This innovative research project sought to address microbial contamination of surface source drinking water by focusing on the cause of waterborne outbreaks of microbial contaminants using a “Watershed-to-Tap” framework. Novel methods allowed the researchers to assess community health and watershed events in real-time.
This project, led by Dr. George Dixon, addresses the science of aquatic environmental issues associated with oil sands development that will lead to improved wastewater management.
The project team, led by Dr. Edwin Cey, focused on understanding the transport of pathogens in the Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer, which is a large shallow groundwater resource that serves as the water supply for more than 100,000 people in Canada and the United States, and has a history of nitrate contamination related to intensive agricultural land [...]
The aim of this project was to combine expertise in physical and contaminant hydrogeology, soil physics, aqueous geochemistry and numerical modelling with economics to assess the environmental threat related to contaminant release pathways on livestock farms and to examine the performance and cost effectiveness of alternative management practices.
The aims of the project were to evaluate the effect of non-point sources of pollution from urban and agricultural sources, to develop new methods to examine cumulative effects on watersheds with a focus on trace metals, pathogens, and antibiotics, and to test innovative methods to reduce ecosystem and human health impacts.
The project looked at issues related to the effectiveness of policy and governance of institutions in the Great Lakes Basin. The research developed key studies of the structure and operations of the governance regimes within the region, and provided recommendations for reform including stakeholder input.
Using the Grand River System and Lake Erie as the study site, the research team investigated factors that influence the bioavailability and toxicity of copper, nickel, cadmium, zinc and lead, while considering what effect the presence of manganese and calcium has on metal toxicity.
Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) have been recognized as a cost-effective groundwater remediation technology. The research team proposed to develop and apply a rigorous laboratory protocol to screen and compare different reactive materials for treating contaminated groundwater.
The research project examined how changes in active layer development affected surface water quality in a series of hydrologically-linked basins in the Coppermine River system.
This research explores technologies and management strategies for cold climate aspects of water treatment wetlands in agriculture and domestic applications. The project addresses the core challenges of developing innovative techniques for storm water and wastewater management and rebuilding small scale and rural infrastructure.