Fundamental Studies on the Decontamination and Detoxification of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water Using Ozonation and Advanced Oxidation

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The long-term management of stored oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is of concern due to the toxicity and persistence of OSPW organic fractions in the environment. To address the environmental issues associated with the recycling and/or safe discharge of the treated OSPW into the environment, new and innovative engineered water treatment technologies and approaches are required. The overall goal of the proposed Research Program is to conduct a comprehensive fundamental research in the area of oil sands tailings water treatment by using ozonation and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the decontamination of OSPW and reduction of its toxicological impacts on mammals and aquatic species. The objectives of this Research Program include: (1) development of advanced analytical methods to characterize isomers and other organic species never identified before in OSPW; (2) development of a sequential multistep fractionation procedure of organic compounds present in OSPW to determine, for the first time, their compositional distribution patterns; (3) predictions of the reactivity of molecular ozone and radical species with different OSPW organic fractions through experimental and theoretical studies; (4) investigation of the effects of homogeneous ozonation and AOPs on the fate of different OSPW organic fractions; and (5) examination of the toxicological impacts of OSPW organic fractions, before and after treatment, on mammals and aquatic organisms. This Research Program will provide the fundamental engineering and scientific knowledge, leading to the environmentally sustainable development of the oil sands operations. In addition, the understanding of the fate of OSPW organic fractions together with the comprehensive analysis of the toxicological effects of OSPW on mammals and aquatic organisms may be directly linked to potential risks associated with OSPW exposures to humans and aquatic species, allowing government regulators to set guidelines for the protection of both the environment and public health. Moreover, the proposed Research Program will provide training of highly qualified personnel, with the finest educational opportunities in the area of oil sands tailings water treatment.