Influence of redox conditions on the fate of emerging contaminants in groundwater environments

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) have negative impacts on human and ecosystem health as well as the potential to develop antimicrobial resistance which is projected to result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Some examples of CECs include antibacterial agents, artificial sweeteners, and pharmaceuticals. Recently, the presence of these CECs has been found widespread throughout the environment including in our fresh waters. This research will focus on gathering preliminary field measurements on CEC fate and transport in groundwater environments known to have strong redox gradients. This will be completed at field sites near Sydney, Australia that are known to have CECs in the groundwater including recharge sites where treated wastewater is injected into the ground. Solid phase and groundwater samples will be collected and analyzed for CEC concentrations, redox conditions, as well as some other traditional geochemical parameters. Multiple sampling events will be conducted to better understand spatial and temporal relationships between CEC concentrations, redox gradients, and some other parameters. This research will help to better predict the transport of these CECs in groundwater allowing for future remediation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Clare Robinson

Student:

Partner:

University of New South Wales

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: