Projects
Projects funded under the Multi-Partner Research Initiative:
| Title | Description | Years | Lead Organization | DFO Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ADIOS oil database enhancements |
This project filled information gaps in database records for major oil products shipped and used in Canada and the United States. This online database is easily accessible to oil spill responders, providing them with essential data to support oil spill fate and transport models. | 2019-2021 | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | $182,000 |
Analysis of technical effectiveness of using dispersants to treat oil spills in Canadian waters |
Through this project, researchers investigated the effectiveness of using dispersants to treat oil spills in Canadian waters and built scientific evidence to support regulatory decision making. | 2018-2022 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | $1,888,008 |
Artificial energy by water flushing after dispersant treatment in calm seas or iced waters |
This project tested the potential for enhancing the effectiveness of dispersant treatment by introducing artificial energy through high capacity seawater flushing, typically 15 to 30 minutes after the application of dispersal agents to an oil slick. | 2018-2019 | SINTEF Ocean, Norway | $45,000 |
Assessing effectiveness of bio-based agents for oil spill treatment in Arctic and subarctic environments |
This project assessed the effectiveness of bio-based agents to disperse oil spilled in Arctic and subarctic conditions through biodegradation. | 2019 to 2020 | SINTEF Ocean, Norway | $40,000 |
Baseline monitoring of hydrocarbon contaminants and microbial genomics along the Kivalliq transportation corridor |
Through this project, Indigenous students collected background data needed to distinguish between naturally occurring and contaminating oil products in the environment, which helped determine if natural biodegradation is a possible mitigation strategy along the Kivalliq transportation corridor. The project database contains detailed profiles and concentrations of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon contaminants in sediments, water and benthic invertebrates. | 2018-2022 | University of Manitoba | $780,000 |
Better characteristics of burned residues from field- and laboratory-generated onsite burning |
This project developed a methodology to estimate the efficiency of in-situ burning as an oil spill response method through chemical analyses of laboratory burn residues. | 2019-2020 | SINTEF Ocean, Norway | $110,000 |
Capturing the behaviour of oil on the metre scale: Oil convergence due to waterfronts and vertical advection |
Through this project, computer models were developed based on satellite and drone observations to predict the movement patterns of oil spilled in water so that appropriate options can be used by oil spill responders. | 2018-2019 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $299,999 |
Chemical analysis of oil and oil products and their changes in the environment |
This project studied the chemical composition of oil and oil products and how they change in the environment. It is essential to understanding the behavior, fate and toxicity of oil spills and assessing the effectiveness of various oil spill response techniques. Having a coordinated and integrated chemical analysis approach allows for cross comparability of results across all projects within the Multi-Partner Research Initiative. | 2019-2022 | University of Manitoba | $2,021,958 |
Combined microbial sampler and physical sensor payload for rapid oil spill surveillance at depth |
Through this project, a hydrocarbon pollution-monitoring system was developed, which involved state-of-the art onsite sensors that can be deployed in water to detect, measure and sample oil thickness, type and particle size and then test their integration into autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). The research outcomes will help oil spill responders collect information on the nature, depth and spread of the oil spill. | 2018-2019 | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia | $243,225 |
Comparing recent advances in estimating and measuring oil slick thickness |
This project compared advances in characterizing oil slick thickness through wave tank experiments as well as field testing. | 2019-2022 | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | $548,665 |
Computer modeling to forecast risks, needs and challenges for responses to offshore oil spills |
This project used data on offshore oil spills and oceanographic conditions in Newfoundland to develop computer models to predict the entrapment of oil and gas. This project helped us better understand how oil and gas behave in the water column and how much volatile organic compounds are released into the atmosphere as gas. This information will help decision makers develop strategies to protect human health and the environment from deep sea spills. | 2018-2022 | Texas A&M University | $475,077 |
Controlled experimental oil spills in Canadian waters to evaluate remediation strategy readiness |
This project provided valuable data on the ability of microbes to naturally break down oil spills that wash up on beaches in order to develop remediation strategies in the Canadian Arctic. | 2018-2022 | McGill University | $1,531,650 |
Development of improved adsorption technologies for oil spill response |
