Concentrations Of Water-soluble Fraction Research Articles

Efficient Removal of Water Soluble Fraction of Diesel Oil by Biochar Sorption Supported by Microbiological Degradation

The contamination of the water bodies by diesel oil (DO) and its water-soluble fraction (WSF) represents one of the most challenging tasks in the management of polluted water streams. This paper contains data related to the synthesis and characteristics of the plum stone biochar material (PmS-B), which was made from waste plum stones (PmS), along with its possible application in the sorption of the WSF of DO from contaminated water. Techniques applied in sample characterisation and comparisons were: Elemental Organic Analysis (EOA), Scanning Electron Microscopy−Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), pH (pHsus) and point of zero charge (pHpzc). In order to increase the overall efficiency of the removal process, sorption and bioremediation were subsequently combined. Firstly, PmS-B was used as a sorbent of WSF, and then the remaining solution was additionally treated with a specific consortium of microorganisms. After the first treatment phase, the initial concentration of diesel WSF was reduced by more than 90%, where most of the aromatic components of DO were removed by sorption. The sorption equilibrium results were best fitted by the Sips isotherm model, where the maximum sorption capacity was found to be 40.72 mg/g. The rest of the hydrocarbon components that remained in the solution were further subjected to the biodegradation process by a consortium of microorganisms. Microbial degradation lasted 19 days and reduced the total diesel WSF concentration to 0.46 mg/L. In order to confirm the non-toxicity of the water sample after this two-stage treatment, eco-toxicity tests based on a microbial biosensor (Aliivibrio fischeri) were applied, confirming the high efficiency of the proposed method.

Effects of chronic exposure to soluble fractions of spent engine oil on the fertility of male Wistar rats

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of spent engine oil (SEO) on male fertility in adult male rats. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 rats, which were randomized into 4 groups (n = 10) and treated for 45 days with different SEO concentrations. Group A (the control) received distilled water, while Groups B, C, and D were given 0.2 ml of 10%, 50%, and 100% concentrations of WSF of SEO, respectively, via oral gavage. Results: The study found no significant differences in the gonadometric indices, sperm motility, livability, and sperm concentration among the groups, except for slight changes in the weight and length of the testis and the mean diameter of both testes. However, the study found significant changes in the red blood cell, white blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and neutrophil values following exposure to SEO. The mean values of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone did not show any significant alterations in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: It was concluded that chronic exposure to SEO-soluble fractions can adversely affect the body’s physiological and biochemical processes, but it does not appear to have any significant effect on the fertility of male rats. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the much longer-term effects of SEO exposure on male fertility.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL INDICES ASSESSMENT IN THE SERUM AND LIVER OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS JUVENILES EXPOSED TO VARYING CONCENTRATIONS OF WATER SOLUBLE FRACTION OF CRUDE OIL

The effect of varying concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.05 and 1.0% v/v) of water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil on the growth performance and biochemical changes in the serum and liver of 144 Clarias gariepinus Juveniles stocked into 12 glass aquaria at the rate of 12 fish per tank in triplicate for 90 days was assessed. The growth performance indices of the fish juvenile over the 90 days of toxic exposure revealed that the mean weight gained, specific growth rate, and total feed intake of the fish specimen decreases with increase concentration of the WSF of crude oil. However, 10% and 20% mortality were recorded in the fish exposed to 0.5% and 1.0% WSF of crude oil respectively. The activity of ALT and AST in the serum of the fish were significantly higher (p<0.05) with the increased concentration of WSF of crude oil while the ALT and AST activity of the liver of the fish juveniles irrespective of the added concentration of WSF of crude oil showed no significant differences (p>0.05). The study concluded that WSF of crude oil had adverse effects on the growth performance, blood serum and liver activities in C. gariepinus juveniles.

