- 203 views
- 196 downloads
The metabolism of selected organic compounds by microorganisms in the Athabasca River
-
- Author(s) / Creator(s)
-
In this study, the ability of microorganisms to degrade selected organic substrates in samples of Athabasca River water and water-sediment has been determined. Analysis of laboratory-incubated samples using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry has shown that trace amounts (100 µg/L) of m-cresol and camphor can be quantified and a \"50% depletion time\" determined. Sites both above the oil sands region and downstream from the area of mining activity had a noticeably high level of activity regarding the degradation of these compounds. In addition, the incubation of samples taken along a transect of the river just downstream from the oil sands plants showed higher rates of microbial degradation on the west bank where effluents and drainage would likely be concentrated. Other substrates, 2,6-xylenol and methylsalicylate, were not suitable for degradation studies due to depletion caused by non-biological processes. Analysis of 14C-labelled substrates indicated that \"natural\" compounds (amino acids and starch) were degraded more quickly than hydrocarbons and that significant degradation of hydrocarbons occurred only after nutrient supplementation.
-
- Date created
- 1981
-
- Type of Item
- Report
-
- License
- This material is provided under educational reproduction permissions included in Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development's Copyright and Disclosure Statement, see terms at http://www.environment.alberta.ca/copyright.html. This Statement requires the following identification: \"The source of the materials is Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development http://www.environment.gov.ab.ca/. The use of these materials by the end user is done without any affiliation with or endorsement by the Government of Alberta. Reliance upon the end user's use of these materials is at the risk of the end user.