Projects funded under the Multi-Partner Research Initiative:
| Project name | Project lead | Description | Theme | Location | Years | NRCan Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-particle Interactions in our waters of the North (OPI-OWN) | Lake Superior State University, Ashley Moerke |
This team is conducting three research projects to advance the understanding and models related to the fate, behaviour, and transport of oil in northern freshwater ecosystems, with an emphasis on diluted bitumen, and interactions with oil-particle aggregates (OPA). 1) Studying the influence of weathering processes on the physical/chemical properties of diluted bitumen and its interaction with sediments to understand the long-term fate and ecological effects of OPAs; 2) Studying the effects of microbial biodegradation activity in the formation and degradation of OPAs; and 3) Incorporating new OPA data into predictive oil fate and transport models for rivers and other freshwater systems to support planning and response. The results will inform Net Environmental Benefit Analysis on response options in northern freshwater environments. |
Fate, behaviour and transport of oil | Michigan, USA | 2023/24-2026/27 | $646,758 |
| Development of bioremediation and natural attenuation strategies for Arctic marine beaches contaminated with hydrocarbons | McGill University, Lyle Whyte | The project is studying the capacity of populations of native microbes in coastal sediments of Canada’s Arctic beaches to degrade oil spills (i.e., natural attenuation). The research involves surveying at-risk Arctic environments and conducting controlled field studies using in-situ microcosms to identify native oil degrading microbes and the conditions under which they demonstrate optimal activity. The research is also assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of potential clean-up methods, including bioremediation strategies, following a spill on Canadian Arctic shoreline systems. | Fate, behaviour and transport of oil | Quebec and Nunavut | 2023/24-2026/27 | $723,902 |
| Consortium for evaluation of mechanisms of oil fate and transport and response actions (CEMOR): emulsion, oil particle aggregates, underwater release, and three-dimensional modeling | New Jersey Institute of Technology, Michel Boufadel |
The objective of the project is to build a research consortium to advance the understanding and modeling of mechanisms influencing the fate and transport of oil in surface and subsurface spill scenarios in marine and freshwater environments. The project involves six tasks: 1) understanding the behaviour of oil in the environment, including the emulsification of oil under realistic scenarios; 2) modeling the photooxidation of oil; 3) studying the formation and fragmentation of oil particle aggregates in saltwater and freshwater; 4) understanding the fate and behaviour of underwater releases of oil and the application of dispersants; and 5) modeling scenarios of oil release from underwater blowouts; and 6) further developing a three-dimensional model of oil behaviour. |
Fate, behaviour and transport of oil | USA, Quebec and Saskatchewan | 2023/24-2026/27 | $3,100,000 |
| Enhanced understanding of the fate and behaviour of oil for improving spill response in Canadian estuarine shorelines | Concordia University, Chunjiang An |
The objective of this project is to assess the fate and behaviour of stranded oil on estuarine shorelines and develop novel surface washing agents and decision-support tools to support spill response. The project involves five tasks: 1) assessing the sensitivity of Canadian shorelines to oil spills; 2) characterizing oil fate and transport in shoreline environments; 3) developing and evaluating enhanced oil spill response measures on shorelines (including novel surface washing agents based on bio-based surfactants); 4) conducting laboratory and meso-scale tank studies to explore the behaviours of stranded oil on estuarine beaches under different conditions; and 5) providing operational guidelines (including decision support tools) for shoreline response operations. |
Fate, behaviour and transport of oil | Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, USA, and Norway | 2023/24-2026/27 | $1,000,000 |
| Development of smoke suppressants for in-situ burning of oil spilled in inland waters | Western University, Ying Zheng | The objective of this project is to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective smoke suppression system for use in in-situ burning (ISB), a potential tool for cleaning up oil spills in Canadian water environments. The research will focus on developing an iron-based smoke suppression system, testing it in simulated ISB setups, and assessing the potential environmental impacts of the smoke, soot, and burn residues. The goal of this research is to increase knowledge for use of ISB as an oil response tool including application to inland waters in Canada. | In-situ burning and spill treating agents | Ontario | 2023/24-2026/27 | $599,956 |
| Development of ferrocene-based systems for smoke reduction, enhanced burn efficiency and training in their use | Lakeland College, Shawn McKerry | This project is developing a system that incorporates encapsulated ferrocene and an absorbent material to reduce smoke generation and increase burn efficiency during in-situ burning (ISB) of oil spills in freshwater environments. The project is assessing various materials and application methods through phased-testing in outdoor tanks using different oils at different scales (<2 metre to 10 metre) at the Lakeland College Emergency Training Center in Alberta. The trials provide training to industrial responders on current and emerging ISB techniques. The results will inform responders on the potential efficacy and impacts of in-situ burning, facilitating Net Environmental Benefit Analysis and operational decision-making on its potential use as an oil response technique in inland waters. | In-situ burning and spill treating agents | Alberta | 2023/24-2026/27 | $250,000 |
| Development and evaluation of next-generation dispersants for application in Canadian aquatic environments | Memorial University, Helen Zhang | The project is developing and testing two new types of bio-based dispersants, biosurfactant-based and lignin-based, and testing their efficiency with different oils under different simulated operational and environmental conditions. In addition, the project is assessing the biodegradability and potential toxicity of the new dispersants/dispersed oil mixtures in Canadian aquatic environments. The research will inform decision-making on the potential use of bio-based dispersants in Canadian freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments. | In-situ burning and spill treating agents | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2023/24-2026/27 | $800,000 |
| Development and evaluation of Improved low-toxicity surface washing agents for shoreline spill response | Concordia University, Chunjiang An | The project is developing and evaluating the performance of low-toxicity Surface Washing Agents (SWAs), as well as shoreline washing techniques, and developing a guide and decision-support tool for SWA treatment in Canadian environments. The outcomes of this project will significantly improve Canada's ability to address the challenge of oil spills impacts on shoreline environments. | In-situ burning and spill treating agents | Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, USA, and Norway | 2023/24-2026/27 | $550,000 |
| Monitoring and detection of oil in our waters of the North (MONDE-OWN) | Lake Superior State University, Ashley Moerke | The project is developing and testing a novel low-cost oil spill detection system: an integrated autonomous remote vehicle and drone system, with an integrated sensor package capable of detecting crude oil under varying real-world oil spill and environmental conditions in the Great Lakes ecosystem (including under ice). The project includes the construction of an experimental wave tank facility at the Centre for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) for prototype and sensor testing and studies on oil behaviour and dynamics in summer and winter conditions. The provision of real time data on oil concentrations and distribution provided by these technologies will enhance the effectiveness of oil spill response operations. | Oil detection and monitoring | Michigan, USA | 2023/24-2026/27 | $1,466,695 |
| Advancing the monitoring, response, and assessment of oil spills with an integrated system of autonomous marine vehicles, in-situ oil sensors, and predictive models | Dalhousie University, Doug Wallace |
The project is developing and field testing an integrated multi-platform ocean observation system comprising uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) and subsurface vehicles and in-situ sensors for rapid environmental assessment and real-time data delivery during oil spills. The system includes two USVs with differing capabilities and operation modes: 1) a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat-based USV with autonomous navigation for remote operation that is capable of deploying Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and aerial drones and carrying significant sensor payloads; and 2) a small, low-cost Personal Watercraft-based USV that can be remotely controlled in nearshore environments or from crewed surface vessels, and which can deploy and recover a small ROV and/or small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. |
Oil detection and monitoring | Nova Scotia | 2023/24-2026/27 | $1,100,000 |
| Unmanned surface vehicle with modular design and multi-level sensing capacity for oil spill detection, monitoring, and sampling | Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Hua Li | The project is designing and evaluating an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with multi-sensing capacity for detecting and analyzing oil spills in real-time. The USV (5 ft long catamaran hull) can be easily used from any responding vessel or operated from the shoreline. The team is using proven and new methods for detecting hydrocarbons/oil slicks, measuring their thickness, monitoring the concentration of oil under the slick at various depths, and measuring gas emission concentrations. The USV will have modular compartments for different types of equipment that can be easily installed or uninstalled based on the actual needs. The project also involves integrating real-time reporting capacity and engaging and educating Indigenous communities in North America on oil spill impacts and responses. | Oil detection and monitoring | Texas, USA | 2023/24-2026/27 | $120,000 |
| Biological impacts of oil in our waters of the North (BIO-OWN) network | Lake Superior State University, Ashley Moerke | The project aims to advance the understanding of the ecological effects of oil spills and bioaugmentation/bioremediation of oil spills in northern, cold-climate ecosystems, focusing on coastal wetland ecosystems and nearshore areas of the Laurentian Great Lakes. It addresses existing gaps in our understanding of the effects of oil spills in freshwater ecosystems and the processes that control habitat recovery. An experimental mesocosm facility is being constructed along the St. Mary’s River (Lake Huron) that will enable researchers to study long-term, multi-trophic level effects of oil spills and bioremediation strategies under ambient environmental conditions (including harsh winters). Specifically, the experimental mesocosm facility will simulate Great Lakes coastal wetland ecosystems to evaluate long-term effects of oil on the structure and function of wetland communities. This project will inform Net Environmental Benefit Analysis in support of improved oil spill preparedness, response, and recovery decision-making in the Great Lakes. | Biological effects of oil | Michigan, USA | 2023/24-2026/27 | $1,756,000 |
| Generating inputs for the calibration of oil spill effects models: filling data gaps for marine and freshwater species of importance and application of oil spill biomonitoring system | Huntsman Marine Science Centre, Danielle Philibert | This project aims to use advanced analytical techniques and controlled laboratory exposures to predict and validate the toxicity of relevant oils to a suite of aquatic species in Canadian cold-water regions, focusing primarily on sensitive life stages of freshwater species in various trophic levels and habitats. The research team will combine new and existing data with detailed oil chemistry and ecotoxicology to test, validate and improve existing models to predict potential environmental impacts of spilled oil. The project will provide the basis for improved reliability of risk, impact, and damage assessment models, as well as provide important knowledge and tools to improve decision-makers’ and responders’ ability to predict and assess the biological impacts of an oil spill on ecologically and/or commercially important species, helping inform decision-making on appropriate response measures in the case of an oil spill in Canada. | Biological effects of oil | New Brunswick | 2023/24-2026/27 | $645,747 |
| Refining Atlantis to explore potential unexpected contaminant risks to evaluate the resilience of the Salish Sea | University of British Columbia, Susan Allen | The project aims to refine, validate, and apply a “whole-of-ecosystem model” (Atlantis) of the Salish Sea on the west coast of Canada, which was developed with previous MPRI funding to support decision making for oil spill response. This project involves integrating fishery harvest and management parameters into the model and testing the model under various multi-stressor oil spill scenarios with different environmental conditions, oil types, spill locations and fishery management responses. The validated and completed model will be capable of highlighting “surprise” long term impacts and other risks that can result from oil contamination and/or the application of response measures under different conditions. The project will provide important knowledge and tools to improve decision-makers’ and responders’ ability to predict and assess the ecosystem-scale impacts of an oil spill in the Salish Sea, helping inform decision-making on appropriate oil spill and fisheries management response measures in the case of an oil spill in Canada. | Biological effects of oil | British Columbia | 2023/24-2026/27 | $257,044 |
| Long-term effects of diluted bitumen in Canada’s west coast rivers on early life stages of chinook salmon | Queen’s University, Diane Orihel | The aim of the project is to determine the long-term effects of diluted bitumen (dilbit) on early life stage Pacific salmon and their food web under realistic conditions using an outdoor simulated river ecosystem typically used by Pacific salmon for spawning. The project involves: assessing how the volume and timing of a dilbit spill can affect chinook salmon across their early life stages from egg to free-swimming alevin; and characterizing, the longer-term ecological effects of a dilbit spill on the structure and function of prey (benthic macroinvertebrate) communities. The results will be compared with risk predictions based on lab-based toxicity tests to assess the ability of these tests to reflect realistic field conditions. The results of the project will improve understanding of the behaviour and ecological effects of dilbit in sensitive salmon-bearing rivers, helping inform decision-making on appropriate response measures in the case of an oil spill in Canada. | Biological effects of oil | British Columbia | 2023/24-2026/27 | $850,000 |
| Release of oily decanted water: spatial distribution and toxicity of the resulting plume | University of Toronto, Amy Bilton | This project aims to create a model to estimate the distribution and toxicity of treated decanted water, which is the water fraction that has been separated from the oily water mixture collected during booming and skimming operations. The project involves assessing the toxicity of treated decanted water on zooplankton for different oils exposed to different environmental conditions; and developing a model to estimate the distribution of the decanted water plume and effects on planktonic species. The results will be useful to assist decision-makers on if, how, and when decanted water should be allowed to be discharged into the environment as part of oil spill response. | Biological effects of oil | Ontario | 2023/24-2026/27 | $215,000 |
