Mitigating Phosphorous and Nitrogen in The Bay of Quinte Using Eggshell Bioreactors

The primary purpose of this project is to mitigate phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) runoff from agricultural lands in the Bay of Quinte Area of Concern (AOC) using passive reactors. These reactors are cheap and easy to construct and use waste eggshells as the main reactive material creating a useful product from a waste material. In laboratory studies and initial field studies these reactors have been shown the remove significant amounts of P from water that could cause algal blooms and other undesirable effects on water quality. This project will focus on optimizing larger scale versions of the reactors and addressing practical concerns for stakeholders using this technology. Additionally, this project will aim to help model and mitigate P inputs related to storm events that are increasing as a result of climate change.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Dittrich

Student:

Partner:

AEML Associates Ltd

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: