Poster Details
EFFECTS OF SUBLETHAL NAPHTHENIC ACID EXPOSURE ON THE METABOLOME OF HEXAGENIA SPP.
Naphthenic acids (NAs) and their associated naphthenate salts are present in oil sands process waters (OSPW) in concentrations of up to 120 mg/L. Discharge of OSPW to the environment is currently prohibited. However, potential for future discharge does exist as OSPW volumes continue to increase with no definitive plan for disposal or remediation. Thus, knowledge regarding the potential environmental effects of NA exposure is needed. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of NA exposure on the growth, survival, and metabolome of Hexagenia spp. using a controlled microcosm experiment. Hexagenia spp. were exposed for 21 days to a gradient of NA concentrations (0-0.1mg/L) in 2-L microcosms. No differences in growth or survival were detected among NA concentrations. Preliminary results of metabolomic analyses on whole organism tissue revealed an altered metabolome at the highest NA concentrations. Changes in the metabolome may be indicative of alteration of biological processes resulting from biochemical responses to stress. Observed changes in the metabolome will be used to inform decision-making processes regarding the future of OSPW disposal and remediation.
Sarah McKenzie (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Western Ontario, smcken4@uwo.ca;
Robert B. Brua (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, bob.brua@canada.ca;
Adam G. Yates (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Western University & Canadian Rivers Institute, adam.yates@uwo.ca;