| Determination of critical targeted lipid body burden (CTLBB) for marine species under different environmental modifying factors and realistic exposure scenarios to inform Indigenous- or community-led spill response management | Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Diana Chan | The project aims to advance the understanding of the biological effects of oil on intertidal bivalves, primary producers, and subtidal invertebrates that are of economic, ecological, and cultural importance to Indigenous Peoples on the west coast of Canada. The project team is determining critical target lipid body burdens (CTLBBs) for the studied species and assessing the ability of this approach to predict the toxicity of different oil products that may be released in marine or freshwater ecosystems under different environmental conditions (i.e., salinity, temperature). Intertidal and river microcosm test systems will be used to determine potential latent effects of exposure to oil products under realistic exposure scenarios. The outcomes of the project will strengthen the ability of existing models to predict the toxicity and associated risks of different oil products to important species under different environmental conditions, helping inform Indigenous spill preparedness and response decision-making. | Biological effects of oil | British Columbia | 2023/24-2026/27 | $400,000 |
| Enhancing the recovery of oil from sea: semi-permeable curtains and enhancing the flowability of oil and emulsions for skimming | LGM Canada Corp., Michel Boufadel | Booming and skimming of oil are the principal oil spill response tools used globally. This project aims to improve the efficiency of this mechanical oil recovery strategy by developing new technologies. The first technology is a semi-permeable boom that allows for faster towing and less tow force, and the second technology is a more efficient skimmer that reduces oil slick viscosity allowing the oil to flow into and through the skimmer faster. Small- and full-scale prototypes will be designed and tested in large-scale wave tank facilities and at sea. The outcomes of this project will advance oil spill recovery technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mechanical oil spill response activities in Canada. | Physical recovery of oil | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2023/24-2026/27 | $350,000 |
| Development and evaluation of next-generation environmentally friendly decanting technologies for on-site oil/water separation and disposal | University of Northern British Columbia, Jianbing Li | Waste disposal is a major challenge in oil spill response operations. This project aims to develop and evaluate next-generation decanting technologies for on-site oil/water separation and disposal related to freshwater and marine oil spill response. The research team is developing and field testing an operational-scale nanobubble/microbubble (NB/MB) gas flotation decanting system, with the participation of Indigenous communities and oil spill response organizations. The team is also investigating the enhancement of the system by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles. This project will support decision-making on the potential application of on-site decanting and disposal of treated water during marine and freshwater oil spill response operations in Canada. | Physical recovery of oil | British Columbia | 2023/24-2026/27 | $833,500 |
| Advancing porous materials with high efficiency and reusability towards practical decanted water treatment | University of Toronto, Amy Bilton | This project aims to develop and evaluate sorption technologies for on-site treatment of decanted oily water recovered during oil spill skimming operations in freshwater and saltwater environments. In this project, the research team is focusing on developing new sorption materials with a high affinity for oil and low affinity for water that are durable and can be regenerated or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. The technologies will be evaluated at the bench to pilot scales, and compared with existing technologies based on efficacy and cost. This project will assist in making decisions regarding the possible use of on-site decanting and disposal of treated water during oil spill response operations in both marine and freshwater environments in Canada. | Physical recovery of oil | Ontario | 2023/24-2026/27 | $800,000 |
| Shoreline-circumpolar oil spill response viability analysis (S-COSRVA) decision support tool | International Institute for Sustainable Development – Experimental Lakes Area, Vince Palace | The project aims to develop a web-based GIS decision support tool that provides science-based, location-specific information on the viability of shoreline oil spill countermeasures for marine and Great Lakes shorelines. The S-COSRVA database will be linked with community- specific response plans, which will be developed through the project in cooperation with northern coastal communities. The project also involves developing a set of downloadable job aids for science-based, location-specific information on the viability of shoreline oil spill countermeasures on Canada’s marine and Great Lakes shorelines. These job aids will include a translation tool to provide accurate communication between regulators, planners, responders, and communities in different languages. | Planning and decision-making | Manitoba | 2023/24-2026/27 | $903,375 |
