Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Temperature changes due to the climate crisis have increased the frequency of freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) in the Canadian environment. Soil freezing and thawing impact soil physical properties, nutrient cycling, and the fate and transport of nutrients and contaminants in the environment. The effect of FTCs on soil physical properties could enhance the release and transport of harmful organic (e.g., antibiotics) and inorganic compounds in the vadose zone. This could negatively affect environmental (soil, groundwater and surface water) and human health. For example, the presence of antibiotics in the environment negatively impact beneficial bacterial communities and promote antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria, which is a threat to human health. The effects of FTCs on nutrient cycling and soil health may also be a threat to food security. Organic amendments such as manure or biosolids can improve soil physical properties and increase the resilience of soil to FTC impacts. However, the amendments could contain and release contaminants into the environment when applied to soils. As a result of the potentially adverse effects of FTCs on environmental health and food production, it is therefore important to investigate the ongoing impacts of FTCs on nutrient and contaminant fate and transport for the protection of human and environmental health and sustainable food production. The long-term goal of my research is to understand the transport and fate processes of nutrients and contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems of cold environments. Short-term objectives are to (1) investigate the impact of initial soil physical properties on the response of soil hydraulic properties and chemical transport to FTC; (2) elucidate the processes controlling soil nutrient and contaminant fate in organic-amended soils subjected to FTC; and (3) determine the effect of thawing rate on nutrient fate and transport in soils. This research program will increase our understanding of the drivers of nutrient and contaminant fate and transport in soils subjected to FTCs, and the influence of organic amendments on soil properties and processes after FTCs. Data generated from this research will also be useful in contaminant fate and transport modelling that is critical in protecting the Canadian environment and groundwater resources. I will train 9 highly qualified personnel (HQP) in fundamental research techniques based on concepts from diverse fields, such as soil physics and chemistry, environmental science, experimental design, and analytical chemistry. My research program will provide opportunities for HQP to interact with collaborators from research institutions, government organizations, and the private sector for networking opportunities and professional development. Well-rounded experts trained through this program will be an asset to Canada and contribute to capacity building in the nation's agricultural and environmental sectors.