The influence of local and global stressors on coral reef ecosystems

Vibrant coral reefs are amongst the world’s most diverse and economically important marine ecosystems, but are also imminently threatened by climate change and local threats, including fishing and pollution. Understanding how these threats impact coral reefs, and the capacity for reefs to recover after bleaching events is critically important. This project will focus on Kiritimati […]

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Assessing habitat-dependent variation in distribution and abundance of aquatic Invertebrates in Alberta wetlands

This study examines the effect of human footprint and habitat characteristics on aquatic invertebrate abundance and distribution among wetlands across the province of Alberta. This study will contribute to ABMI’s work which aims to monitor species and their habitats to support decision-making about the protection and restoration of provincial biodiversity. More specifically, the research will: […]

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Application of Lystek thermal-alkaline hydrolysis technology to fermentation of primary sludge and waste activated sludge

In this research proposal, we are targeting volatile fatty acids production by subsequent Lystek thermal-alkaline hydrolysis technology followed by fermentation. In these two subsequent processes, organic solids will be converted first thermochemically followed by biologically to volatile fatty acids. To enhance wastewater treatment, phosphorus and nitrogen should be removed to a certain level before discharging […]

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Reducing Municipal Water Loss and Energy Consumption through Field-based Analytics, Predictive Modelling and Pressure Management

Water loss through background leakage in water distribution systems is increasingly plaguing municipalities. As the cost of energy to treat and transport water steadily rises, and the scarcity of fresh water in communities becomes more prominent, action to replace deteriorating water infrastructure is critical. The proposed research aims at providing water utilities a cost-efficient method […]

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Process optimization for extraction of compounds from natural sources – Year Two

Various methods have been developed to extract compounds from fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Subcritical and supercritical extractions are the most promising techniques with high output qualities and high cost efficiencies. Running the systems at different pressures and temperatures, the essential bi-product can be extracted from the natural compounds matrix. In addition to their effectiveness, the […]

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Evaluating the Risk of Climate Change and Hydraulic Processes to Linear Infrastructure

Networks of linear Infrastructure, such as our roads and pipelines, allow us to move people, natural resources, and manufactured goods. Common practice has been to utilise historic climatic data to establish deterministic design guidelines for water course crossings. With climate change uncertainly, asset managers are in a position where they are questioning the guidelines and […]

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Occupancy and fine-scale habitat use of five meso-carnivore prey species in the sub-boreal forests of Central British Columbia

Many forest carnivores in British Columbia (BC) meet their nutritional requirements by preying on squirrels, hares and grouse. Although considerable effort has gone into studying the predator species, there is a substantial information gap on the habitat needs of their prey items. Knowledge of prey species habitat requirements provides another important dimension to our ability […]

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Nutrient balances (phosphorus and nitrogen) in Lake St. Charles, Quebec, and the evaluation of effectiveness of remediation scenarios for nutrient reductions on the lake’s water quality

Lake St. Charles is the primary drinking water reservoir of Quebec City, Canada, providing water to about 300,000 people. Over the past decade, several occurrences of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom have been recorded, affecting the quality of water in this strategic reservoir. Evaluation of observed data collected over the past decade indicates that the water […]

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Forecast of User’s Water Consumption

The main objective and outcome of the proposed research project will try to develop a model that will be able to predict the water consumption level of users as well as the station. Deliverables of the project will be reports, presentation and a software solution that will include a model for the forecast of water […]

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Assessing the role of small-scale structures in controlling auriferous fluid flow: Nadaleen trend, Yukon.

Carlin-type gold deposits (CTGDs) are large, high-grade gold deposits named after the world renowned occurrences in Nevada. Despite their economic importance, agreement on how they formed is still lacking. We are undertaking an integrated geological and geochemical study of CTGDs in the Nadaleen trend, Yukon, to better define the hydrological regime that controlled their formation. […]

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