Research

What we do

The group has particular expertise in environments influenced by mining and oil sands operations, where complex water chemistry, variable environmental conditions, and long time scales present unique scientific and regulatory challenges. Research outcomes are frequently used to inform environmental management strategies, industry best practices, and Canadian water quality guidelines.

Key Research Themes

• The fate, transport, and toxicity of trace elements such as selenium, uranium, and radium in aquatic systems
• The role of chemical speciation and water quality variables (e.g., pH, hardness) in controlling bioavailability and toxicity
• Food‑web transfer of contaminants and associated ecological risks
• Evaluation of remediation and reclamation strategies, including oil sands end‑pit lakes
• Development and application of advanced analytical methods for water, sediment, and biological tissues