Article
Plant Sciences
Abdul Samad, Gervais Pelletier, Armand Seguin, Dani Degenhardt, Douglas G. Muench, Christine Martineau
Summary: This study used RNA sequencing to investigate the effects of different types of oil sands tailings (OST) on gene expression in willow. The results showed that some genes responded universally, while others responded specifically to different types of OST. Genes related to detoxification, transport, and stress response were identified. The expression of certain genes could be used as a biosensor to distinguish plants exposed to different OST stresses. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing OST capping and vegetation restoration technologies.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Emily Prystupa, Scott J. J. Davidson, Jonathan Price, Maria Strack
Summary: In northern Alberta, oil sands mining has a negative impact on the boreal landscape, and peatland construction is being tested for reclamation purposes. Understanding the cycling of solutes and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is crucial in determining the self-sustainability of constructed peatlands. This study focused on measuring DOC concentration, quality, and sodium (Na+) levels in the rooting zone of Nikanotee Fen to evaluate the role of Na+ in DOC dynamics. The results suggest that vegetation inputs are the main source of DOC in the fen, and elevated Na+ levels may lead to increased carbon export.
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yeling Zhu, Yuki Gong, Heather Kaminsky, Michael Chae, Paolo Mussone, David C. Bressler
Summary: This study focuses on developing value-added aggregation agents from waste protein stream to improve the separation of fluid fine tailings, and demonstrates the novelty and feasibility of using SRM-peptides to address intractable oil sands fluid tailings.
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Heidi L. Cossey, Anya E. Batycky, Heather Kaminsky, Ania C. Ulrich
Summary: The review discusses five mechanisms of geochemical change expected in tailings landforms: consolidation, chemical mass loading via pore water fluxes, biogeochemical cycling, polymer degradation, and surface water and groundwater interactions. Key considerations and knowledge gaps regarding the long-term geochemical stability of tailings landforms are identified, including salt fluxes and subsequent water quality, bioremediation and biogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and the biogeochemical implications of various tailings treatment methods meant to improve geotechnical properties of tailings, such as flocculant (polyacrylamide) and coagulant (gypsum) addition.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicholas Utting
Summary: The study found that dissolved ions in treated oil sands fine tailings can leach out over long-term column leaching experiments, with concentrations of some ions potentially exceeding environmental guidelines.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Owen F. Sutton, Eric D. Kessel, Behrad Gharedaghloo, Jonathan S. Price
Summary: The hydraulic and transport properties of coarse tailings sand in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region were evaluated, demonstrating consistent hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity. These findings are significant for the remediation of coarse tailings sand in post-mined landscapes.
JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Grytan Sarkar, Abouzar Sadrekarimi
Summary: The instability of coarse oil sands tailings (CST) was investigated in this study, and the effects of sample reconstitution method and tailings fabric on CST's instability behavior were explored. The results showed that the consolidation vertical stress and void ratio can affect the instability and post-liquefaction strength of the CST specimens.
SOIL DYNAMICS AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Sarah Irvine, Scott J. Davidson, Jonathan S. Price, Maria Strack
Summary: The study investigated the DOC fluxes in a constructed fen in 2015 and 2016, finding that vegetation production is the main source of DOC concentration, while precipitation and runoff inputs have minimal impact on the quality of DOC present in the fen, with minimal DOC export from the fen.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Abdul Samad, Dani Degenhardt, Armand Seguin, Marie-Josee Morency, Patrick Gagne, Christine Martineau
Summary: This study aimed to monitor the structural and functional responses of microbial communities in tailings subjected to different capping and vegetation strategies. The results showed that tailings microbial diversity and community composition changed considerably after two growing seasons, while communities in the capping layer were much more stable. Moreover, selecting the right combination of capping material and vegetation type may contribute to improve below-ground microbial processes and sustain plant growth in harsh environments such as oil sands tailings.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kwadwo Omari, Bradley D. Pinno, Nicholas Utting, Edith H. Y. Li
Summary: Oil sands surface mining and processing in Alberta generate large volumes of fluid tailings and process water high in salts and metals, which must be reclaimed. The study found that certain non-native plant species performed better than native species in boreal oil sands reclamation sites, with cake-peat substrate supporting the highest aboveground biomass.
