Our people

My research focuses on carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycling in small lakes, streams, and rivers. I utilize stable isotopes and simple mathematical models to provide information on natural processes and to develop scientific tools for resouce managers.

My project looks at the variability in natural dissolved organic matter (DOM), with the objective of distinguishing indicators of labile DOM. Liquid Chromatography-Organic Carbon Detection (LC-OCD) uses a size-exclusion method to provide a highly detailed analysis of DOM composition. My research uses the LC-OCD to classify a variety of surface and ground water environments, with the aim to observe differences in composition between environments, as well as to identify components which may indicate the overall lability of DOC.

My research is part of a larger project that aims to link cycles of Oxygen, Nitrogen and Phosphorus in impacted rivers and assess the response to changes in wastewater treatment plant effluent. My contribution deals with the plumes developing immediately downstream of treatment plants in the Grand River Watershed (Kitchener-Waterloo Area). I am specifically interested in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (Ammonium, Nitrate and Nitrite). I expect to contribute to the knowledge of the biogeochemical cycles in rivers in urbanized areas, for this is an unique oportunity to study changes in a river that receives different quality of effluents.