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U.S. Department of Energy
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Vegetative evaluation of procedures used to treat aqueous effluents derived from in situ fossil fuel processing

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5904817
The effectiveness of synthetic fuel waste water treatment in removing compounds toxic to a rangeland grass was evaluated. Treated and untreated tar sand and oil shale in situ produced waste water were applied to bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) and phytotoxic effects were observed. Different waste water concentrations (volume/volume dilutions with distilled water) were tested to help determine a full range of plant response to these waste waters. Test waters plus nutrient solution were applied daily to seedlings grown in perilite or soil for ten weeks. Plants were harvested, dried, weighed and analyzed for treatment differences using leaf area; leaf, stem, root, shoot, and total weight production; root to shoot dry weight ratios; and survival. Results indicate treated and untreated tar sand waste waters are toxic but not lethal to bluebunch wheatgrass at high concentrations. Low concentrations of these waters stimulate plant growth. All tested concentrations of treated and untreated oil shale retort waste water were toxic and lethal to bluebunch wheatgrass. 46 references, 2 figures, 10 tables.
Research Organization:
Wyoming Univ., Laramie (USA). Dept. of Range Management
DOE Contract Number:
AS20-82LC10917
OSTI ID:
5904817
Report Number(s):
DOE/LC/10917-1735; ON: DE85003365
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English