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Characterization and Behavior of Cold Lake Blend and Western Canadian Select Diluted Bitumen Products
Citation:
Conmy, R., M. Barron, J. Santodomingo, AND R. Deshpande. Characterization and Behavior of Cold Lake Blend and Western Canadian Select Diluted Bitumen Products. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-17/273, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
This report summarizes ORD research on two diluted bitumen products. Results improve understanding of behavior, fate and potential hazards of select fractions of spilled diluted bitumen in the environment. Such research is needed to better prepare emergency responders for remediation options and to understand the persistence of dilbit in water. Increasing the knowledge base of dilbit has application in the risk assessments of spills, and allows comparison of the relative hazards of dilbit products to conventional oil products.
Description:
Unconventional diluted bitumen (dilbit) oil products present an increasing environmental concern because of extensive transport in North America, recent spills into aquatic habitats, and limited understanding of environmental fate and toxicity. Dilbits are blends of highly weathered bitumen and lighter diluent oils that contain higher concentrations of asphaltenes (>10%) and lower levels of saturates (~40%). They have unique properties, including high adhesion, and the potential for rapid weathering, sinking and associating with sediments. Information on dilbit biodegradation, toxicity, dispersion and fate is limited and warrants further study, particularly given diversity in dilbit types and weathering state. Recent reviews produced in collaboration by government agencies, the National Academies of Science, academics and industry highlight the pressing need to better understand the behavior and potential impacts of dilbit spills over land and water. To address knowledge gaps pertaining to the behavior, fate and effects of select fractions of spilled diluted bitumen, this report summarizes research conducted within the US EPA ORD on the chemical characterization, dispersion effectiveness, biodegradation and toxicity of two types of diluted bitumen- Western Canadian Select and Cold Lake Blend.