Suchergebnisse

AbstractWhile oil sands production plays a significant role in Canada's economy, the rise in oil sands production leads to increasing water withdrawal, consumption, storage and contamination that threaten the sustainability of water sources, biodiversity, ecosystem and public health. Effective treatment and reuse of oil sands process‐affected water (OSPW) can be a strategic solution for these issues. Membrane technology has emerged as a favourite choice for OSPW treatment with high removal and energy efficiency, small footprint and facile operation, installation and scale‐up. However, challenges also exist for membrane technologies related to fouling that causes a rapid decline in membrane performance. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) prepared by mixing superhydrophilic zwitterionic materials and inorganic nanoparticles into host membranes are anticipated as next‐generation membrane designs with significant potential for OSPW treatment by achieving multifunctionalities including fouling resistance, improved water permeability, selectivity and mechanical strength. Reproducibility and feasibility for large‐scale industrial applications remain important research questions for the production of MMMs for OSPW treatment. This study provides new insight on the performance, stability and durability of MMMs, outlooking to the commercialization prospect of MMMs. The research outcomes therefore can provide valuable knowledge for the design and development of high‐quality membranes with the required characteristics for OSPW treatment applications.

Debate and deliberation surrounding climate change has shifted from mitigation toward adaptation, with much of the adaptation focus centered on adaptive practices, and infrastructure development. However, there is little research assessing expected impacts, potential benefits, and design challenges that exist for reducing vulnerability to expected climate impacts. The uncertainty of design requirements and associated government policies, and social structures that reflect observed and projected changes in the intensity, duration, and frequency of water-related climate events leaves communities vulnerable to the negative impacts of potential flood and drought. The results of international research into how agricultural infrastructure features in current and planned adaptive capacity of rural communities in Argentina, Canada, and Colombia indicate that extreme hydroclimatic events, as well as climate variability and unpredictability are important for understanding and responding to community vulnerability. The research outcomes clearly identify the need to deliberately plan, coordinate, and implement infrastructures that support community resiliency.