Through this project, researchers worked on new technologies that can remove significantly more oil from wastewater than conventional oil recovery techniques. This new treatment will improve techniques to lower oily wastewater to a level acceptable to regulatory agencies in order to allow its discharge at sea. | 2018-2022 |
|
$1,979,674 |
Development of marine robotic vehicles for the characterization of crude oil spills and in-situ burn residue in open and iced waters |
Through this project, two different types of underwater vehicles (AUVs) were developed fitted with sensors for the characterization of oil/oil by-products after natural and/or chemical dispersion and following in-situ burning. | 2020-2022 | Dalhousie University | $280,500 |
Direct and indirect ecosystem responses to oil spills and options for interventions |
This project further refined the Atlantis Ecosystem Model to better understand oil spill countermeasures and their possible effects on Canada's marine socioecological systems. The model focused on major factors of real-world systems, marine habitat and environmental conditions. It will be used to explore oil spill scenarios under Canadian environmental conditions. | 2018-2019 | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia | $204,101 |
Effects of crude oil properties, dispersants and weathering on the breakup of plumes and slicks |
This project characterized the breakup of different oils by a variety of natural weathering processes to further our understanding of the system dynamics of oil when exposed to the aquatic environment. The data collected will help us predict the fate and behavior of oil after a spill, so that optimal decisions can be made on measures to mitigate the adverse effects of oil on marine life and coastal communities. | 2018-2022 | Johns Hopkins University | $850,000 |
Essential aquatic toxicology data collection associated with alternative response measures |
This project examined culturally and economically important species that are relevant to Canada's marine environment, with a focus on the effects of alternative response measures during the species' different stages of life. The data collected from this project will inform decision makers on the toxicological effects of oil spill cleanup measures on aquatic species. The outcomes of the study will increase Canada's capacity to complete world-class aquatic toxicology research associated with oil spills and appropriate response measures. | 2018-2022 | Huntsman Marine Science Centre | $2,830,225 |
Experimental field study of aerial herder and igniter use for onsite burning in drift ice and open water |
This project investigated the effectiveness of burning oil in ice-covered waters, as an alternative response measure for managing oil spills. The research focused on the use of helicopter-applied herding agents to shrink and thicken large offshore oil slicks in drift ice as well as in calmer ice-free water. The findings will verify and improve onsite burning techniques for Canada’s oil spill response community. | 2018-2022 | University of Manitoba | $1,400,000 |
Experimental field study of onsite burning with fire booms to reduce burn residues |
This project investigated the effectiveness of burning oil on Canadian waters as an alternative response measure for managing oil spills. It involved burn experiments and measured the efficiency of removing oil by burning, the amount and quality of smoke emitted, the amount of residue remaining and its physical, chemical and toxicological properties. | 2018-2021 | University of Manitoba | $846,000 |
Impact of particle shape and hydrophobicity on the formation of oil particle aggregates: A combined experimental/numerical investigation leading to the formation of a predictive model |
This project evaluated the likelihood of OPA formation, based on different particle properties (e.g. shape, affinity to water) and oil properties (e.g. thick, light, sticky oil), which led to the creation of a predictive model for oil cleanup response options. The results from this project will be used to develop and test a software program that enables responders to predict the formation of OPA and the subsequent fate of oil. | 2018-2022 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $616,025 |
Improved decanting and oily waste management for oil spill response |
Through this project, researchers identified technological barriers to separating oil from water as well as oily waste management. The results of the project will inform decision makers to improve mechanical oil removal (decanting) and oily waste management strategies in Canada. | 2018-2022 |
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$2,837,999 |
Low sulphur fuels: A new generation of marine fuel oils |
This project focused on improving our understanding of the variability in weathering properties, toxicity, fate and behaviour of LSFOs spilled at sea, which will help determine the effectiveness of different oil spill response options in cold water temperatures. | 2019-2020 | SINTEF Ocean, Norway | $110,000 |
Natural attenuation and trajectory forecasting of dilbit spilled in Chinese/Canadian waters |
Through this project, an international team of researchers investigated the biodegradation of spilled diluted bitumen (dilbit) over time and study microbial activities that occur during biodegradation. The outcomes of this project will facilitate policy-making and strategic planning in support of the sustainable development of energy resources in Canada and abroad. | 2018-2019 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | $250,000 |
