Selenium fractionation and speciation in surface mine

This project will deal with the detection, the fractionation and the quantification of selenium in its many forms (elemental form or in the form of selenide (Se2-), selenate (SeO4 2-), or selenite (SeO3 2-)) in mining waters. Dissolved and total recoverable Se will be quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Quantitative Se speciation will be conducted using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ICP-MS to allow the assessment of bioavailability of selenite and selenate in different plant-soil systems by sequential extraction. This project will bring its benefits to CTRI in terms of industrial wastes management through technology development and technical optimization of analytical methods for Se fractionation, quantification and speciation. In addition, this project will help find mitigation measures for Se treatment for environmental protection in a context of mine industry. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Satinder Kaur Brar

Student:

Partner:

Centre technologique des résidus industriels

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: