Model performance evaluation using passive samplers at the Kearl Treatment Wetland

The Kearl Treatment Wetland (KTW) is a 1 ha constructed wetland designed to treat runoff wastewater on the Kearl Oil Sands site in northern Alberta. This research studies the reclamation capacity of the KTW, and attempts to evaluate an environmental model that estimates chemical partitioning and removal efficiency. To evaluate the levels of contaminants entering and leaving the KTW, passive samplers will be deployed to capture time-weighted concentrations. These passive samplers will be low-density polyethylene sheets deployed in the water column of the inlet and outlet cells of the KTW. The analysis of these passive samplers will allow us to determine the water concentrations using first-principle calculations that describe chemical kinetics (diffusion) between the LDPE and water. To evaluate the performance of the model, model simulations results and the empirical data collected from the LDPE analysis will be compared.

Faculty Supervisor:

Frank Gobas

Student:

Partner:

Imperial Oil Limited (AB)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: