Grant: Alliance Grants

Climate change has shown a direct effect on surface water quality such as rivers, streams, and lakes. Extreme events such as wildfires increase erosion, resulting in increased suspended solids and dissolved organic matter in surface waters. Additionally, elevated temperatures resulting from climate change have led to increased ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. People often use sunscreens to reduce the risk of skin cancer posed by UVR. These sunscreens end up in our surface water sources. The proposed collaboration with Prof. Arumugam Sathasivan (Western Sydney University, Australia) seeks to build Canadian capacity in the development of biofiltration for enhanced system stability and improved water treatment performance in the face of a changing climate and the increased use of such chemicals. The collaboration will provide outstanding opportunities for gaining new knowledge from the international collaborator on biofiltration that can be utilized in Canadian facilities. This collaboration will also train highly qualified personnel (HQP) in critical areas relating to water treatment. At the end of the training, the HQP will obtain salient skills such as critical thinking, laboratory experimental design, water quality analyses, system controls and performance analyses, project management, and scientific communication (presentations and technical writing) skills. By helping Canada further our understanding of biofiltration processes, the proposed research will greatly reduce the risks of poor performance or failure in future small water treatment systems for northern small, rural, and remote communities. The expertise developed will facilitate the development of highly trained HQP who will contribute in significant ways to the Canadian workforce. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research project will pave the way for a greener and more resilient future in water and wastewater treatment practices.