Treatment of Oil Sands’ Mature Fine Tailings Using Advanced Wet Air Oxidation (WAO) and Wet Air Peroxide Oxidation (WAPO)

Mature Fine Tailings (MFT) generated from oil sands processing represent a growing environmental issue, as settling of these tailings’ emulsion can take decades, increasing the risk toxic material’s leaching if left untreated. This study uses advanced wet air oxidation (WAO) and peroxide (WAPO) to break down MFT emulsions for faster settling. Three time intervals (5, 15, 30 min) were investigated using compressed hydrogen in pressurized vessel 3.1–3.4 MPa internal pressure at 200 °C temperature. The results showed that WAO process was able emulsion, release trapped water, recover residual bitumen. WAPO much breaking emulsion; however, presence extra oxidants also resulted degradation 5 min interval found be sufficient emulsions, separating water soil particles, recovering bitumen under tested conditions. proved efficient by degrading all inorganic carbon, whereas 70% dissolved organic carbon recovered after comprised only low molecular weight biodegradable hydrocarbons. Therefore, capable allowing tailings, with added benefit