Distinguishing Natural from Anthropogenic Sources of Acid Extractable Organics in Groundwater near Oil Sands Tailings Ponds
Jason M. E. Ahad, Hooshang Pakdel, P Gammon, Bernhard Mayer, Martine M. Savard, Kerry M. Peru, John V. Headley
Abstract
S allowed for discrimination of AEOs into the three end-members relevant to ascertaining the NA environmental footprint within the region: (1) OSPW; (2) McMurray Formation groundwater (i.e., naturally occurring bitumen), and; (3) naturally occurring non-bitumen. A Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to determine the relative proportions of these three sources in groundwater at both study sites. Although background levels of OSPW-derived AEOs were generally low, one sample containing 49-99% (95% credibility interval) OSPW-derived AEOs was detected within an inferred preferential flow-path, highlighting the potential for this technique to track tailings pond seepage.