| Building Environmental Unit Decision-support Tools for Responding to Oil Spills that Incorporate BC First Nations Knowledge, Traditions, Laws, and Priorities for Human, Community and Ecological Health | Great Bear Initiative Society |
This Project aims to develop culturally-informed oil spill response decision-making tools that integrate Western and Indigenous knowledge, values, and priorities. Focused on the Northern Shelf Bioregion, spanning northern Vancouver Island to the Canada-Alaska border, the work includes workshops with Indigenous, provincial and federal knowledge holders to identify needs, explore solutions, and test tools using hypothetical scenarios. The project will advance collaborative marine response and foster a stronger and better-defined role for Indigenous governments and the communities they represent to participate in culturally-relevant decision-making for response actions that impact the land, water, and people in their territories. |
Planning and decision-making | British Columbia | 2024/25-2026/27 | $667,172 |
| An Investigation into Identifying Culturally, Ecologically, and Economically Important Marine and Coastal Sites to Mainland Mi’kmaq communities, Including Enhancing Oil Spill Response and Prevention Capabilities | Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq |
The project aims to assist in the preparation of regional response plans by identifying sites of cultural, ecological, and economic significance to Mainland Mi’kmaw communities. This project will develop a robust data-sharing system to enable responders to proactively protect significant marine and coastal sites from oil spills and other hazards during real-time events. This project will help proactively protect culturally, ecologically, and economically important Mi’kmaw coastal sites during oil spill events by enabling responders to access critical location-based information. |
Planning and decision-making | Nova Scotia | 2024/25-2026/27 | $199,716 |
| Vulnerability Assessment on Health Equity Through the Impacts of Oil Spills on Traditional Food Systems | Ka:yu:'k't'h' / Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations |
This project will support the development of quick and effective response plans that preserve cultural and ecological heritage tailored to the Ka:yu:'k't'h' / Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations’ (KCFN's) territory. The project will produce a comprehensive GIS-based heat map that identifies areas most at risk from oil spills, highlighting the overlap between vulnerable zones and critical traditional food systems. The results will also strengthen the community’s capacity to manage and protect their food sovereignty, affirming their right to self-determination as outlined in the Maa-nulth Modern Treaty and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. |
Planning and decision-making | British Columbia | 2024/25-2026/27 | $688,713 |
| A Study of Seaward Transport and Probability of Grounding in the Maa-nulth Domestic Fishing Area | Uchucklesaht Tribe Government | This project will study surface water circulation patterns of the southern Maa-nulth Domestic Fishing Area (MDFA) in Barkley Sound. The project will deploy surface drifters to track the movement of surface currents and determine how oil might be transported through Barkley Sound in the event of a spill. By identifying circulation patterns, the Maa-nulth Nations will have a better understanding of which areas in their territory are more vulnerable to oil contamination and can improve the effectiveness of spill response efforts. | Fate, behaviour and transport of oil | British Columbia | 2024/25-2026/27 | $207,397 |
| Red River Métis Oil Spill Impact Study and Response Plan | Manitoba Métis Federation | The project will map and evaluate aquatic and shoreline areas at risk from oil spills within the Manitoba Métis Federation’s (MMF) seven Regions in Manitoba. MMF will partner with the University of Winnipeg to integrate GIS mapping, Red River Métis knowledge, and existing datasets to identify high-risk areas and develop targeted mitigation strategies to inform the development of an oil spill risk assessment. This information will facilitate MMF’s communication with other levels of government and industry during spill response planning and operations. | Planning and decision-making | Manitoba | 2024/25-2026/27 | $483,783 |
| Investigating Polycyclic Aromatic Compound (PAC) Contaminants in Wild Food in Nunatsiavut | Nunatsiavut Government | This project will build a comprehensive understanding of oil-related chemicals detected in wild foods of five Labrador Inuit communities to identify their potential impacts on human health, ensuring Labrador Inuit priorities are incorporated into containment analysis and cleanup after future spill response efforts. The project will collect baseline data on PAC levels in the environment and food web throughout Nunatsiavut using community-determined indicators. This information will enable community members to make informed decisions regarding the consumption of harvested wild food in areas of known pollution. | Biological effects of oil | Newfoundland and Labrador | 2024/25-2026/27 | $503,847 |