Research Program
Our research focuses on understanding the response of aquatic environments to ongoing environmental changes. We specifically study the coupled biogeochemical cycles of major elements such as oxygen, iron, and sulfur, as well as nutrients such as phosphorus and trace elements such as arsenic, selenium, and vanadium. We are developing new approaches for identifying and modeling the key processes that control freshwater quality. Our work also covers the following areas:
- Fate and transport of metals and metalloids
- Lake response to environmental changes
- Reactive-transport and water quality modelling
Current projects, funded by Sentinel North, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council or Canada, and The Research Council of Norway, broadly focus on the changing dynamics of lakes in boreal and arctic landscapes in response to land use and climate.
Approach
We use a multi-disciplinary and multi-scale approach. We collaborate with engineers, biologists, hydrologists and computer scientists - among others - to carry out our projects. We acquire real-time data and environmental samples in the field, conduct laboratory experiments and develop numerical models that capture processes from the molecular to the lake scale.
We carry out research across the northern landscape, from the Northwest Territories to Scandinavia.
Field work
Our research begins in the field, where we sample aquatic environments, often in northern landscapes, thanks to the network of stations of the Center for Northern Studies. We access our field sites using boats, planes or helicopters, depending on the terrain. We work with local communities to focus on issues of water quality related to natural environments under climate and land use change. You can learn more about some of our field activities on Instagram.
