Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This RTI application is for the purchase of two gas chromatography (GC) analyzers, one GC (Gas) for the analysis of gaseous compounds in gas samples such as biogas, natural gas, etc., and the second GC (Liquid) for the analysis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and hydrocarbons in liquid samples such as digestate from anaerobic digestion of organic wastes. The two GC analyzers are intended to support the current NSERC-DG of the applicant, and the research of 4 co-applicants. The main area of research for this RTI application is on sustainable waste management with the focus on enhancing and optimizing biogas and renewable (bio-) energy production from organic wastes. The analysis and measurement of gaseous compounds as well as VFAs and hydrocarbons in liquid phase are the most critical and pivotal step in generating research results and the evaluation of the process performance. Therefore, access to these analytical equipment is essential and vital for the progress of the applicant's NSERC-DG research and would have significant positive impact on research of co-applicants. The previously existing equipment have become obsolete or failed equipment and need to be replaced. One GC (gas) and two GCs (liquid) have been already discarded over the last 3-5 years. A third GC (liquid) is not functional and beyond repair at present time. The recent and current graduate students had to temporary switch to using vials and spectroscopy. However, this is not a cost-effective way, does not provide the results with the frequency and the level of details needed, and is of environmental concern due to using chemicals. The only existing GC (gas) is also an old and demanding equipment in terms of maintenance. As such, the newly admitted graduate students cannot start working in the lab and the only option is to get new equipment or change the research topic, which in this case some components of the current NSERC DG have to put on hold due to the lack access to the right equipment. A delay in acquisition of the required equipment will significantly impact of the research progress of the applicant and co-applicants. The research programs of the applicant and co-applicants supported by this RTI application are in line with policies, legislations, international commitments, and targets set at both federal and provincial levels to support sustainable development, circular economy, GHG emission reduction and climate change initiatives. Additionally, they support "Creating a sustainable environment", one of the University of Ottawa's Strategic Area of Research. Thus, the requested equipment, as essential instruments to carry the applicant's research program, help both Ontario and Canada in achieving the above strategic objectives, enhance the well-being of Canadians, and contribute to the training of HQPs and job creation. HQPs include different gender, sex, demographic and ethnic background, domestic and international students to promote EDI.