Articles tagged with Oil Sands
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers used foam-entrapped supercritical CO2 to prevent stored carbon from moving back to the surface. The approach shows promise for enhancing oil recovery and reducing CO2 migration.
Researchers at UBCO's School of Engineering have developed a new, faster method for analyzing toxic waste materials using fluorescence spectroscopy and convolutional neural networks. This method can detect key toxins such as naphthenic acids in oil sands samples, providing a low-cost alternative to current methods.
Research by McGill University scientists found that nanosized metal particles from the Athabasca oil sands accelerate ice nucleation, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The pollution is also significantly higher near the oil sands than in a Canadian city.
Researchers have developed a method to extract hydrogen from oil sands, which can be used to power hydrogen-powered vehicles and generate electricity. The process is cheap, with costs estimated at around 10-50 cents per kilo, making it potentially more economically viable than current methods.
Recent studies have identified off-road diesel vehicles in oil sands production as a major contributor to regional levels of isocyanic acid pollution. Laboratory experiments show that these vehicles release up to 6 kilograms of the compound per hour, with secondary emissions potentially being up to four fold larger.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that exposure to diluted bitumen impairs swimming ability and changes heart structures in young salmon. The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is expected to increase oil sands products reaching the Pacific coast.
The study found that fuel extracted and refined from Canadian oil sands releases approximately 20% more carbon into the atmosphere over its lifetime. This is due to energy-intensive extraction and refining processes, as well as methane emissions and land disturbance.
A new study by the University of Waterloo has found that heavy metal emissions from Alberta's oil sands have not increased contaminant levels in the Athabasca River, despite concerns from local communities. The research developed a novel approach to determine pre-industrial baseline levels of metals in river sediment.
Researchers found lower concentrations of lead and other heavy metals in moss samples from the oil sands area, contrary to current scientific knowledge. The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology, suggests that other factors may be affecting lead pollution levels.
A new solar-powered treatment process can accelerate oil sands tailings reclamation by up to 84% and reduce costs. The technology has the potential to also treat municipal wastewater and could make it safer for rivers.
Approval of Keystone XL would increase oil sands extraction, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions, according to a survey of experts. The study suggests that KXL could raise CO2 emissions by 1-40 million metric tons per year, depending on market responses.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers finds that reported oil sands emissions of hazardous air pollutants are greatly underestimated. The team's comprehensive modeling assessment indicates that evaporation from tailings ponds may introduce more pollutants into the atmosphere than direct emissions.
Researchers developed a new model to analyze 'well-to-wheel' greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands and conventional crude oils. They found that lifecycle emissions vary widely depending on project conditions and technology used.
Scientists used satellites to measure nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions from oil sands mining in Alberta, Canada. The levels of these pollutants are comparable to those over a large power plant or medium-sized cities.
New research finds that human activity related to oil production and the timber industry may be more important than wolves in caribou population decline. The study advocates for specific options to control human impact on habitats before resorting to predator removal.
Researchers found high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds along the Athabasca River and its tributaries, with concentrations increasing near major oil sands up graders. The study challenges government and industry assertions that pollution is a naturally occurring seepage.
BioTiger has shown a 50% improvement in separation of oil from sand particles within 4 hours and a five-fold increase at 25 hours. It also reduces energy costs and environmental impact by producing chemicals for industrial uses.
The RAND Corporation study concludes that oil sands and coal-to-liquids have the potential to ease upward pressures on oil prices and expand global fuel supplies. However, these alternatives also pose significant environmental risks, including water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a radar-activated system that uses cannons and falcon decoys to deter birds from oil sands mining ponds, showing promise for reducing bird deaths. The system detects birds more effectively than traditional deterrents and can be used in conjunction with industry efforts to reclaim mines and reduce hazardous waste.