The oil sands of Alberta, Canada are one of the world's largest reserves of crude oil. Oil sands mining companies are now investigating the ecological impacts of reclamation strategies in which wetlands are used for the bioremediation of waste materials. To examine the endocrine disrupting potential of chemicals in Oil Sands Process Materials (OSPM), thyroid hormone concentrations were measured in plasma and thyroid glands of nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from wetlands partly filled with mine tailings. Plasma triiodothyronine (T(3)) concentrations and thyroxine (T(4)) content within thyroid glands were elevated in nestlings from OSPM sites compared to those from the reference site. Results suggested enhanced hormone synthesis by the thyroid glands independently of activation of the pituitary-thyroid axis, as well as increased deiodination of T(4) into T(3) in peripheral tissues. This might have resulted from exposure to oil sands associated chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and from environmental factors such as food availability. Modulation of thyroid function might have negative effects on metabolism, behavior, feather development, and molt, which could compromise postfledging survival.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00244-006-0070-y | DOI Listing |
Environ Technol
December 2024
Worley Consulting, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Treatment wetlands have emerged as a potential remediation option for oil-sands process affected waters (OSPW) which contains a suite of organic and inorganic constituents of potential concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of metals in a treatment wetland exposed to OSPW. Data was collected over three operational seasons testing freshwater and OSPW inputs at the Kearl Treatment Wetland in northern Alberta.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Biosci (Elite Ed)
November 2024
Advanced Institute of Technology and Innovation (IATI), 50751-310 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Background: This study aimed to produce, characterize, and apply a biosurfactant as a bioremediation tool for oil-contaminated coastal environments.
Methods: The biosurfactant was produced in a medium containing 5.0% corn steep liquor and 1.
Gels
December 2024
Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil & Gas Development, China University of Petroleum (East China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266580, China.
The utilization of CO foam gel fracturing fluid offers several significant advantages, including minimal reservoir damage, reduced water consumption during application, enhanced cleaning efficiency, and additional beneficial properties. However, several current CO foam gel fracturing fluid systems face challenges, such as complex preparation processes and insufficient viscosity, which limit their proppant transport capacity. To address these issues, this work develops a novel CO foam gel fracturing fluid system characterized by simple preparation and robust foam stability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Genet
December 2024
Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
Although lab-coat genomics scientists are highly skilled and involved in pioneering work, few studies have examined their perceptions on what they do, and how they relate with others in interdisciplinary work. Recognizing that gap, we were curious to talk with scientists about their current work and positionalities related to the use of genomics for bioremediation. Using unstructured open-ended interviews and thematic analysis, we interviewed researchers with diverse genomics-related expertise.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrobiol Resour Announc
December 2024
Department of Applied Microbial Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
Draft genomes of two phenanthrene-degrading bacterial isolates from oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) in Alberta, Canada were sequenced. Both isolates grew in close association on agar plates and were difficult to obtain axenically. They represent novel and sp.
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