Development of a passive, plant-based naphthenic acid remediation technology for treatment of oil sands process-affected water.

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Surface mining of bitumen from the oil sands region in northern Alberta uses an extraction process that results in the accumulation of large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) that is stored in tailings ponds. In addition to salts, heavy metals, and inorganic compounds, OSPW contains a complex mixture of organic compounds often loosely referred to as 'naphthenic acids' (NAs) that are toxic to living organisms. OSPW cannot be released into the environment until the toxicity is reduced to acceptable levels. The oil sands mining industry has identified the NA component as a primary target for OSPW remediation, and is focused on developing passive, low-input OSPW remediation approaches.This proposal describes research aimed at determining the capacity of selected upland plant species to remediate NAs from OSPW in an irrigated soil environment. This passive, plant-based approach represents a low-input, green technology that could be implemented alongside other established and developing remediation approaches used in the oil sands mining industry. It takes advantage of the advanced metabolic capacity of plants and associated microbes to remediate soils. This novel biotechnology aligns with the passive remediation goals of the oil sands mining industry, and has the potential to treat millions of cubic meters of OSPW annually. Successful implementation of this biotechnology could assist in meeting the NA remediation goals of oil sands mining companies, and will strengthen the reputation of the industry as an environmentally responsible contributor to the Canadian economy. This research spans the fields of biochemistry, plant ecophysiology, land reclamation and aspects of mining engineering. Thus, it will support and develop the training of Canada's future leaders in green technology solutions, and create new jobs in the clean growth of Canada's oil sands industry as well as advanced biotechnology sector.