The effects of the water-soluble fractions of crude oil on liver and kidney tissues of Caspian Kutum juveniles, Rutilus frisii

The lethal and histopathological impacts of crude oil's Water-Soluble Fraction (WSF) on the liver and kidney tissues of juvenile Rutilus frisii were investigated. The LC50 96 h of WSF was calculated at 33.95 ppm. Fish exposed to two concentrations (0.1 LC50 and LC50) of WSF and control for 24 and 96 h were used for histopathological studies. Tissues in the control group and 0.1 LC50–24 h were healthy, and no specific damages were observed. With increasing exposure time (96 h) and concentration (LC50), damages' type, frequency, and intensity gradually increased. Cloudy swelling, loss of cell boundary, nuclei deformation, and congestion of blood vessels were found in the liver, enlarged glomeruli, reduced Bowman's space, and occlusion of the tubular lumen, were found in the kidney. It is demonstrated that the WSF of crude oil can cause severe damage to the tissues of juvenile Kutum, depending on the exposure concentration.

Impact of Zinc and Selenium on Reproduction Profile of Hybrid Red Tilapia Treated with Sub-lethal Concentration of Water-Soluble Fractions (WSFs) of Petroleum Crude Oil

Impact of Zinc and Selenium on Reproduction Profile of Hybrid Red Tilapia Treated with Sub-lethal Concentration of Water-Soluble Fractions (WSFs) of Petroleum Crude Oil

Control of Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and Reniform Nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis on Chickpea

Background: The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis (Linford and Oliveiro) have been found consistently associated with plant damage and reduced yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), important pulse (grain legume) crop of India. Methods: Seeds of chickpea were soaked in S, S/2, S/4 extracts of rice polish and 0.1, 0.3, 0.5% solution of pyridoxine for 4 h. Four treated seeds were sown in each pot. Three week old plants were inoculated with 5000 M. incognita or R. reniformis larvae. Result: The root-knot nematode M. incognita and reniform nematode, R. reniformis caused significant reduction in different growth parameters (length and weight of plant, number of pods), chlorophyll content of leaf and water absorption of roots. Similar effects were also observed in plants raised from seeds soaked in different concentrations of water soluble fractions (WSF) of rice polish and pyridoxine solutions, however, the reductions were of comparatively lesser extent. Higher concentrations of the solutions were more effective as compared to lower ones and pyridoxine was more beneficial than WSF for improving plant growth and reducing disease incidence.

Pathological alterations in response to water soluble fraction of Iranian crude oil in gill of yellow fin sea bream Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn, 1782)

Water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil can pollute water and cause histopathological alterations in fishes. Therefore, sea water pollution with crude oil could detrimentally impact the fish health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of WSF on gills of yellow fin sea bream. The fish were exposed to 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 8% and 16% of WSF for a period of 21-days. The histopathological alterations were examined in four categories of circulatory, degenerative, proliferative and inflammatory. Inclusion of WSF at concentrations of 4%, 8% and 16% led to significant elevation of total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in water (p 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated concentration and period of exposure as determinant factors influencing the level of alterations in gills histopathological lesions following exposure to WSF in yellow fin sea bream.

Fractionating of Calcium in Tuber and Leaf Tissues Explains the Calcium Deficiency Symptoms in Potato Plant Overexpressing CAX1.

Consistent with reports on other plants we recently reported that a potato transgenic line (AT010901) overexpressing sCAX1 show classic symptoms of calcium deficiency shoot tip injury, leaf curling, leaf margin necrosis and tuber internal defects such as hollow heart and brown spots. The present study was undertaken to quantify calcium in various fraction of leaf and tuber tissues of this transgenic and wild type potato clones to understand the development of these deficiency symptoms at normal calcium nutrition (1mM) and its mitigation at higher calcium nutrition (10mM). Plants were grown in controlled environment growth chamber and watered with balanced nutrient solution containing either 1 or 10 mM calcium. The plants overexpressing sCAX1 showed calcium deficiency symptoms while sequestering calcium in the vacuole as calcium oxalate crystals. Various fractions of calcium were qualified in the young and mature leaves as well as tuber tissue. A reduced concentration of water soluble fraction of calcium was most important factor related to the development of calcium deficiency symptoms in the line overexpressing sCAX1. Furthermore, an increase in this fraction appear to explain the alleviation of the deficiency symptoms in these transgenic plants.Ours is the first study to document the significance of water-soluble calcium in the development of calcium-deficiency symptoms in the potato transgenic lines overexpressing sCAX1. Furthermore, our result demonstrates that an increase in this fraction plays a significant role in the alleviation of calcium deficiency symptoms when calcium concentration in the nutrient media is increased. These results provide important insight on the role of sCAX1 in the calcium homeostasis.

