Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yue Ju, Chunwei Liu, Soliu O. Ganiyu, Yuemin Zhao, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: In this study, a continuous-flow packed bed electrode reactor (PBER) was developed to reclaim oil sands process water (OSPW). The PBER, constructed with a two-dimensional electrode system (2-DES) and spherical activated carbon (SAC), demonstrated superior degradation of dissolved organic matters (DOMs) in OSPW compared to the 2-DES. Under optimized conditions, the PBER achieved high COD and DOC removal percentages, improved energy consumption and current efficiency, and effectively degraded the primary source of acute toxicity in OSPW.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monique C. Simair, Joanne L. Parrott, Mignon le Roux, Varun Gupta, Richard A. Frank, Kerry M. Peru, Chukwuemeka Ajaero, Dena W. McMartin, John Headley
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive comparison of CWTS performance operated with both synthetic OSPW and OSPW for four CWTS designs differing in plant type, aeration, flow path, water depth, and substrate type. The study found that CWTS planted with Sedge achieved the greatest extent of NAFC treatment and detoxification regardless of design, while CWTSs planted with Cattail and Bulrush degraded NAFCs and decreased toxicity, but required a greater hydraulic retention time. Although synthetic OSPW was more toxic and experienced faster degradation rates, it showed similar trends to OSPW in terms of CWTS design efficiencies and function.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laiba Jamshed, Genevieve A. A. Perono, Lina R. R. Yacoub, Robert M. M. Gutgesell, Richard A. A. Frank, L. Mark J. Hewitt, Philippe J. C. Thomas, Alison C. Holloway
Summary: Exposure to compounds from petroleum and wastewaters in the Alberta Oil Sands Region can impair reproductive health. This study investigates the mechanism by which these compounds upregulate GDF15 expression in placental trophoblast cells.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Robert M. Gutgesell, Laiba Jamshed, Richard A. Frank, L. Mark Hewitt, Philippe J. Thomas, Alison C. Holloway
Summary: The study demonstrates that naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs) from oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) inhibit osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, potentially causing endocrine disrupting effects on exposed wildlife.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexander M. Cancelli, Andrea K. Borkenhagen, Asfaw Bekele
Summary: Treatment wetlands are a potential option for the treatment of oil sands process-affected water. This study investigated the effects of different OSPW sources on wetland vegetation at the Kearl Treatment Wetland. The results showed changes in species composition, decrease in species richness over time, and decrease in leaf length and leaf width, but an increase in plant vigor ratings, indicating resilience of the vegetative community to OSPW exposure.
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
Engineering, Environmental
Kia Barrow, Beate I. Escher, Keegan A. Hicks, Maria Koenig, Rita Schlichting, Maricor J. Arlos
Summary: The Alberta oil sands, a major oil reserve, produce acutely toxic oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) stored in tailings ponds. The potential impact of releasing OSPW into the Lower Athabasca River (LAR) on aquatic environments is not fully understood. This study evaluated the (eco)toxicological effects of organic mixtures extracted from LAR surface water samples using in vitro bioassays. The results showed low bioactivity in LAR samples, indicating a low risk to the aquatic environment. The study suggests that in vitro bioassays can be used to assess the effectiveness of OSPW treatment technologies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angela Hansen, Tamara Kraus, Matthew Landon, Peter Mcmahon
Summary: This study analyzed dissolved organic carbon concentration and optical spectroscopic techniques (absorbance and fluorescence) of oil-field water and groundwater samples in southern California. The results showed significantly higher DOC concentrations in oil-field water compared to native groundwater samples. Multivariate statistical analysis identified 10 optical properties that were significant in distinguishing water categories. Principal component analysis demonstrated the ability to successfully differentiate oil-field water samples from native groundwater mixed with oil-field water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Warren Zubot, Zhexuan An, Chelsea Benally, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: This study showed that using petroleum coke (PC) produced by a Fluid Coking Process as an adsorbent for oil sands process water (OSPW) treatment is highly efficient. Filtration through the PC deposit effectively removes suspended solids in OSPW and reduces the concentration of organic compounds and other pollutants. The adsorption process by PC can achieve over 80% removal efficiency for organic compounds, and the concentrations of elements like vanadium can change with PC contact.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dane Blanchard, Julian Aherne, Paul Makar
Summary: The study found significant differences in water quality among lakes in the Athabasca oil sands region, where some lakes were affected by atmospheric deposition from oil sands operations leading to lower pH levels, while others were influenced by groundwater inputs showing better buffering capacity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hande Demir-Duz, Leonidas A. Perez-Estrada, Mayra G. Alvarez, Mohamed Gamal El-Din, Sandra Contreras
Summary: This study discusses the efficiency of ozone (O-3)-based advanced oxidation processes in treating oil sands process water (OSPW) and reducing toxicity. The results show that high production rates of O-3/H2O2 treatment have the most potential in terms of energy demand and practical applications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel J. Letinski, Asfaw Bekele, Martin J. Connelly