Natural biodegradation of oil substrates and impacts of oil droplet size and aggregates on predictive model development |
This project helped researchers understand of the advantages and limitations of natural biodegradation to clean up oil spills in the marine environment. This knowledge will be essential to identify regions that have natural oil degradation potential and to determine how fast oil can be degraded. | 2018-2022 | McGill University | $2,473,459 |
Oil droplet formation from underwater releases with and without the presence of gas at various dispersant-to-oil ratios: Implications for herders and dispersant effectiveness when oil reaches the surface |
This project determined how much dispersant to apply for an effective response to an oil leak from an underwater pipeline in Canadian waters. The project simulated an oil leak from an underwater pipeline and evaluate the impact of an underwater oil blowout, which will aid in responding to underwater oil spills. | 2018-2022 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $899,800 |
Oil spill alternative response measures – toxicity and biodegradation of treated oils |
This project provided decision makers with information on oil spill countermeasures by evaluating their ability to biodegrade specific oil products and their effects on aquatic species. | 2019-2022 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | $1,482,000 |
Oil spill reconnaissance and delineation through autonomous underwater vehicle technology |
Through this project, robotic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) outfitted with sensors measured oil concentration along with other chemical, biological and physical parameters. Researchers used AUVs to assess how sensor and robotic technologies can collect vital data in open and iced waters to help inform Canadian incident responders on the spread of oil beneath the sea surface, supporting Canada’s oil spill response capacity. | 2018-2022 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | $1,380,000 |
Oil translocation project: washing agent-aided shoreline treatment tool sets – evaluation, improvement and development |
Through this project, washing agent-aided shoreline treatment (WAAST) aids were developed to effectively treat and clean oiled shorelines. The project investigated shoreline oiling conditions before surface washing and characterized the effectiveness of washing agents for enhanced shoreline oil treatment. This information will support effective treatment strategies for onshore oil spill cleanups. | 2018-2022 | Concordia University | $857,000 |
Onsite and offsite investigation of oil biodegradation potential in Arctic marine environments |
This project will seek a deeper understanding of control methods and the microbiology of oil biodegradation under Arctic conditions. Collected data will help Canada determine the best method to respond to oil spills in Arctic marine environments. | 2018-2021 | University of Manitoba | $484,000 |
Onsite burning as a response technique for oil spills in Canadian waters |
This project provided a critical review of in-situ burning as an oil spill response technique in Canadian waters, which can be an effective technique for oil spill response in certain situations | 2018-2020 | University of Manitoba | $305,000 |
Quantifying the effect of oil photochemical oxidation on the performance of chemical herders in Canadian waters |
This project will provide decision makers with information on the effectiveness of chemical agents (dispersants and herders) in treating weathered oil in cold climates, which can aid onsite burning and oil dispersion. | 2019-2021 | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution | $637,666 |
Review of oil translocation pathways and oil attenuation and weathering processes in Canadian coastal and marine environments |
This project will provide decision makers with information on the role of fine mineral particles in coastal and marine oil translocation processes and to outline how they vary for different oil types. Collected data will also address key questions associated with currently accepted intervention practices. | 2018-2022 | Concordia University | $4,913,902 |
Risk assessments of potential oil spills in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago |
This project used a high resolution circulation model to assess risks from oil spills to conservation areas in the archipelago. Oil spill models from the project will help responders locate, identify the potential impacts of oil spilled in specific areas and influence decision-making. | 2018-2021 | Dalhousie University | $175,000 |
SCAT and cleanup termination enhancements |
This project developed software that advances the ability of responders to access, analyze, interpret and share Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique data. | 2019-2022 | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | $234,000 |
Small-scale testing of alternative response options for spilled oils in Canada |
This project will help the oil spill response community quickly and efficiently choose the most effective alternative response measures. Small-scale laboratory tests were conducted using different types of crude oil as they weather to a point where alternative response measures are no longer effective. | 2019-2021 | University of Manitoba | $680,000 |
