The project aims to examine the potential for use of municipal biosolids (treated sewage solids) as a low cost construction material in the creation of solid soil capillary barrier covers (multi-layer covers that limit oxygen diffusion) to reduce acid generation in mine tailings. The ability for biosolids to prevent water flow and oxygen diffusion through the cover to the tailings will determine whether or not biosolids are suitable for use in capillary barrier covers.

The emission of methane, which has the ability to trap heat 25 times more than carbon dioxide, is lost during dairy manure processing and storage in lagoons before land application. The proposed research shall evaluate for the first time three new methods of reducing these emissions. The methods that shall be investigated include a novel synthetic enteric methane formation inhibitor (3-nitroxylpronanol), Penergetic g and biochar (charcoal) in pilot-scale systems. In addition, the mechanism by which these additives reduce the emission of methane shall be investigated.

High concentrations of phosphate in the waterways cause algae blooms which are detrimental to water quality and fish habitat. The research project conducted by the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Upper Thames River Conservation authority, is attempting to alleviate this problem by chemically altering sawdust so that it can act as a phosphate filter thus removing excess amounts of phosphate. This filtration system is being tested with phosphate-rich wastewater produced from manure at a truck wash operation in the Upper Thames river basin.

Lithium batteries, developed during 80’s, are used more and more as energy sources for electronic devices, hybrid or electric vehicles or other uses. Another application currently in development is the use of lithium batteries to stabilize the energy grid system and energy fluctuations from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Hydro-Québec is developing such large-scale energy storage system based on a lithium battery technology called “Lithium iron-phosphate”, developed at Hydro-Quebec.

The intern’s study builds on an international survey previously completed in partnership with ICLEI. The study aims to test key structural features in the partnerships for implementing community sustainability plans and how these features are related to plan outcomes (i.e., sustainability progress). To study structure features, the intern will test key factors, such as partner engagement, decision-making systems, communication process & monitoring/reporting procedures, and their relationships with outcomes. This will be done through statistical analysis. The ways community resources (e.g.

Recent studies demonstrated that biochar produced from the thermochemical decomposition of biomass at high temperatures without oxygen (pyrolysis) can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil properties, sequester carbon and reduce soil greenhouse gas emissions. However, uniform and safe application of biochar in field is a drawback, due to the low density and particle size of biochar. Thus, the general objective of this internship research project is to produce pellets made from biochar that could be used for soil amendment in order to improve soil physico-chemical properties.

In order to assist the successful implementation of the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan (ACLP), a study aimed at the viability of energy storage technology will be conducted. The ACLP has set forth plans to completely phase out coal power generation, and achieve 30 percent renewable power by 2030. This new, made in Alberta, energy plan is aligned with the goals and beliefs of EQUS. As a leader in environmental stewardship, many of EQUS’s cooperative members are early adapters of renewable energy generation.

Invasive species can have major effects on the landscape, but sometimes their effects are assumed to be negative before they are scientifically tested. The common reed is an extremely tall and robust grass that is moving rapidly into wetlands across Canada. Common reed is believed to threaten some reptiles by reducing their access to suitable habitats, but this has not been tested. In this project, we use state-of-the-art tracking equipment to directly test whether endangered turtles and snakes are forced to change their habitat use in areas impacted by the common reed.

Advanced Chemical Technologies has developed a unique combination of existing processes to create a new method of making methanol. This proposed method actually consumes the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, or CO2, meaning it could help reduce the environmental impact of Ontario’s manufacturing. This internship would involve the simulation of this proposed process using advanced chemical engineering software.

The Great Lakes St Lawrence (GLSL) Basin is central to Canada’s economy and culture, and a primary water source. Several stressors are deteriorating these critical ecosystems. This proposed project aims to lay the foundations for efforts to improve coordination related to the restoration of the GLSL region. The proposed project consists of mapping stakeholders, issues, and existing initiatives and infrastructure regarding the Canadian side of the GLSL restoration plan.