Natural attenuation and trajectory forecasting of dilbit spilled in Chinese/Canadian waters

Canada’s oil sands are the world’s third-largest oil reserve. Expanding oil exports and increasing transportation of heavy crude from Canada to China poses a growing risk of spills along international shipping routes. Working in collaboration, Canadian and Chinese researchers will investigate 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.