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Copper in drinking water - an under-assessed health risk?

Presented by Prof. Susan Gaskin

This project aims to investigate and characterize copper speciation in drinking water by examining how water infrastructure, usage patterns, and quality parameters influence its partitioning and bioavailability across diverse building types and sizes, with the goal of informing revisions to existing water quality guidelines.

Recreational Water Quality Monitoring and Safety Prediction in the St. Lawrence River Watershed 

Presented by Prof. Stephanie Loeb

Reimagining how we monitor recreational water safety, this project focuses on developing molecular tools to detect human-specific viral markers and integrating predictive models with real-time weather and hydrological data to enhance public health decision-making during climate-driven rainfall events, with an emphasis on mitigating waterborne illness and promoting long-term stewardship of the St. Lawrence River watershed.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticle-encapsulated biopesticides for efficient control of pathogens in crops and reduced pesticide contamination in crop fields 

Presented by Prof. Subhasis Ghoshal

This research explores the development of next-generation biopesticides by engineering yeast to produce natural pesticide compounds, which are then packaged in biodegradable particles for slow-release application. The project aims to enhance crop protection, reduce chemical runoff into water systems, and lower farmers’ costs, while supporting sustainable agriculture and organic food production in Quebec and beyond.

Honouring the Waters: Indigenous Science in the Global Plastic Pollution Crisis 

Presented by Lynn Jacobs, PhD Candidate

In collaboration with the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory, this project supports Indigenous-led environmental stewardship by co-developing a culturally grounded, community-driven microplastic monitoring program. Drawing on diverse expertise—from Indigenous science and natural resource management to anthropology and chemical engineering—the project seeks to generate baseline data for UN-led plastic assessments, while addressing systemic barriers and fostering equitable participation in global environmental decision-making.

Towards Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Hydrogel-Microbial Systems for Water Conservation 

Presented by Mohammad Kaddoura, PhD Candidate

This project aims to develop and validate a biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel-microbial composite designed to improve water retention, optimize nutrient delivery, and support beneficial plant-microbe interactions to improve drought resilience in agricultural systems.

Assessment of the risk of Canadian and global surface water pollution by emerging contaminants from municipal, industrial, and livestock sources 

Presented by Prof. Bernhard Lehner 

This research seeks to improve the tracking of chemical pollutants in freshwater systems by refining the HydroFATE model through the integration of high-resolution data on population distribution and wastewater infrastructure. By identifying contamination hotspots and analyzing the buildup of pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and other emerging contaminants, the project supports health risk assessment and the development of evidence-based environmental policies in Canada and beyond.

Minéralisation de l’eau provenant de sources alternatives 

Presented by Prof. Sebastien Faucher

This project examines the safety and performance of household water remineralization systems by evaluating up to twelve commercially available devices. It assesses their chemical and microbiological effects across a variety of alternative water sources, aiming to provide evidence-based recommendations that support public health and help consumers make informed choices in the face of increasing water scarcity and pollution concerns.