Hematotoxic Effect of Water Soluble Fraction of Bonny Light Crude Oil in Wistar Albino Rats

This study evaluated the Hematotoxic effect of water soluble fraction (WSF) of Bonny Light Crude Oil (BLCO) in Wistar Albino rats. After preparation of the WSF and a range finding test, the Wistar albino rats were administered three concentrations (25%, 50% and 100%) of WSF of BLCO for 30 and 60days. Data from the study showed that there was a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in PCV values (30.2% in the control group to 17.2% in the 100% group), Hb levels decreased significantly from 9.25 g/dl in the control group to 5.27 g/dl in the 100% group. WBC count decreased significantly from 2932 mm3 in the control group to 136 mm3 in the 100% group and finally RBC count decreased significantly from 241.8E4 mm3 to 567 mm3 with increasing concentrations in the treatment groups after 60days administration. These results suggest that the oral consumption of the WSF of BLCO led to an onset of anaemia which indicates the presence of less than normal concentrations of PCV, Hb and RBC.

Nephrotoxicological Effect of Water Soluble Fraction of Bonny Light Crude Oil in Wistar Albino Rats

This study evaluated the Nephrotoxic effect of water soluble fraction (WSF) of Bonny Light Crude Oil (BLCO). After preparation of the WSF and a range finding test, the Wistar albino rats were administered three concentrations (25%, 50% and 100%) of WSF of BLCO for 30 and 60days. Data from the study showed that Urea concentration increased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing dose of BLCO ranging from 14.71 mg/dl in the control to 35.28 mg/dl in the 100% group after 30days and 14.28 mg/dl in the control to 41.08mg/dl in the 100% group after 60days, Creatinine concentration increased significantly (p≤0.05) from 0.22 mg/dl in the control to 0.82mg/dl in the 100% group after 60 days administration while electrolyte (Na, K, Cl) concentration increased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing dose of BLCO after 60days administration. Histopathological examination of the kidney was characterized by partial partitioning of the glomerular tufts, obliteration of the Bowman’s capsule and distortion of the renal tubules. The findings in this research suggest that WSF of BLCO induced nephrotoxicity.

Effects of the water-soluble fraction of a crude oil on freshwater meiofauna and nematode assemblages

Oil water-soluble fractions (WSFs) compounds have low persistence in water; evaporating in a matter of hours to days. Nonetheless, they pose high toxicity to exposed biota. Their effects may be instantaneous or delayed, affecting, respectively, mainly survival vs growth and reproduction. We investigated the effects of crude oil WSFs on freshwater meiobenthos, with a focus on nematode assemblages, in community microcosm experiments lasting 15 weeks. Treatments consisted of the application of different concentrations of oil WSFs, i.e. high (100%) medium (50%) and low (10%), and effects were assessed one, three, nine and 15 weeks after contamination, allowing us to detect both short-term and lasting effects of oil-WSF. Additionally, we compared the effects of a single contamination event with those of a so-called ‘constant’ oil-WSF contamination where we replenished evaporated water with water containing the medium concentration of oil WSF. Next to nematodes, the most abundant meiofaunal taxa were rotifers, gastrotrichs, oligochaetes and tardigrades. Total abundance, different diversity indices, the composition of feeding-types and the age structure were investigated in the assessment of direct oil effects on the structure of nematode assemblages. Limited immediate effects were observed, except for a significant decrease of the index of taxonomic distinctness, which already appeared in the first week. Significant impacts on total nematode abundance, diversity and species composition only became apparent after 9–15 weeks of incubation, indicating that delayed effects of a single exposure are far more pronounced than instantaneous effects. Moreover, for most response variables, the strongest impacts were not observed in the highest-concentration treatment, but in a medium-concentration treatment with regular replenishment of oil WSF, suggesting that internal exposure may be important in generating effects. Furthermore, the predictability of the sensitivity of individual species was sometimes poor, which may not only result from these species' sensitivities, but also from alterations in interspecific interactions in polluted communities. Further toxicity tests should be carried out in order to unravel the main modes of action of crude oil WSF which lead to the observed long-term sublethal effects on nematode communities.