Summary: Biomimetic extraction using solid-phase microextraction is a passive sampling method that can predict aquatic toxicity of complex petroleum substances. It provides a non-animal alternative to traditional bioassays and has potential to reduce vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic toxicity testing. The method utilizes polydimethylsiloxane-coated fibers and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. It is critical to harmonize the application of the method in terms of extraction, analysis, and standardization parameters. The study presents results from a round robin program comparing the analysis of different water samples by 10 laboratories, demonstrating the reproducibility and importance of precise control in the extraction procedure.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zeyuan Yang, Peng Liu, Jian Wang, Ling Ding, Luqi Li, Hanzhong Jia, Tiecheng Wang, Xuetao Guo, Shixiang Gao
Summary: This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from microplastics (MP-DOM) on the photodegradation of sulfamethazine (SMT) during UV disinfection. Results showed that MP-DOM accelerated the photodegradation of SMT by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) through its photosensitizing properties. The production of ROS varied depending on the components of DOM.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
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
Environmental Sciences
E. Mitchell Alberts, Jeremy Wong, Ralph Hindle, Dani Degenhardt, Richard Krygier, J. Raymond Turner, G. Douglas Muench
Summary: This research demonstrates that plants such as sandbar willow and slender wheatgrass can effectively remove Naphthenic acids (NAs) from oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) through their uptake and incorporation into plant physiological processes. The study also shows that NAs can be directly taken up by plants without the assistance of microbes, supporting the potential use of plants in future large-scale OSPW phytoremediation strategies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hattan A. Alharbi, Khaled D. Alotaibi, Mohamed H. EL-Saeid, John P. Giesy
Summary: This study aimed to assess the contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) in biochars generated from different sources and pyrolysis temperatures. The results showed that the contents of PAHs and HMs in biochar were significantly influenced by the feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. Therefore, the effects of feedstock and pyrolysis temperature should be considered in the production and use of biochar.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Benilde Bonnefille, Oskar Karlsson, May Britt Rian, Rubhana Raqib, Faruque Parvez, Stefano Papazian, M. Sirajul Islam, Jonathan W. Martin
Summary: This study analyzed water samples from urban and rural rivers in Dhaka, Bangladesh using nontarget mass spectrometry with open-source workflows. The results revealed over 20,000 unique molecular features correlated with urban pollution sources, mainly from uncontrolled urban drainage. Additionally, several unknown compounds associated with an urban source were identified using in silico structure prediction. The findings provide important insights for water pollution monitoring and further wastewater treatment initiatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannah Mahoney, Jenna Cantin, Josephine Rybchuk, Yuwei Xie, John P. Giesy, Markus Brinkmann
Summary: This study evaluated the toxic potency of PFECHS, an emerging PFAS, on zebrafish embryos and its potential effects in aquatic environments. The results showed that PFECHS caused fewer mortalities than PFOS in both acute and chronic exposures but resulted in a similar incidence of deformities. Exposure to PFECHS also increased the levels of specific genes at concentrations relevant to the environment. These findings provide insights into the safety of emerging PFAS alternatives in the aquatic environment and highlight the potential similarity of effects with legacy PFASs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammed Bourhia, Abdullah A. A. Alyousef, Ghizlane Doumane, Hamza Saghrouchni, John P. P. Giesy, Lahcen Ouahmane, Fatiha E. L. Gueddari, Yazeed A. A. Al-Sheikh, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud
Summary: This study investigated the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the essential oil from the leaves of Withania adpressa Coss ex. The oil contained eight compounds, with caryophyllene, longifolene, delta-cadinene, and carene being the predominant ones. The essential oil showed promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nathalie Irvine, Gillian J. England-Mason, Catherine Field, Nicole C. Letourneau, Rhonda F. Bell, Gerald W. Giesbrecht, David M. Kinniburgh, Amy W. MacDonald, Jonathan Martin, Deborah Dewey, APrON Study Team
Summary: Folate and choline supplementation during pregnancy may play a role in fetal brain development, but studies on the associations between maternal folate and choline levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children have provided conflicting results. In this study, maternal folate and choline levels during the second trimester were not found to be associated with most of the child outcomes, but an interaction effect was observed on executive function. Maternal folate status and choline intake may not directly impact children's intelligence, language, memory, or motor outcomes, but their interaction may influence executive functions.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laila El Hanafi, Ibrahim Mssillou, Houria Nekhla, Aymane Bessi, Meryem Bakour, Hassan Laaroussi, Zineb Ben Khadda, Chaimae Slimani, John P. Giesy, Hassane Greche, Gomaa A. M. Ali, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud
Summary: Recently, processed foods have become an important part of human eating habits. Sesame seeds, known for their rich phytochemical composition, are economically important in many countries. Dehulling and roasting, two common processing techniques, have different effects on the nutritional quality of sesame seeds.
