Passive Degradation of Naphthenic Acids using a Biofilm Process

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The goal of this project is to evaluate an in-situ bioremediation treatment for the degradation of naphthenic acids (NAs) in oil sands process water by promoting the growth of NA-degrading bacteria on engineered silica structures embedded in plastic media. Hollow silica microspheres, engineered and produced by Materium Inc., will be evaluated in terms of their ability to increase the rate of NA degradation at the bench scale. The primary outcome of this project will be the generation of actionable research knowledge that Materium will use to refine their products and expand their current customer base. The project will also generate knowledge in the emerging research area of passive environmental remediation of NA contaminated water. More broadly, the results of this study are anticipated to contribute to the pursuit of economically viable treatment options available to companies for in-situ remediation of primary source of acute toxicity in oil sands process water, and reduce equipment corrosion caused by NAs in recycled processed water.