Development of an optimized naphthenic acid bioremediation strategy in OSPW.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Essex
Department Name: Biological Sciences
Abstract
With worldwide production of light crude oil reserves expected to last ~50 years, there is a need to exploit alternative fuel resources e.g. oil sands. Vast oil-sand resources are already being exploited, resulting in large-scale pollution. They contain complex mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic acids known as 'naphthenic acids' (NAs) that are highly toxic to humans and the environment. During refining, over 1 billion m3 of wastewaters are generated containing high NA concentrations (40-120 mg/L). These toxic wastewaters are stored in large ponds for many years (often decades) before their toxicity is reduced to acceptable levels. NAs can also block or corrode pipes and oil-processing equipment causing further pollution and billion-dollar losses to the industry. High NA concentrations found in oil also reduce the saleable value of petroleum products. Thus, removing NA contamination is of great importance to the global economy, environment and human health. Microbial treatment of NAs has clear cost-environmental advantages. However, the transformation of organic compounds is complex and influenced by a combination of microbial activities/ interactions, biogeochemical factors and the physical-chemical properties of the compound. Our aims and objectives will be to identify the main organisms responsible for NA biodegradation, investigate their interactions, obtain and optimize NA-degrading pure cultures and mixed communities, and validate the rapidity of degradation/ detoxification of NA-contaminated wastewaters. We will follow the degradation process, metabolite accumulation, toxicity, biosurfactant production and microbial community composition. We will design gene probes based on molecular analysis of the main microbes found in the environment, and our new isolates. However, almost nothing is known about the metabolic pathways of NA-degrading microbes (and thus we lack suitable gene probes). The University of Essex (UoE), is at the forefront of research into pollution microbiology, and has significantly advanced of our understanding of NA biodegradation and already begun to elucidate NA catabolic pathways and we will build on our existing knowledge in order to develop suitable gene probes. This study has two potential applications and benefits. A: It will provide a better understanding of the microbes and specific conditions required for the rapid removal of these recalcitrant, toxic compounds from the environment. B: It will provide a better understanding of novel microbial interactions and degradation pathways involved. This study will also have several beneficial outcomes, it will: 1) Provide a cost-effective rapid bioremediation strategy for ecosystems with severe NA contamination 2) Develop cleaner more saleable fuels 3) Identify novel microbes and catabolic pathways with potential applications in cleaner biotechnological processes 4) It will allow gene probes to be developed to determine the degradative potential of other NA-contaminated sites elsewhere 5) Exploit novel fuel resources 6) It may allow possible new discoveries to be made e.g. reveal novel biosurfactants for biotechnological exploitation e.g. biodegradation & microbial enhanced oil recovery, anti-corrosion, oil up-grade etc.
People |
ORCID iD |
Corinne Whitby (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Folwell B
(2016)
Biofilm and Planktonic Bacterial and Fungal Communities Transforming High-Molecular-Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Folwell B
(2016)
Exploring the capacity for anaerobic biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids by microbes from oil-sands-process-affected waters
in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Johnson R
(2013)
Biodegradation of alkyl branched aromatic alkanoic naphthenic acids by Pseudomonas putida KT2440
in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Johnson RJ
(2012)
Aerobic biotransformation of alkyl branched aromatic alkanoic naphthenic acids via two different pathways by a new isolate of Mycobacterium.
in Environmental microbiology
Johnson RJ
(2011)
Microbial biodegradation of aromatic alkanoic naphthenic acids is affected by the degree of alkyl side chain branching.
in The ISME journal
Description | We have developed an optimised process and incubation conditions for the rapid removal of naphthenic acids by over 80% within 10 days. |
Exploitation Route | The data might be used by industry for a large-scale pilot plant for the use in the field for removing naphthenic acid contaminated wastewaters |
Sectors | Energy Environment |
Description | Data from the project can be used by the oil industry to develop bioremediation strategies for the rapid removal of naphthenic acid contaminated wastewaters. |
First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
Sector | Energy,Environment |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | NERC |
Amount | £800,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/P011624/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2017 |
End | 05/2020 |
Description | Collaboration with University of Alberta |
Organisation | University of Alberta |
Department | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have successfully set up a large scale bioreactor for the effective treatment of OSPW. We have contributed to the staff/student training of the project collaborators in terms of molecular biological techniques. |
Collaborator Contribution | They have provided additional training on analytical techniques, access to GC-MS facilities and OSTRF facilities and have provided OSPW samples. |
Impact | A manuscript and patent application is currently in preparation |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | collaboration with University of Calgary |
Organisation | University of Calgary |
Department | Department of Biological Sciences |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Our team has provided training for students/ staff of our project partners on molecular biological techniques. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners provided access to their lab facilities and modelling expertise. |
Impact | A patent application and publication are currently in preparation |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Big Bang |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk and workshop on our bioreactor project for the large scale removal of naphthenic acids in wastewaters |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |