Non-target profiling of bitumen-influenced waters for the identification of tracers unique to oil sands processed-affected water (OSPW) in the Athabasca watershed of Alberta, Canada.

We advanced the state of knowledge for tracers of tailings seepage beyond heteroatomic classes, to identifying diagnostic substances, with structures postulated. Synthesis of the four proposed structures is recommended to enable structural confirmations. This research will guide and inform the Oil Sands Monitoring Program in its efforts to assess potential influences of oil sands development on the Athabasca River watershed.