Electromagnetic treatment to mitigate arsenic toxicity in Oryza sativa (rice) to improve crop yield and reduce methane emissions from paddy fields

Arsenic (As) contamination in rice paddies is a fundamental problem that can reduce crop yield, affect human health, and compromise food security. Moreover, rice paddies emit 30% of the methane produced by the agricultural sector. Aerating water during the growing season can mitigate As toxicity and uptake by rice, and reduce methane emissions; however, current methods are energy-intensive, and require costly equipment. EM Fluids has developed a budget-friendly, solar-powered, electro-magnetic treatment device that enhances oxygenation of water. This project will explore the potential of this technology as a solution to the dual problems of As toxicity and methane emissions from rice fields. This research can position EM Fluids to become a leader in the use of advanced water treatment technologies to alleviate metals toxicity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture with potential expansion into other sectors (e.g., soil and sediment remediation).

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Laursen;Lynda McCarthy;Vadim Bostan

Student:

Partner:

E M Fluids Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: