Evaluating the potential of using a combination of bioremediation and phytoremediation for a hydrocarbon and metal contaminated site

The main aim of this research project is to develop and test a sustainable green remediation technology to bring down the contaminant levels in a hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminated site so that it can be used for public use. Anthropogenic industrial activities can lead to accumulation of harmful hydrocarbons and heavy metals in soil […]

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Quantifying Environmental and Anthropogenic Impacts on Coastline Instability at Point Pelee National Park (PPNP) and Peninsula

The focus of this project is to measure the historical and current rates of shoreline change around Point Pelee National Park (PPNP) and Peninsula. This information, combined with survey, climate, land use, and statistical data, will provide a better understanding on the primary causes, locations, and timings of significant shoreline change trends observed within the […]

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Quantifying community-level responses to anthropogenic landscape disturbance and management using multi-array camera trap data

Habitat loss through anthropogenic landscape disturbance is one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss, yet activities such as resource extraction and agriculture play a vital role in the global economy. Understanding impacts of such disturbances, through robust environmental monitoring protocols, is key to maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Cost-effective monitoring […]

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Examining the operation of Public Pools and Spas in the COVID-19 Era

The COVID-19 pandemic affected every aspect of our lives, and recreational water facilities were not immune to this with several questions and concerns about potential exposure to the virus at these facilities. This research project aims to understand experiences, needs, and attitudes towards the use of recreational water facilities, namely, public pools and spas during […]

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Evaluation of Suncor Experimental Photodynamic Insecticides

Insect pests can cause substantial losses in crop yield and livestock. Conventional insecticides have lost efficacy due to insect resistance and have negative impacts on humans, animal health and the environment. There is a great need for effective insecticides that can provide solutions to these problems and that are compatible with sustainable approaches in agriculture […]

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Accelerated Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage in Mine Tailings

Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to limit the impacts of climate change requires implementation of CO2 reduction technologies across a wide variety of industries. This research project will develop carbon management and sequestration technologies for reducing CO2 emissions in the mining industry with a focus on diamond mines in Canada, South Africa and Botswana. The […]

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Assessment of freshwater mussel species at risk translocations due to river infrastructure works: A case study of Argyll Bridge and the Grand River

This project seeks to understand the impact of translocation on freshwater mussel communities due to river infrastructure works in the Grand River, Ontario, Canada. We will determine the recovery of mussel communities post-translocation, and place them into context with similar translocations from across the region. The work will involve new empirical data on mussel recovery […]

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Rural Philanthropy: Mapping Patterns of Charitable Giving in Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada’s Atlantic Region

With ever-changing rural economies and landscapes, it is essential to identify alternative ways that charitable and non-profits organizations, as well as communities, can be adaptive and resilient to the changing circumstances they face. In partnership with McConnell Foundation and IBEC, this project will examine the environmental philanthropic landscape in Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada […]

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Root associated microbiome of trees growing in a fractured bedrock toluene phytoremediation site – Year two

Phytoremediation is a promising in-situ technology that uses plants and its associated microorganisms (particularly bacteria and fungi) to clean up contaminated soils. The efficacy of these processes however, requires an in-depth knowledge on the diversity of microbial communities closely interacting with plant roots. Several studies have demonstrated that plants growing in contaminated soils select for […]

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Threats to urban-forest sustainability in Halifax Regional Municipality

Our research aims to provide reliable information to HRM’s urban forestry staff for decision-making to enhance the sustainability of the city’s tree population. One student will investigate the factors that contribute to poor health and mortality of new street trees, aiming to assist the urban forestry staff to alleviate these factors in future plantings. Another […]

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CASI Platform, Environment pillar: Benchmarking the environmental and climate performance of Canadian Agriculture

By 2050, agri-food systems must produce enough to feed 9 to billion people, while reversing trends of environmental degradation caused in part by agriculture production. This is no small task, and underscores why countless sustainable agriculture standards, certifications, initiatives and platforms have emerged to encourage and measure the impacts of sustainable agriculture practices. While these […]

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