Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

This research program will continue the strong collaboration between Dalhousie University and Halifax Waterthat was established in the first five-year Chair term (2007-2012). In addition, LuminUltra Technologies Ltd.,a leading edge Atlantic Canada based company will join the partnership to broaden the scope and impact of theproposed research. Applied research will be conducted at the pilot plant at the J.D. Kline Water Supply Plant.The pilot plant provides a unique platform for conducting research related to low alkalinity, low turbidity andlow pH water treatment processes associated with many water sources in Atlantic Canada and beyond. The newClean Water Technologies Laboratory at Dalhousie University provides state of the art analytical andmicrobial capabilities to further complement this research. The proposed Chair renewal period (2012-2017)will train 20 highly qualified personnel (HQP), which includes 12 MASc, 8 PhD and 10 undergraduate levelstudents. This research program will provide HQP with unique skills and a broad vision that will facilitate theirtransition into the Canadian workforce, as evidenced by the success of Alumni from Dr. Gagnon's researchgroup.The proposed Chair renewal program has been divided into three research themes, which have the overall goalof achieving safe drinking water in a sustainable manner with a source to tap approach. The three themes areentitled:1.Drinking water treatment plant optimization;2.Maintaining water quality during distribution; and3.Maximizing the environmental sustainability of drinking water plant operations.To facilitate the proposed research program, the Chair will be guided by a Steering Committee and will pursueactive collaboration with experts within Dalhousie University and at the International level. Through thisprocess a robust research and training program will be sustained.