Water quality in the lower Athabasca River

阿萨巴斯卡河下游水质

• 批准号: 510512-2017
• 负责人: Shotyk, William
• 金额: $ 12.53万
• 依托单位: University of Alberta
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=665109
• 关键词: Water; quality; lower; Athabasca; River

The mining and refining of bitumen from the Athabasca bituminous sands in Alberta provide enormous economic benefits for Canada, both in terms of jobs and revenue; however, trace element concentrations in the nearby Lower Athabasca River (LAR) could be increased as a result. The LAR is a large and complex aquatic system with ultra-low background concentrations of trace elements (parts-per-trillion range), and multiple natural inputs of trace elements. It is therefore necessary to distinguish natural and industrial trace element contributions using thorough and scientifically sound sampling and analysis. In this project we will distinguish natural and industrial sources of trace elements by analyzing the composition and structure of micro- and nano-scale particles. In the process, we will further our understanding of geochemical behaviour in complex aquatic systems, trace element speciation, and seasonal and spatial differences in the sources and biogeochemistry of trace elements. We will develop novel sampling technologies and analytical methods while utilizing ultra-trace metal-free equipment and facilities to avoid contamination. Particular attention will be paid to differences in trace element distributions caused by flow variations with depth and across transects, and to the impacts and behaviour of organic matter and iron oxyhydroxides from tributaries. We will thereby provide valuable information about anthropogenic contributions to trace element concentrations in the LAR and their distribution amongst chemical species that are related to bioaccessibility, to support social licensing and future decision-making related to water quality guidelines.

从阿尔伯塔省阿萨巴斯卡沥青砂中开采和提炼沥青为加拿大提供了巨大的经济效益，无论是在就业还是财政收入方面；然而，附近的下阿萨巴斯卡河（LAR）的微量元素浓度可能因此增加。LAR是一个庞大而复杂的水生系统，具有超低的微量元素本底浓度（万亿分之一范围），以及多种微量元素的自然输入。因此，有必要通过彻底和科学合理的采样和分析来区分自然和工业微量元素的贡献。在这个项目中，我们将通过分析微纳米级颗粒的组成和结构来区分微量元素的天然来源和工业来源。在此过程中，我们将进一步了解复杂水生系统的地球化学行为，微量元素的形态，以及微量元素来源和生物地球化学的季节和空间差异。我们将开发新的采样技术和分析方法，同时利用超痕量无金属设备和设施，以避免污染。将特别注意由于水流随深度和横断面的变化而引起的微量元素分布的差异，以及来自支流的有机物和氧化铁的影响和行为。因此，我们将提供有关人类活动对LAR中微量元素浓度的影响及其在与生物可及性相关的化学物种之间的分布的宝贵信息，以支持社会许可和未来与水质准则相关的决策。