Evaluating long-term global changes in lake sediment metal accumulation

Metal contamination in inland waters is of key concern for lake and human health. Unfortunately, our present understanding of
metal contamination in lakes across the world is fragmented, as long-term monitoring programs are rare. The study of lake
sediments offers an opportunity to address this gap, as sediments preserve a record of the environmental dynamics. Our project
will leverage lake sediments collected from over 400 lakes to assess how metal contamination has changed through space and
time across the global landscape. We are using emerging technologies to quantify metal contamination in lake sediments and
advanced statistical modelling to identify hotspots of change across the global landscape. Our research will develop a more
holistic picture and enhance our understanding of how lakes are responding to human activity. Overall, this provides critically
needed insight into how past environmental policy decisions have affected lakes on a global scale and thus provides a scientific
basis for informed decision-making going forward.

Faculty Supervisor:

Irene Gregory-Eaves

Student:

Partner:

Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Water; Environmental Science and Technology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

McGill University

Program: