The overall objective of this project was to enhance the understanding of conditions that control the occurrence and mobility of microbes in regional groundwater systems by conducting detailed spatial and temporal monitoring of selected indicator species near a vulnerable municipal groundwater supply system.
This research used a combination of techniques to determine contaminant loadings for the 30 sub-watersheds that contribute to the Lower Fraser Valley. It addressed the challenge of scaling up from sub-watersheds to watersheds, connecting land use to water quality data using GIS, nutrient budgets, modelling, hydrometric and stream monitoring data.
Small-scale rural distribution systems which face the challenge of magnification, have attracted much interest in past years. Challenges facing these systems are diverse, and all incorporate the following aspects: energy optimization in system operation and design; reliable fault and leakage detection; water quality monitoring and control; pricing and economics of water supply; and governing policies [...]
The research team, led by Rob Jamieson, has conducted a field-scale study which directly links microbial contamination of groundwater to specific agricultural activities as a means to address some of the existing knowledge gaps in this area.
This project provides information on the performance and socio-economic implications of Best Management Practices. It also developed strategies to remediate impacts from regional-scale application of nutrients on land, with an emphasis on the magnitude and timing of potential reductions in impacts to groundwater quality.
The project aims to advance understanding in three aspects of groundwater source protection — (1) assessment of aquifer and well vulnerability, (2) assessment of beneficial management practices designed to preserve water quality, specifically in agricultural settings, and (3) economic evaluation of scenarios available to municipal authorities charged with managing water resources.
The objective of this study is to develop affordable, practical, wastewater treatment technologies for a diverse group of vegetables and fruit producers/processors.
Drought during growing seasons can have a significant impact on crop yield, particularly for field crops that are not irrigated, such as forage, wheat, soybean and corn. Farmers are continually seeking better management systems to reduce the severity and variability of drought impacts.
The research team will investigate whether ingredients from consumer goods, ranging from food products to textiles, in waste biosolids pose an incremental risk to the environment or human health as a result of agricultural application.
The interdisciplinary project team will provide the most comprehensive investigation to date on the impacts of municipal biosolids land application on living organisms. This proposed research addresses the critical question: does the presence of biosolids on agricultural land equal adverse environmental impacts?