Toxicity of Water Soluble Fractions of Petroleum Crude Oil and its Histopathological Alterations Effects on Red Tilapia Fish

Five treatments including control and four concentrations of water soluble fraction (WSFs) crude oil (5 ppm, 6 ppm, 8 ppm and 10 ppm) were made. Triplicate and ten fish of red tilapiawith an average weight of 8g ± 1.5 were incubated for 96 hours. The 96 hours LC50 was determined (5.25ppm). Histopathological examination of the fish was made for liver, gills, kidney, male gonad and female gonad. Liver showed congestion of blood vessels and hepatic sinusoids with focal necrotic changes of hepatocytes. Gills showed congestion of blood vessels, hyperplasia and adhesion of secondary gill lamellae. Kidney showed congestion of blood vessels and degeneration of renal tubules. Male gonad showed degeneration and necrosis of some seminiferous tubules, edema and severe reduction in all spermatogenic stages and degeneration and Female gonad showed severe necrosis of developmental stages of oocytes along with degenerated mature ripped oocytes in WSFs treated fish compared to control group.

Mortality of embryos, developmental disorders and changes in biochemical parameters in marsh frog (Rana ridibunda) tadpoles exposed to the water-soluble fraction of Kazakhstan crude oil and O-Xylene

ABSTRACTThe effects of different concentrations of water-soluble fraction of crude oil (WSFO) from the Zhanazhol oil field (Aktobe region, Kazakhstan) and compared to o-xylene, prevalent in this oil, on growth and development of marsh frog (Rana ridibunda) were assessed. In subchronic experiments (7 d), a dose-related increase in mortality and incidence of deformities in embryos were observed. In chronic experiments (60 d; starting from the Gosner stage 26), a dose-dependent decrease in body weight, size and developmental delay by 3–4 stages were also detected. In addition, the content of lipid hyperoxide (LHO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes in liver of the tadpoles were determined at the end of chronic experiment. Exposure to 0.5 mg/L or 1.5 mg/L WSFO elevated the content of LHO by 76% and 86%, and MDA by 47% and 58% but decreased SOD activity by 26% and 49%, and CAT by 35% and 46%, respectively. A less pronounced adverse effect was found after chronic exposure to the same concentrations of o-xylene. In tadpole liver exposed to o-xylene levels of LHO was increased by 40% and 51%, MDA by 11% and 29%, while the activity of SOD was lowered by 18% and 41%, and CAT – by 13% and 37% in the 0.5 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L treatment groups, respectively. Data demonstrated the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects attributed to WSFO and o-xylene exposure which may involve oxidative stress mechanisms.

Toxic Effects of Water Soluble Fractions of Crude Oil, Diesel and Gasoline on Ceratophyllum Demersum

Abstract- Oil exploration and exploitation has resulted in oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This study investigated the toxicity of water soluble fractions (WSFs) of crude oil, diesel fuel and gasoline on Ceratophyllum demersum (L). The parameters measured include fresh weight, biomass production and relative growth rate. The water soluble fractions concentrations used were 25%, 50% 100% for crude oil and diesel and 5%, 10%, 20% were used for gasoline. Results from the study showed that at 25% WSF of crude oil and diesel fuel and 5% WSF of gasoline, there was significant increase (P < 0.05) in fresh weight, biomass production and relative growth rate of Ceratophyllum demersum. While increase in concentration resulted in decrease in the growth parameters. High concentrations of Water Soluble Fractions of gasoline were the most toxic followed by diesel fuel. This study showed that low concentration of water soluble fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons enhanced growth while high concentration was toxic to the aquatic macrophyte. 
 Keywords: Crude oil, diesel, gasoline, Ceratophyllum demersum.

