oil sands royalty regime incorporates deductions for allowed costs which include costs of meeting environmental requirements. Therefore, in effect, increasing environmental requirements, which often mean greater costs, results in reduced government royalties.

Citation:
Valera, E., & Powter C. B. (2012).  Implications of changing environmental requirements on oil sands royalties.. 21 pages . Abstract
Full record

Improved satellite retrievals of NO2 and SO2 over the Canadian oil sands and comparisons with surface measurements

Authors McLinden, C. A., Fioletov V., Boersma K. F., Kharol S. K., Krotkov N., Lamsal L., et al.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Satellite remote sensing is increasingly being used to monitor air quality over localized sources such as the Canadian oil sands. Following an initial study, significantly low biases have been identified in current NO2 and SO2 retrieval products from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite sensor over this location resulting from a combination of its rapid development and small spatial scale. Air mass factors (AMFs) used to convert line-of-sight "slant" columns to vertical columns were re-calculated for this region based on updated and higher resolution input information including absorber profiles from a regional-scale (15 km × 15 km resolution) air quality model, higher spatial and temporal resolution surface reflectivity, and an improved treatment of snow. The overall impact of these new Environment Canada (EC) AMFs led to substantial increases in the peak NO2 and SO2 average vertical column density (VCD), occurring over an area of intensive surface mining, by factors of 2 and 1.4, respectively, relative to estimates made with previous AMFs. Comparisons are made with long-term averages of NO2 and SO2 (2005–2011) from in situ surface monitors by using the air quality model to map the OMI VCDs to surface concentrations. This new OMI-EC product is able to capture the spatial distribution of the in situ instruments (slopes of 0.65 to 1.0, correlation coefficients of >0.9). The concentration absolute values from surface network observations were in reasonable agreement, with OMI-EC NO2 and SO2 biased low by roughly 30%. Several complications were addressed including correction for the interference effect in the surface NO2 instruments and smoothing and clear-sky biases in the OMI measurements. Overall these results highlight the importance of using input information that accounts for the spatial and temporal variability of the location of interest when performing retrievals.

Citation:
McLinden, C. A., Fioletov V., Boersma K. F., Kharol S. K., Krotkov N., Lamsal L., et al. (2014).  Improved satellite retrievals of NO2 and SO2 over the Canadian oil sands and comparisons with surface measurements. 14 (7), 19 pages . Abstract
Full record

Improvement of oil sands tailings sludge disposal behaviour with overburden material

Authors Ash, P. O.
Year of Publication: 1986

Citation:
Ash, P. O. (1986).  Improvement of oil sands tailings sludge disposal behaviour with overburden material.
Full record

Improving oil sands tailings filterability by reducing capillary forces in the filtrated cake using surfactants

Authors Wu, Y., Stewart K., Tellakula R., Mahmoudkhani A., Nair M., Fenderson T., et al.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Wu, Y., Stewart K., Tellakula R., Mahmoudkhani A., Nair M., Fenderson T., et al. (2013).  Improving oil sands tailings filterability by reducing capillary forces in the filtrated cake using surfactants.
Full record

In situ bioremediation of naphthenic acids contaminated tailing pond waters in the Athabasca oil sands region - Demonstrated field studies and plausible options: A Review

Authors Quagraine, E. K., Peterson H. G., & Headley J. V.
Year of Publication: 2005

Abstract:
Currently, there are three industrial plants that recover oil from the lower Athabasca oil sands area, and there are plans in the future for several additional mines. The extraction procedures produce large volumes of slurry wastes contaminated with naphthenic acids (NAs). Because of a "zero discharge" policy the oil sands companies do not release any extraction wastes from their leases. The process-affected waters and fluid tailings contaminated with NAs are contained on-site primarily in large settling ponds. These fluid wastes from the tailing ponds can be acutely and chronically toxic to aquatic organisms, and NAs have been associated with this toxicity. The huge tailings containment area must ultimately be reclaimed, and this is of major concern to the oil sands industry. Some reclamation options have been investigated by both pioneering industries (Syncrude Energy Inc. and Suncor Inc.) with mixed results. The bioremediation techniques have limited success to date in biodegrading NAs to levels below 19 mg/L. Some tailing pond waters have been stored for more than 10 years, and it appears that the remaining high molecular weight NAs are refractory to the natural biodegradation process in the ponds. Some plausible options to further degrade the NAs in the tailings pond water include: bioaugmentation with bacteria selected to degrade the more refractory classes of NAs; the use of attachment materials such as clays to concentrate both the NA and the NA-degrading bacteria in their surfaces and/or pores; synergistic association between algae and bacteria consortia to promote efficient aerobic degradation; and biostimulation with nutrients to promote the growth and activity of the microorganisms.

