Novel treatment for stimulating microbial degradation in oil sands fluid fine tailings: A metagenomic perspective

Open-pit mining of the Athabasca oil sands has generated large volumes of waste termed fluid fine tailings (FFT), stored in tailings ponds. Of great concern with these ponds is accumulation of toxic organic substances. Gamma irradiation (GI) treatment could accelerate biodegradation of these compounds. This research investigates the response of the FFT microbial consortia to GI treatment with emphasis on changes in diversity and organism-related stimuli. This research provides enhanced understanding of oil sands tailings biogeochemistry and the impacts of GI treatment on microorganisms. The outcomes of this study highlight the potential for this approach to accelerate stabilization and reclamation end points.