(332c) Nanoparticles for Energy and Environment Applications – Wastewater Treatment

Oil extraction involves thermal processes that use large amounts of water which also results in large amounts of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). Because of the zero-discharge policy, this water cannot be discharged back in rivers or lakes so it is stored in tailing ponds. One of the challenges faced with produced water and interfered with their effective water management is particle settling. Without the introduction of a process or material, it would take these particles thousands of years to settle. Despite the fact that many existing processes are promising for fine particle settling, they lack several properties that can be improved by nanoparticle technology.

In this study, nanoparticles are prepared and modified to promote interaction with suspended particles in the wastewater. The prepared material was fully characterized using FTIR, TGA, BET, XRD and SEM. Nanoparticles provide promising results for the enhancement of fine particle settling making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective process.

Nanoparticles is a new innovative technology with many applications for energy and environment sustainability. They are effective in enhancing fine particles settling in tailing ponds that would otherwise remain suspended for decades. They also promote dewatering in alignment to the Canadian government emphasis on active management of oil sands tailings and land reclamation.