Effect of Water-Soluble Fraction of Petroleum Hydrocarbon on the Growth and Sporulation of <i>Botryodiplodia theobromae</i> (Pat.)

The control of fungal pathogens of economic crops in soil is crucial to sustainable food production and distribution. In this study, the effect of aqueous fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons was investigated on the growth and sporulation of Botryodiplodia theobromae (Pat.), a common fungal pathogen isolated from rotten cassava tubers. The fungal isolates were subjected to graded concentrations of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil and monitored for their effects on the mycelial growth and spore germination using standard mycological media and techniques. Results revealed that the biological effects of the chemical fraction were concentration dependent and significant at P = 0.01 and 0.05 when compared with the controls. After 5 h, the least inhibitory effect against the spore germination was observed by the 1 mL WSF concentration with 87% spore germination. The effects were significantly different (P 0.05) at higher concentrations. Findings from this study suggest that aqueous soluble fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons can significantly inhibit the spores and mycelium growth of B. theobromae (Pat.). Thus, they could be exploited as template for biosynthesis of potential fungicide against the test phytopathogens.

Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Water-Soluble Fraction of Petroleum on the Innate Immune System of Marine Fish Rachycentron Canadum (Linnaeus, 1766)

Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Water-Soluble Fraction of Petroleum on the Innate Immune System of Marine Fish Rachycentron Canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) Petroleum is a natural product derived from the decomposition of organic matter. With increasing exploration, production and transportation of petroleum, the spill accident occurrence in the marine environment has become routine. After the shedding occur various physical, chemical and biological processes that result in the water-soluble fraction formation of petroleum, rich in hydrocarbon, molecules that are toxic to fish. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sublethal concentration of 0.3 ppm of the petroleum WSF in the innate immune system parameters of Rachycentron canadum, after the periods of 7 and 14 days. It was used after the normality test, statistical analysis ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD (significant difference: p<0.05). The differential leukocyte count showed an increased number of total leukocytes after 7 days and decreased after 14 days of exposure. Consequently, there is a decrease in the number of erythrocytes in 7 days and an increase after 14 days. The activity of the lysozyme enzyme in animals of group exposed for 14 days was higher compared to the animals of control group. There were, also, changes in gill and kidney tissues after morphometric and histological analysis in animals exposed to WSF of petroleum for 7 and 14 days. It was concluded that the sublethal concentration of 0.3 ppm of the WSF of petroleum alters parameters of the innate immune system of Rachycentron canadum that may cause immunosuppression. This study allows more efficient environmental monitoring on the Brazilian coast.

The effect of the water soluble fraction of crude oil on survival, physiology and behaviour of Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus (Yakovlev, 1870)

The water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil is a complex and toxic mixture of hydrocarbons that aquatic organisms directly encounter in oil spills. WSF plays an important role in the toxicity of crude oil to aquatic organisms. In the present study, the effects of WSF on juvenile Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus, at lethal and sub-lethal level was investigated. The lethality of WSF on R. caspicus was studied by conducting 96h LC50 tests with semi-static exposure methods with 6 and 24h solution renewals. The 96h LC50 of WSF was estimated at 62.5% and 35.9% WSF concentrations for 24h and 6h renewal methods, respectively. To investigate the sub-lethal effect of WSF on R. caspicus, fish were exposed to 62.5, 31.3, and 6.3% concentrations of WSF for 24h and changes in their respiration rate and swimming activity was monitored during the exposure. At the end of the exposure period, four hematologic parameters [O2 and CO2 pressures (pO2 and pCO2), hematocrit, and hemoglobin content] of the fish were measured. The result of the behavioural experiment revealed that all three studied concentrations of WSF elevated the respiration rate and reduced the swimming activity of R. caspicus. No significant changes were detected in the hematocrit and hemoglobin content of the fish blood, but the blood pO2 of the fish exposed to 62.5% WSF decreased while the blood pCO2 increased. The results of this study suggest that the egression of the volatile components in hydrocarbon mixtures during conventional semi-static toxicity tests may lead to underestimating the toxicity of the hydrocarbons. The results of the sub-lethal experiments propose that failure of the respiratory system that leads to asphyxia may be a major mechanism that results in lethal effect of WSF in high concentrations.