Citation:
Quagraine, E. K., Peterson H. G., & Headley J. V. (2005).  In situ bioremediation of naphthenic acids contaminated tailing pond waters in the Athabasca oil sands region - Demonstrated field studies and plausible options: A Review. 40(3), 37 pages . Abstract
Full record

In situ hydraulic capping of soft tailings

Authors Jacobs, W., Dykstra C., & Van Kesteren W.
Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:
Jacobs, W., Dykstra C., & Van Kesteren W. (2012).  In situ hydraulic capping of soft tailings.
Full record

In situ oil sands footprint monitoring project

Authors Antoniuk, T., Manuel K., Sutherland M., & Bowen J. T.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Antoniuk, T., Manuel K., Sutherland M., & Bowen J. T. (2009).  In situ oil sands footprint monitoring project. 125 pages .
Full record

In situ recovery and produced water recycle - an environmental and economic success story

Authors Nelson, L. R., Zaleski W., & Rubenstein I.
Year of Publication: 1992

Citation:
Nelson, L. R., Zaleski W., & Rubenstein I. (1992).  In situ recovery and produced water recycle - an environmental and economic success story. 6 pages .
Full record

In situ recovery of oil sands

Authors Jain, B. C.
Year of Publication: 1976

Citation:
Jain, B. C. (1976).  In situ recovery of oil sands. 172 pages .
Full record

In spite of institution: Community engagement and the lived experiences of Kearl oil sands workers in northern Alberta

Authors Fletcher, M.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Prison or paradise is a matter of perspective; within the walls of a highly institutionalized work camp in northern Alberta, it is one that employees are constantly negotiating, as the boundaries that typically separate areas of work, sleep, play and life blur. By adopting an interactionist perspective, existing theories of organizational structure and human interaction within the framework of a total institution can be analyzed and expanded. As growing demand for these specialized work camps grows in the region, employers and workers alike can benefit from integrating this level of social interaction into both camp amenities and daily routine. The very framework that promotes compliance, order and security for the stability of the institution also, simultaneously, limits and controls the freedom and autonomy of those within it, leading to disengagement and burnout. However, ethnographic interviews conducted at the Kearl site have revealed that many workers have elected to cope with the stress of institutionalized living through an alternative method: by connecting with their fellow co-workers through friendship and choosing community engagement over dissociation.

Citation:
Fletcher, M. (2012).  In spite of institution: Community engagement and the lived experiences of Kearl oil sands workers in northern Alberta. 44 pages . Abstract
Full record

In the shadow of the boom: How oil sands development is reshaping Canada's economy

Authors Lemphers, N., & Woynillowicz D.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
This report looks at the extent to which oilsands production and exports are affecting Canada’s economy, and explores the longer-term economic implications of increased reliance on oilsands expansion to support economic growth and generate public revenue. While the significant economic benefits of oilsands development are well documented, the report suggests relatively little attention has been paid to the downsides. Analysis indicates that failing to consider both the positive and negative impacts of oilsands development could have serious economic implications both now and in the future.

