Water chemistry, 26 different metals, and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were measured at 21 wetland sites where studies of amphibian health are being conducted. The water chemistry measurements (pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, etc.) are used to further assess water quality, characterize the wetlands studied, and allow for comparisons among the different types of boreal wetlands being monitored.
The data show low concentrations of metals, with many of the individual metals at undetectable levels. Two water quality samples, one from 2011 (with an arsenic concentration of 8.27 µg/L) and one from 2012 (arsenic at 6.47 µg/L) from Galoot Lake, located in the Peace-Athabasca Delta, exceeded the guideline for arsenic established for the protection of aquatic life by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (5.0 µg/L; CCME). However, samples collected from this same location in 2013 (1.29 and 0.78 µg/L) and 2014 (2.21 µg/L) were below the CCME guideline.
Passive sampling techniques, such as the deployment of semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), are being used in this monitoring program to monitor PACs in boreal wetlands. The highest concentrations of PACs were detected in SPMDs deployed within a 25 km radius of surface mining activity, consistent with the pattern revealed by snow deposition studies of PACs in the region. Field investigations continue to evaluate the health of wild amphibian populations at varying distance from oil sands operations.