Investigating the Genetics and Physiology of Naphthenic Acid Remediation in Plants
Date
2020-05-12
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Abstract
Surface mining of bitumen in the Northern Alberta oil sands produces large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). OSPW is toxic to many living organisms, and this toxicity is primarily attributed to a class of organic compounds collectively known as naphthenic acids (NAs). Remediation of NAs is required to meet future water release criteria. This thesis research was aimed at identifying plant genes that are involved in NA tolerance using a novel genetic screen, as well as providing insights into the physiological capacity of plants to take up and possibly biotransform NAs. Six NA tolerant mutants were identified, and the altered region of the genome was identified for four of the mutants. Experiments using labeled NAs were carried out on a native grass species to determine NA uptake efficiency and distribution in roots and shoots. This research provides a framework for identifying NA tolerance genes and quantifying the uptake and biotransformation of NAs in plants.
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Wong, J. J. (2020). Investigating the Genetics and Physiology of Naphthenic Acid Remediation in Plants (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.