Grant: Alliance Grants

Sulfolane is an organosulfur toxic compound miscible in water and used in many industrial processes, including the Sulfinol process developed by Shell. This process is utilized to sweeten sour gas. Sulfolane has been released due to spills and improper disposal, and large plumes exist in Alberta, impacting both groundwater and surface water. Despite its presence on a number of sites, its transport and fate, as well as ecotoxicity are not fully understood. Our project focuses on understanding the transport, fate and toxicity of sulfolane to ecological receptors. Our interdisciplinary academic team involves academics expert in environmental engineering, hydrogeology, toxicology and chemistry. This team is well versed to complement our industry partners, which include the site owners (Shell), field and environmental professionals (Matrix Solutions) and ecotoxicology experts (Azimuth). Our project will achieve the following: 1) develop robust analytical methods to detect and quantify sulfolane and other co-contaminants present (such as non soluble organic solvents), enabling their temporal and spatial mapping on impacted sites; 2) elucidate the mechanisms of sulfolane transport and understand biotic and abiotic transformation of sulfolane, through integrated lab and field studies; 3) asses the ecotoxicity of sulfolane, in the presence and absence of co-contaminants. The knowledge gained during this project will enable predicting sulfolane risks in the environment, and informing site management for sites owned both by Shell and others. It may also aid in identifying suitable remedial strategies and developing improved regulation in Canada.