Current Research Projects
Algal Biodegradation of Naphthenic Acids in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water
Building upon a previous COSIA-funded project showing that photosynthetic organisms such as such as algae aid in the detoxification of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), we are continuing to study the algal bioremediation of naphthenic acids. In particular, we are investigating the algal metabolism of adamantane-1-carboxylic acid as a representative naphthenic acid found in OSPW.
Syntrophic Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons Under Methanogenic Conditions
NSERC Discovery
In this project, we study enrichment cultures established under methanogenic conditions on whole crude oil or single hydrocarbon components (such as toluene, methylnaphthalene, phenanthrene, waxy paraffins) in order to elucidate metabolic pathways, identify and quantify biodegradation and syntrophy genes, and determine key microbial players involved in syntrophic interactions.
Sustainable Crude Oil Recovery: Advancing Technology in Microbial Souring Control and Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
NSERC - CRD, in partnership with Baker Hughes and Enerplus
This project is focusing on advancing our understanding in the area of souring control (e.g., by using various antimicrobials such as biocides, nitrate, etc. alone and in combination) and MEOR applications (e.g., via the use of inexpensive substrates, solvent applications, etc.) with an emphasis on high temperature conditions and in the presence of crude oil. These activities will provide a better understanding of the underlying factors driving souring and MEOR that will benefit the recovery of fossil energy in a more sustainable manner.
Geno-MIC: Managing Microbial Corrosion in Canadian Offshore and Onshore Oil Production Operations
Genome Canada LSARP
This multi-institutional project used a combination of genomics, chemistry, modeling, and knowledge translation approaches to understand the corrosion of oil and gas infrastructure under various operating conditions in order to better predict when, where, and why microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of infrastructure is likely to occur and how to best mitigate MIC.
Completed 2022
Assessing the Feasibility of Enzyme Technology for the Biodegradation of Polymers Used in Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
NSERC-CRD, in partnership with Dr. A. Sen, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
In this project, we developed enzyme-based breakers for various polymers used in the oil and gas industry in order to sustainably optimize energy recovery.
Completed 2020
Microbial Community Development in Base Mine Lake, The First End-Pit-Lake in the Alberta Oil Sands Region
NSERC-CRD, in partnership with Dr. P. Dunfield, Biological Sciences
As part of a large study to examine end-pit lakes as a reclamation strategy for former oil sands tailings ponds, this project aimed to identify novel microbial processes that help to naturally remediate oil sands process-affected water.
Completed 2022
