Oil sands development significantly impacts water quality through several mechanisms, primarily by contributing to the acidification of water bodies.
Acidification of Lakes and Waterbodies
One of the main ways oil sands affect water is through the emission of pollutants that cause acidification. According to the references, the process works like this:
- Emissions: Oil sands projects release sulphur and nitrous oxides into the atmosphere.
- Deposition: These gases are deposited into lakes, rivers, and other water bodies, as well as onto the surrounding soil and snowpack.
- Acidification: The deposited sulphur and nitrous oxides become acids, increasing the acidity of the water and soil.
This increase in acidity negatively affects the health of aquatic ecosystems and surrounding environments.
Effects of Acidification
Here are some effects of acidification on water:
- Harm to aquatic life: Increased acidity can be toxic to many aquatic organisms such as fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, potentially impacting the entire food chain.
- Nutrient imbalance: Acidic water can leach essential nutrients from soil into the water, disrupting nutrient cycles.
- Damage to infrastructure: Highly acidic water can corrode pipes and other infrastructure used in water management.
Summary of Impacts
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Acidification | Sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions from oil sands operations are deposited in water bodies, leading to increased acidity. |
| Ecosystem Damage | Increased acidity harms fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, disrupting aquatic food chains and ecosystem balance. |
| Nutrient Imbalance | Acids leach essential nutrients from the surrounding soil into water, leading to an imbalance of nutrients and potentially damaging water quality. |
| Infrastructure Damage | Corrosion of pipelines and other infrastructure due to acidic water. |
In conclusion, oil sands projects negatively impact water through the deposition of acid-forming substances, leading to the acidification of regional waterbodies and subsequent ecosystem damage.