Article
Ecology
Kelly M. Biagi, M. Graham Clark, Sean K. Carey
Summary: The study aims to understand the key hydrological changes post-management of a constructed peatland watershed, with results showing that changes in management practices primarily drove the observed hydrological changes, and current conditions are not favorable for the development of the wetland ecosystem.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel J. Francis, S. Lee Barbour, Matthew B. J. Lindsay
Summary: The study on Base Mine Lake (BML) in northern Alberta, Canada, demonstrated the impact of ebullition on enhanced mixing and chemical mass transport within the lake. The findings revealed a positive relationship between CH4 saturation and enhanced mixing, highlighting the importance of ebullition in internal mass loading and informing ongoing assessments for mine closure and reclamation planning.
JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Dong Wang, Daowei Wang, Xiaoli Tan, Anthony Yeung, Qi Liu
Summary: The efficient dewatering of fluid fine tailings generated from warm-water extraction of Canadian oil sands is a major challenge that has limited the timely reclamation of the tailings. Both chemical amendments and physical/mechanical solid-liquid separation treatments are required to speed up the dewatering process. Efforts to enhance the rate of solid-liquid separation have had limited success, highlighting the need for a better fundamental understanding of the process. This review analyzes the factors contributing to the difficult dewatering of fluid fine tailings and suggests directions to accelerate the process.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nayereh Saborimanesh
Summary: Significant quantities of tailings are produced during the extraction of bitumen from oil sands, and current fine tailings management approaches include mechanical and/or chemical amendments as well as exploration of alternative biological treatments. Biological treatments have shown the ability to improve FT dewatering and densification, but potential environmental risks must be carefully evaluated before full-scale applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Abouzar Sadrekarimi, Grytan Sarkar
Summary: Lateral stress relief and effective stress reduction are identified as the main causes of flow failures in mine tailings dams. This study investigates the instability of coarse oil sand tailings (CST) under such stress conditions through a series of simple shear tests. Specimens with different tailings fabric were prepared using various techniques, and the effects of consolidation stress, bitumen, void ratio, initial shear stress, and unloading rate on CST instability were analyzed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. W. O'Connell, N. Ansems, R. K. Kukkadapu, D. Jaisi, D. M. Orihel, B. J. Cade-Menun, Y. Hu, J. Wiklund, R. Hall, H. Chessell, T. Behrends, P. Van Cappellen
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Peng Zhang, Philippe Van Cappellen, Kunfu Pi, Songhu Yuan
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Lei Zhang, Zhiqiang Xia, Chuan Zhou, Li Fu, Jianjun Yu, William D. Taylor, Paul B. Hamilton, Philippe Van Cappellen, Daobin Ji, Defu Liu, Deti Xie, Bo Zeng, Anne M. McLeod, G. Douglas Haffner
FRESHWATER SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuki Audette, D. Scott Smith, Christopher T. Parsons, Weibin Chen, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Philippe Van Cappellen
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bingjie Shi, Christina M. Smeaton, Eric E. Roden, Seungyeol Lee, Kai Liu, Huifang Xu, Brian Kendall, Clark M. Johnson, Chris T. Parsons, Philippe Van Cappellen
Summary: This study investigated the evolution of bioreducible Fe(III) in nontronite NAu-1 over consecutive redox cycles, finding a gradual decrease in bioreducible Fe(III) due to preferential reductive dissolution of Fe(III) from the finest clay particles. The results suggest that around 4% of total clay-bound Fe remains permanently redox-active, with the fraction of renewable Fe for Fe-reducing bacteria dependent on the evolving size distribution of clay particles in redox dynamic environments.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Clare Nelligan, Ryan J. Sorichetti, Meguel Yousif, Janis L. Thomas, Christopher C. Wellen, Christopher T. Parsons, Mohamed N. Mohamed
Summary: The research found that the importance of nonpoint source nutrient export has increased in agricultural watersheds in southern Ontario since the mid-1970s, emphasizing the need for targeted best management practices specific to the fall and winter seasons.
JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew Coulas, Christopher Parsons, Saraswati Saraswati, Maria Strack
Summary: Comparison between the constructed fen and reference fens shows that decomposition of plant tissue is significantly slower in the constructed fen, possibly due to nutrient limitation suppressing microbial activity. There was little evidence that mulch or planting treatments at the constructed fen altered short-term litter decomposition rate, suggesting future research should focus on differences in biomass production between species and strategies for peat accumulation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Kao, M. Mohamed, R. J. Sorichetti, A. Niederkorn, P. Van Cappellen, C. T. Parsons
Summary: Fanshawe Reservoir on the Thames River is not only an important sink for phosphorus (P) in the Lake Erie watershed, but also modulates the timing and speciation of P loads. It functions as a net sink for P annually, but oscillates between a source and sink seasonally. The reservoir has significant influence on the distribution and forms of P in the river, highlighting the potential to attenuate downstream P loads.
JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tamara L. Van Staden, Kim J. Van Meter, Nandita B. Basu, Chris T. Parsons, Zahra Akbarzadeh, Philippe Van Cappellen
Summary: Management strategies to reduce nutrient enrichment of surface waters may face challenges due to accumulated nutrient legacies in the landscape. A study in Ontario, Canada applied the Net Anthropogenic Phosphorus Input (NAPI) model to reconstruct historical phosphorus input and found that despite a general downward trend, Lake Erie continues to suffer from algal blooms. Comparison with river monitoring data revealed that only 12.5% of the phosphorus discharged by Canadian rivers into Lake Erie came from agricultural areas, indicating that over 85% of agricultural phosphorus is retained in watersheds, contributing to a long-term risk for lake recovery. To mitigate this risk, the study proposes a methodology to identify source areas with the highest potential of exporting legacy soil phosphorus to surface waters for prioritized soil conservation efforts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Md Abdus Sabur, Christopher T. Parsons, Taylor Maavara, Philippe Van Cappellen
Summary: Adsorption experiments with goethite showed that maximum silicate adsorption occurred under alkaline conditions while the competitive effect of silicate on phosphate adsorption was more pronounced under alkaline conditions and elevated molar Si:P ratios (>4). Dissolved silicate did not affect phosphate desorption, even at high Si:P ratios and alkaline pH, indicating kinetic factors prevented silicate from displacing phosphate from goethite binding sites.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nolan J. T. Pearce, Chris T. Parsons, Sarah M. Pomfret, Adam G. Yates
Summary: Effective modeling and management of phosphorus (P) losses from landscapes to waterbodies requires understanding of P retention and remobilization along the terrestrial-aquatic continuum. Stream periphyton has the capability to transiently store bioavailable P, but its response to dynamic P concentrations is largely unknown.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Linden Fairbairn, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Mehdi Gharasoo, Chris T. Parsons, Merrin L. Macrae, Stephanie Slowinski, Philippe Van Cappellen
Summary: Soil moisture is an important variable in predicting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Previous studies have focused on aerobic respiration as the source of CO2, ignoring anaerobic processes. This study conducted experiments at different moisture levels under both oxic and anoxic conditions. The results showed that moderate moisture levels resulted in maximum CO2 fluxes, but substantial CO2 fluxes were also measured at fully saturated conditions. Methane (CH4) fluxes increased over time in anoxic conditions. A kinetic model was proposed to represent both aerobic and anaerobic CO2 production. This study highlights the importance of considering anaerobic reaction pathways in predicting soil CO2 production at high moisture levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Slowinski, Jovana Radosavljevic, Alyssa Graham, Isabella Ippolito, Kathryn Thomas, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Mahyar Shafii, Chris T. Parsons, Nandita B. Basu, Johan Wiklund, Roland I. Hall, Philippe Van Cappellen
Summary: This study reconstructed changes in phosphorus loading and cycling in Lake Wilcox, Ontario, Canada, using sediment core and water quality data. The lake experienced eutrophication due to increased phosphorus loading from agricultural intensification and urbanization. However, improved soil conservation and urban stormwater management have reduced phosphorus loading to levels comparable to the early 1900s. The lake's eutrophication-like symptoms, particularly hypoxia in the hypolimnion, are now driven by salinization caused by increased use of deicing agents in the expanding urban area.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tariq Aziz, Alain-Desire Nimubona, Philippe Van Cappellen
Summary: Economic valuations of ecosystem services often rely on transferring global unit values to the local context, but the reliability of this approach depends on the representativeness of the large-scale average unit values. This study compared local, regional, and global unit values to estimate the values of water filtration, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration in the Grand River watershed. The results showed that the global database provided significantly higher monetary values for ecosystem services compared to local and regional estimates. The research highlights the importance of critically assessing the origin of unit values and land cover resolution in ecosystem services valuation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher Wellen, Philippe Van Cappellen, Larissa Gospodyn, Janis L. Thomas, Mohamed N. Mohamed
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2020)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)