Citation:
Lemphers, N., & Woynillowicz D. (2012).  In the shadow of the boom: How oil sands development is reshaping Canada's economy. 67 pages . Abstract
Full record

In vitro evaluation of the toxic effects and endocrine disrupting potential of oil sands processed water and naphthenic acids

Authors Zhang, X., Wiseman S., Higley E., Jones P. D., Hecker M., Gamal El-Din M., et al.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Zhang, X., Wiseman S., Higley E., Jones P. D., Hecker M., Gamal El-Din M., et al. (2009).  In vitro evaluation of the toxic effects and endocrine disrupting potential of oil sands processed water and naphthenic acids. 2 pages .
Full record

In vitro microbial degradation of bituminous hydrocarbons and in situ colonization of bitumen surfaces within the Athabasca oil sands deposit

Authors Wyndham, R. C., & Costerton J. W.
Year of Publication: 1981

Abstract:
Bituminous hydrocarbons extracted from the Athabasca oil sands of north-eastern Alberta were adsorbed onto filter supports and placed at sites in the Athabasca River and its tributaries where these rivers come in contact with the oil sands formation. Colonization of the hydrocarbon surfaces at summer and winter ambient temperatures was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as by epifluorescence microscopy of acridine orange-stained cross sections. Ruthenium red and alkaline bismuth stains visualized an association of bacteria with the hydrocarbon surface which was mediated by bacterial polysaccharides. Bacteria apparently lacking a glycocalyx were also found closely associated with the surface of the hydrophobic substrate and in channels within the substrate. A solvent precipitation and column chromatographic fractionation of the bitumen was followed by cross-tests for growth on the fractions by various isolated sediment microorganisms, as determined by epifluorescence count. All fractions except the asphaltenes supported the growth of at least two of the isolates, although fractionation of degraded bitumen revealed that the saturate, aromatic, and first polar fractions were preferentially degraded.

Citation:
Wyndham, R. C., & Costerton J. W. (1981).  In vitro microbial degradation of bituminous hydrocarbons and in situ colonization of bitumen surfaces within the Athabasca oil sands deposit. 41(3), 9 pages . Abstract
Full record

In vitro selection of boreal ectomycorrhizal fungi for use in reclamation of saline-alkaline habitats

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

Abstract:
To identify appropriate species of ectomycorrhizal fungi for use in the reclamation of saline-alkaline sites, such as the composite tailings (alkaline, with high sodium, sulfate, and calcium) produced by the Canadian tar sands industry, pure cultures of nine fungal species indigenous to the Canadian boreal forest were grown on media containing different levels of CaCl2, CaSO4, NaCl, or Na2SO4, as well as on medium containing composite tailings (CT) release water, and on media at four different pH levels. Members of the Boletales (Suillus brevipes, Rhizopogon rubescens, and Paxillus involutus) and Amphinema byssoides (Aphyllophorales) were sensitive to alkalinity, and their growth was completely inhibited by CT release water. Laccaria and Hebeloma spp. (Agaricales) as well as Wilcoxina mikolae (Pezizales) were tolerant to alkalinity and survived on the medium containing CT release water. Calcium chloride proved to be the most toxic of the salts tested. Growth of seven isolates of Laccaria bicolor and three isolates of Hebeloma crustuliniforme on media containing CaCl2 and release water showed low intraspecific variation. A combination of fungal species, each with its own beneficial characteristics, is recommended for the inoculation of seedlings to be outplanted onto composite tailings.

Citation:
Kernaghan, G., Hambling B., Fung M., & Khasa D. (2002).  In vitro selection of boreal ectomycorrhizal fungi for use in reclamation of saline-alkaline habitats. 10(1), 8 pages . Abstract
Full record

In-province upgrading: Economics of a green-field oil sands refinery

Authors Nissan, S., & Soterwald E.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
The Government of Alberta has been looking at potential upgrading projects for a number of years in order to try and add value to the hydrocarbon resources prevalent in the region. These studies have been under the mandate of the Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force (“HUTF”), a joint government and industry initiative to develop business cases and promote opportunities for new refining and petrochemical investment in Alberta. The HUTF was established in February 2004. In 2006, the Government of Alberta, under the HUTF, retained David Netzer, Consulting Chemical Engineer, to develop a conceptual design for an integrated bitumen upgrading, refining and petrochemical complex in Alberta – “Alberta Bitumen Processing Integration Study” by David Netzer, Consulting Chemical Engineer and Associates, March 2006 (the “2006 Study”)1. This study built on previous reviews with the aim of assessing whether an integrated complex transforming bitumen into a variety of high value products is technically feasible. Up until early 2013 the Government of Alberta had not made any further assessments of the concept. In late March 2013 the Alberta Federation of Labour (“AFL”) approached Edward Osterwald (now a Partner with CEG Europe in London) to assess the potential economics of such an “in-province upgrading, refining, and associated value-added petrochemical complex” using the configuration set out in the 2006 Study. The request followed publication of Mr Osterwald’s appraisal of a proposed green field oil sands refinery on the west coast of Canada at Kitimat, on behalf of the Government of British Columbia (“Review of the Proposed Kitimat Refinery Project”2). That report was published on 14 March 2013, at which time Mr Osterwald was a Managing Director with Navigant Consulting. The objective of the current study for AFL is to examine the potential economics of in-province upgrading of oil sands produced within Alberta and whether such a project that should be looked at in more detail.

Citation:
Nissan, S., & Soterwald E. (2014).  In-province upgrading: Economics of a green-field oil sands refinery. 65 pages . Abstract
Full record

In-situ caged wood frog (Rana sylvatica) survival and development in wetlands formed from oil sands process-affected materials (OSPM)

Authors Hersikorn, B. D.
Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
Currently there are three companies producing bitumen from the Athabasca Oil Sands Region located near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Extraction of bitumen produces solid (sand) and liquid (water with suspended fine particles) tailings material, called oil sands process affected-materials (OSPM). These waste materials are stored on site due to a “zero discharge” policy and must be reclaimed when operations end. The OSPM is known to contain naphthenic acids (NAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and has high pH and salinity. A possible method of reclamation is the “wet landscape” approach, which involves using OSPM to form wetlands that would mimic natural wetland ecological functioning. This study investigated the effects of wetlands formed with OSPM on wood frog larvae (Rana sylvatica), using endpoints including survival, growth, time to metamorphosis, hormonal status, and detoxification enzyme induction [ethoxyresorufin-o-dealkylase (EROD) activity]. In-situ caging studies were completed in 2006 and 2007. Four wetlands were studied in 2006 and 14 wetlands were studied in 2007. The 2006 season saw a host of problems that were resolved for the 2007 season. In 2006, tadpole survival did not differ among reference wetlands and old OSPM-affected wetlands but there was 100% mortality of tadpoles in the young OSPM-affected sites that contain the highest concentration of toxic components. Results were similar in 2007, with tadpoles raised in young OSPM-affected wetlands having 41.5%, 62.6%, and 54.7% higher tadpole mortality than old OSPM-affected, young reference, and old reference wetlands, respectively. In 2007, tadpoles from young OSPM-affected sites had delayed metamorphosis (12 days longer than tadpoles from old reference wetlands and 18 days longer than tadpoles in old OSPM-affected wetlands). The thyroid hormone ratios of tadpoles in young OSPM-affected wetlands were between 25% and 42% lower than tadpoles in all other wetlands groups. The EROD activity of tadpoles in young OSPM-affected wetlands was an average 223% higher than those in old OSPM-affected wetlands, showing us that tadpoles were responding to higher levels of contaminants in young OSPM-affected wetlands. Size differences were only noted in 2007, most likely not as a result of exposure to OSPM, but due to differences in population density. The results of this study lead us to believe that toxicity due to OSPM decreases as wetlands get older and OSPM-affected wetlands could support native amphibian populations if they are allowed to mature. Since we considered wetlands to be old if they were seven years or older and the fact that old-OSPM wetlands showed effects on tadpoles similar to those of reference wetlands and showed much less toxicity than young OSPM-affected wetlands, we believe wetlands that are at least seven years old would sustain amphibian life.

Citation:
Hersikorn, B. D. (2009).  In-situ caged wood frog (Rana sylvatica) survival and development in wetlands formed from oil sands process-affected materials (OSPM). Abstract
Full record

Enter keywords or search terms and press Search

Search this site

Subscribe to the site

Syndicate content

Past Events

Leading Researcher in Hydrecological Health Joins ARBRI

August 2, 2016

The Northern River Basins Study is Available Online

May 17, 2016

ARBRI Researcher Tackles Barriers to Effective Scaling Up of Fuel Cells

March 06, 2015

World-class environmental researcher joins ARBRI

November 12, 2013

Bookmark and Share