The effect of sublethal concentrations of the water-soluble fraction of crude oil on the chemosensory function of Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus (YAKOVLEV, 1870).

The water-soluble fraction of crude oil is a complex and toxic mixture of hydrocarbons. Because aquatic organisms directly encounter it, the water-soluble fraction plays an important role in the toxicity of crude oil in aquatic environments. To determine whether fish are attracted to or avoid the water-soluble fraction, Caspian roaches (Rutilus caspicus) were exposed to different concentrations of the water-soluble fraction in a choice maze apparatus. The results showed that Caspian roaches can detect and avoid 2 mg/L of the water-soluble fraction. To study the effect of the water-soluble fraction on the olfactory function of fish, Caspian roaches were exposed to 3.2 mg/L and 16 mg/L of the water-soluble fraction for 96 h; afterward, exposed fish encountered food extract in a choice maze apparatus. The present study showed that the water-soluble fraction significantly impairs the olfactory function of roaches. To investigate the effect of olfactory system dysfunction on the feeding behavior of fish, Caspian roaches were exposed to 3.2 mg/L and 16 mg/L of the water-soluble fraction. After 4 d, 8 d, and 12 d of exposure, the feeding behavior toward the food extract was tested. The results showed that both 3.2 mg/L and 16 mg/L of the water-soluble fraction suppress the feeding behavior of Caspian roaches. The present study demonstrates that sublethal concentrations of crude oil's water-soluble fraction impair the olfactory function of fish and consequently suppress the feeding behavior.

Effects of crude oil and dispersed crude oil on the critical swimming speed of puffer fish, Takifugu rubripes.

In order to examine the effects of crude oil and dispersed crude oil (DCO) on the swimming ability of puffer fish, Takifugu rubripes, the critical swimming speeds (U crit) of fish exposed to different concentrations of water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil and DCO solution were determined in a swimming flume. WSF and DCO significantly affected the U crit of puffer fish (p < 0.05). The U crit of puffer fish exposed to 136 mg L(-1) WSF and 56.4 mg L(-1) DCO decreased 48.7 % and 43.4 %, respectively. DCO was more toxic to puffer fish than WSF. These results suggested that crude oil and chemically dispersed oil could weaken the swimming ability of puffer fish.

Factors Influencing Stable Isotopes and Growth of Algae in Oil Sands Aquatic Reclamation

Previous studies reported 15N enrichment of biota in reclamation wetlands that contain oil sands processed material (e.g., processed water and tailings); however, there is little information on the factors controlling 15N enrichment in these systems. In this microcosm study, the aim was to examine stable C and N isotopes and growth (chlorophyll a [chl a] and dry weight) of algae as a function of exposure to different sources and concentrations of water-soluble fractions (WSF) derived from tailings. Two sources of tailings including mature fine tailings (MFT) and consolidated tailings (CT) and peat-mineral overburden were utilized to generate separate WSF that differed in water quality. In general, there was 15N enrichment of filamentous algae along the increasing gradient of WSF/nutrient concentrations in both CT and peat microcosms, and among the different sources, algae were more 15N enriched in CT WSF than in peat WSF. Growth of filamentous algae was inhibited at higher WSF concentrations, possibly due to reduced light availability at elevated levels of fine clay particles in MFT microcosms and colored dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in peat microcosms. Filamentous algae displayed lower biomass and 15N depletion in 100% peat WSF. This study indicated that both the quality (source) and quantity of WSF affected algal growth and directly and/or indirectly influenced δ15N of algae. The distinct 15N enrichment of primary producers derived from tailings suggest that stable N isotopes might be useful to trace exposure to oil sands processed material in biota that utilize these resources in reclaimed systems constructed with tailings or natural systems that receive tailings dyke seepage.