Sanugi Dassanayake
University of Warwick
Project
Investigating the environmental impact of the Athabasca oil sands industry using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry
Supervisors
- Dr. Mark Barrow
- John Headley
- Jason Ahad
- Prof. Gary Bending
PhD Summary
Oil Sands Process-Affected water (OSPW) is a by-product of the extraction of bitumen from oil sands. The Athabasca oil sands industry in Canada currently uses three barrels of water to produce one barrel of oil, which in turn produces OSPW. Due to the high toxicity associated with the contents of OSPW, it is a requirement to store this water in tailing ponds. Evidence has shown that OSPW-derived compounds are present downstream of the oil sands industry. This is a concern, naphthenic acids from OSPW have shown to cause many toxic effects in aquatic animals and consequently the First-Nations people who rely on fish as a major source of protein. In my project I aim to investigate the composition of OSPW and explore different remediation techniques using plants and microbes. I will explore their effects using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry.
Previous activity
Previously, I completed my master’s in chemistry at the University of Warwick. My thesis focused on investigating the ability of slender wheat grass to extract OSPW-derived compounds into its roots using FTICR mass spectrometry. This is where I got introduced to my project matter, where I had the opportunity to continue my work within the same lab.
Why did you choose doctoral research?
I really enjoy the process of research completed within a laboratory setting where I get to explore various ideas and theories. Additionally, the preliminary work done during my master’s thesis was very interesting and I wanted to continue to explore different bioremediation techniques where I had access to world class equipment.
Why did you choose CENTA?
CENTA provided me the opportunity to explore an environmental project that I was already intrigued in, while also providing me many training opportunities to explore other subjects that I had not considered before. I especially enjoyed meeting so many different PhD students also interested in environmental projects from various universities and forming a community with like-minded people.
Future plans
After completing my PhD, I will have the knowledge and skill to either go into academia or industry in a related field. This will likely be in advanced mass spectrometry and environmental research.