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Asha Rani, Ravi Ranjan, Solidea M. C. Bonina, Mahsa Izadmehr, John P. P. Giesy, An Li, Neil C. C. Sturchio, Karl J. J. Rockne
Summary: This study aimed to understand the sestonic microbial community structure in the Laurentian Great Lakes by sequencing microbial communities at different water depths. The results showed that physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and salinity were major drivers shaping the community composition in the Great Lakes.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Farid Khallouki, Lhoussain Hajji, Somayya Saber, Toufik Bouddine, Mouad Edderkaoui, Mohammed Bourhia, Nora Mir, Adrian Lim, Adil El Midaoui, John P. Giesy, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud, Sandrine Silvente-Poirot, Marc Poirot
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common and deadliest cancer in women worldwide. Tamoxifen is widely prescribed for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer and has both anticancer and chemo-preventive effects. This review focuses on the potential importance of vitamin E in breast cancer chemo-prevention and how it can affect the actions of tamoxifen. The findings suggest that individually designed nutritional interventions with vitamin E should be further considered for breast cancer patients.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Helen Sepman, Louise Malm, Pilleriin Peets, Matthew MacLeod, Jonathan Martin, Magnus Breitholtz, Anneli Kruve
Summary: Nontarget analysis by LC-HRMS is widely used for detecting pollutants in the environment.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anthony J. F. Reardon, Morteza Hajihosseini, Irina Dinu, Catherine J. Field, David W. Kinniburgh, Amy M. MacDonald, Deborah Dewey, Gillian England-Mason, Jonathan W. Martin, The APrON APrON Study
Summary: This study examined the association between prenatal exposure to PFAAs and child neurodevelopment. The findings suggest that certain PFAAs are associated with lower cognitive and language abilities. Specifically, total PFOS and its isomers were found to be related to lower language abilities. In conclusion, maternal exposure to PFAAs during pregnancy has adverse effects on child neurodevelopment.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kalliroi Sdougkou, Hongyu Xie, Stefano Papazian, Beinilde Bonnefille, Ingvar A. Bergdahl, Jonathan W. Martin
Summary: Chemical exposomics in human plasma was enhanced by an optimized phospholipid removal step that increased targeted method sensitivity while also revealing >13,000 new molecular features by LC-HRMS non-targeted acquisition. The method validated a chemical exposomics protocol with an optimized phospholipid-removal step prior to targeted and non-targeted liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method allows for the detection of a wide range of substances in human plasma, including previously undetectable ones, and can support large-scale studies of the exposome.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jihyun Cha, Seongjin Hong, Junghyun Lee, Jiyun Gwak, Mungi Kim, Sori Mok, Hyo-Bang Moon, Paul D. Jones, John P. Giesy, Jong Seong Khim
Summary: Major aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists were identified in the blubber, liver, and muscle extracts of six long-beaked common dolphins and one fin whale collected from Korean coastal waters. The concentrations of these agonists were higher in the blubber and liver extracts, showing tissue-specific accumulation. Five new polar AhR agonists were also identified, and they have the potential to biomagnify in the marine food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pradeep Dewapriya, Sandra Nilsson, Sara Ghorbani Gorji, Jake W. O'Brien, Jennifer Braunig, Maria Jose Gomez Ramos, Eric Donaldson, Saer Samanipour, Jonathan W. Martin, Jochen F. Mueller, Sarit L. Kaserzon, Kevin V. Thomas
Summary: Leaching of PFASs from Australian firefighting training grounds has resulted in extensive contamination. A study identified various PFAS classes in cattle's blood exposed to contaminated groundwater and discovered novel PFASs. Results suggest that targeting only major PFASs underestimates the toxicological risks associated with exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ian G. M. Gault, Chenxing Sun, Jonathan W. Martin
Summary: Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is a complex mixture of organics that has persistent toxicity. A full-scale test of aging OSPW in end-pit lakes and Base Mine Lake (BML) was carried out over 5 years. The toxicity of OSPW decreased with age due to dilution, but the toxic potency remained the same. Persistent toxicity was observed in aged OSPW, suggesting the need for active water treatment to accelerate detoxification.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifeng Zhang, William Shotyk, Rick Pelletier, Claudio Zaccone, Tommy Noernberg, Gillian Mullan-Boudreau, Jonathan W. Martin
Summary: With industrial development in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) in northern Alberta, the atmospheric deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has increased. The main source of PAHs to moss in the region is the deposition of particles from the atmosphere. PAH concentrations in the near-field AOSR sites were significantly higher than those in the far-field AOSR sites or reference sites in Alberta. The major sources of PAHs in the AOSR were estimated to be delayed petcoke and fine tailings. Dust control measures should be considered to protect human and environmental health, especially in the northern quadrant of the AOSR.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)