A sustainable pavement is one that is safe, smooth, efficient, economic, and environment friendly, meeting the needs of present-day users without comprising those of future generations. Sustainable flexible (asphalt) pavements, in particular, are those that minimize environmental impacts through the reduction of fuel and energy-based materials (asphalt cement, for example) consumption, more effective use of […]

As glaciers retreat, the reduction in area available for melting ultimately causes declines in summer streamflow. In addition, evaporation from newly formed lakes and evapotranspiration from vegetation establishment on deglaciated areas would act to further reduce summer streamflow. However, these latter processes have received little attention to date. The objective of the project is to […]

Bioaccessibility of soil sterilants is a limitation in management of sterilant-impacted sites. The term ‘bioaccessibility’ means: what is immediately available, plus that which may become available. Studies have been conducted to examine the bioaccessible fraction of various soil sterilants after different aging periods; however, studies have not been conducted in Alberta. Immobilization technologies such as […]

Introduced Phragmites australis (common reed) is one of the most invasive plants in North America. Existing management is costly, can negatively affect other species, and is often only effective for small infestations. Classical biological control (i.e., introducing herbivores from the weed’s native range) is a promising tool for P. australis management that can contribute to […]

Introduced Phragmites australis (common reed) is one of the most invasive plants in North America. Existing management is costly, can negatively affect other species, and is often only effective for small infestations. Classical biological control (i.e., introducing herbivores from the weed’s native range) is a promising tool for P. australis management that can contribute to […]

Complex communities of bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates are known to be involved in the preservation and enhancement of soil fertility, nutrient cycling, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration, but the details have been lacking. This knowledge gap can now be addressed through new methods, such as DNA metabarcoding, which make it possible to monitor the diversity […]

Complex communities of bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates are known to be involved in the preservation and enhancement of soil fertility, nutrient cycling, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration, but the details have been lacking. This knowledge gap can now be addressed through new methods, such as DNA metabarcoding, which make it possible to monitor the diversity […]

We are investigating the source of dissolved organic matter (or DOM) – a class of nutrients known to fertilise aquatic ecosystems – in two glacial rivers in Canada (one in the Rockies and one in the Arctic). DOM is a very diverse group of different molecules, and some of these molecules are better food for […]

The Canadian Western Cordillera is a glaciated region within Canada which has seen significant glacial retreat due to recent climatic warming – estimated glacial volume reduction by 70% by 2100. As a result of this glacier retreat, depressions beneath are exposed (known as glacial overdeepenings) and lakes begin to form, dammed by the bedrock or […]

Global mass coral bleaching events caused by marine heatwaves are becoming ever more frequent under climate change. Without action, the socio-ecological services provided by coral reefs may be lost. Active management interventions may be required to support the resilience of future coral reefs. The CORALASSIST Lab (UK) is testing assisted evolution in Palau: selective breeding […]

Mountainous environments present a variety of risks to human populations in the surrounding communities. Landslides in mountainous regions are a particularly deadly form of natural hazard due to their unpredictability and potential scale, resulting in thousands of deaths every year. Due to current climate warming as a result of human actions, the risk of these […]

Improving air quality while supporting clean growth and future transportation technology represents a significant societal challenge for Canada and the UK. Emissions of unburnt hydrocarbon (uHC) fuel directly affects public health, and their reduction from vehicles such as hybrid cars require new solutions. Recent research conducted by Professor Cyril Crua’s team at the University of […]