SolarPass & Wetlands Pilot Report Published

Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) may require treatment of dissolved organic compounds, such as naphthenic acid fraction components (NAFCs). To this end, H2nanO has developed the SolarPass™ solar photocatalytic passive water treatment solution. SolarPass uses buoyant photocatalyst (BPC) beads, which naturally float at the water surface and absorb sunlight to passively generate powerful oxidants from water, capable of degrading even the most persistent contaminants. To demonstrate a more comprehensive treatment system for oil sands reclamation and closure, SolarPass was evaluated as part of a hybrid system with downstream constructed wetlands.

Key Report Highlights:

1. SolarPass enables comprehensive COPC treatment: SolarPass simultaneously removed multiple organic and inorganic COPCs in OSPW, including NAFCs, PAHs, hydrocarbons, and select trace elements. This multi-target treatment capability positions SolarPass as a promising technology for meeting potential future regulatory guidelines for OSPW treatment.
2. Hybrid SolarPass-wetland systems offer synergistic benefits: SolarPass combined with constructed wetlands provided more comprehensive treatment than either technology alone.
3. SolarPass improves wetland sustainability: SolarPass pre-treatment improved wetland health, enhancing the long-term viability and treatment efficacy of constructed wetlands in oil sands reclamation strategies.

Read the 2023 COSIA Water Mining Research Report (Page 128)