Understanding interactions between oil, dispersants, exopolymers and particles for improvement of marine oil spill response |
Through this project, researchers focused on how oil dispersed by chemical agents are processed by marine microorganisms, which play a role in the degradation of oil spilled in the environment. They will also examine the effects of bacterial molecules and particles on oil dispersion as well as the separation of oil into different phases. | 2018-2022 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | $910,830 |
International Modernization of the CROSERF Protocols for Oil and Dispersed Oil Ecological Research |
This project updated the protocol to align with current testing technology and types of petroleum and dispersant products; addressed ongoing data gaps; and helped standardize toxicity testing across testing facilities. | 2020-2022 | Huntsman Marine Science Centre | $351,842 |
Improving representation of ecosystem responses to oil spills in quantitative models |
This project further refined the Atlantis Ecosystem Model of the Salish Sea (developed under a previous MPRI project) to better capture the way hydrocarbons flow through the system both physically and via the food web; and explore oil spill scenarios under Canadian environmental conditions. | 2020-2021 | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia | $519,425 |
Oil Spill Research Networking Events |
These events included an international oil spill science conference; and an MPRI Research Forum These events helped Canada’s oil spill response community foster international science networking, communication and partnerships. | 2020-2022 | Concordia University | $190,775 |
Oil in Sea, IV: Inputs, Fates, and Effects |
This project supported the update of the previous 2003 Oil in the Sea III report. This is a consensus document on the state of the science for use in decision making; addressing oil in the sea; and informing oil spill response in North America. | 2020-2022 | National Academy of Sciences (USA) | $199,999 |
Ohmsett mesocosm studies for evaluating dispersant effectiveness on weathered and/or photo-oxidized Canadian oil |
This project conducted oil dispersion studies at the Ohmsett oil spill response research facility in New Jersey. These studies evaluated the effectiveness of a commercially available dispersant on oils pertinent to Canadian waters at various weathering states; and new and existing oil dispersion models. | 2021-2022 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $692,300 |
Environmentally friendly lignin-based dispersant for enhancement of oil dispersion and entrapment of hydrocarbons |
This project developed a biodegradable dispersant for the cleanup of oil spills on open waters; and assessed the effectiveness and toxicity of this eco-friendly dispersant compared to a traditional chemical dispersant. | 2021-2022 | Western University | $61,525 |
Modeling the genesis and fragmentation of oil particle aggregates |
This project provided data to better understand and model the processes that impact the formation and breakup of oil particle aggregates; and effect on the overall fate of oil in the environment. | 2021-2022 | EnvHydro Corp. | $242,899 |
Inter-laboratory comparison of protocols for oil emulsification |
This project compared protocols for forming water-in-oil emulsions used by different research groups; and developed a standard protocol that more closely represents the conditions that oil slicks might encounter at sea. | 2021-2022 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $299,999 |
Inshore trials of robotic autonomous underwater vehicle technology for oil spill reconnaissance and delineation using an environmentally friendly proxy |
This project is a continuation of a previous MPRI project. This project involves field testing equipment that enables tracking and mapping of oil plumes, such as autonomous underwater vehicles; remotely operated vehicles; and underwater glider intelligent mission control software and sensors. | 2021-2022 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | $141,542 |
Insights into vertical crude oil movement in sea ice: a 1D model to improve oil spill response and preparedness in ice covered waters |
This project will develop a model to track the movement of crude oil through sea ice. Then, this model can be integrated into existing oil spill trajectory models. Accurate models are needed to understand the behaviour of oil in ice and help better prepare and respond to oil spills in cold-water environments. | 2021-2022 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | $84,626 |
Potential field exposures and aquatic toxicity to inform improvement of laboratory protocols |
This project reviewed current protocols used in laboratory and field toxicity/risk assessment; recommended improvements for predicting levels of impact of released oil on the environment and rates of recovery; quantified and model expected exposures to organisms over time; and explored a range of spill and oil types under different environmental conditions. | 2021-2022 | RPS Group Inc. | $111,899 |
Development and examination of three-dimensional (3D) models to simulate the trajectory and fate of spilled oil in marine environments within a Canadian context |
This project developed and validated a comprehensive oil spill model. The model predicts the movement and fate of dispersed and dissolved oil from surface and subsurface releases. | 2021-2022 | Concordia University | $250,000 |
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