Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Small organic molecules play an important role on ecosystems function. For instance, the acquisition of micronutrients (i.e. trace metals) by bacteria and plants is critical to the cycling of major nutrient such as nitrogen and the production of biomass. This acquisition of metals often relies on the release of small organic molecules (metal chelating agents) that actively recruit metals of interest by competing with natural metal-complexes in soil. Besides these small organic molecules that are beneficial to the biosphere, other human made small organic molecules, such as antibiotics and pesticides, can have a negative impact on ecosystems function and environmental and human health. The fate and impact of these organic contaminants in soils remain poorly understood. *Our multidisciplinary research team is composed of researchers from Chemistry, Biology and health sciences. We develop innovative research on small organic molecule dynamics in the environment, including (i) the role small organic ligands on trace metal management by plant and bacteria, (ii) the mobility and bioavailability of organic contaminants (OCs) in water and soil, (iii) the impact of exposure to OCs on environmental and human health and (iv) the development of new wastewater and sludges treatments efficient toward OCs. *Our research relies on the quantitative analysis of small organic molecules that are found at trace concentrations in environmental matrices. Mass spectrometry (Quadrupole mass spectrometer) is the gold standard for the analysis of such compounds at trace levels. The requested equipment will address the acute shortage for high sensitivity quantitative mass spectrometry for the efficient analysis of small organic molecules currently limiting our research. It will also contribute to the training of HQP in analytical technics in high demand on the work job market (both academia and private sector).*The benefice of our research to Canada are numerous; Our work on the role of small organic molecules on metal acquisition by bacteria-plant symbioses will contribute to improve biomass production and allow further development in phytoextraction and revegetation of contaminated sites. Our research on the environmental fate of OCs will provide the fundamental knowledge required to develop sustainable strategies to protect critical ecosystem services such as water supply, soil quality and plant production. It will also contribute to better evaluate the impact of OCs on wildlife and humans helping decision makers implementing appropriated legislations. *