Ecotoxicology Research
Research in our lab centres around the broad areas of Ecotoxicology and Integrated Water Resources Management. Currently, our research activities are evaluating the exposure and effects of emerging contaminants (e.g. endocrine disrupters, pharmaceuticals) in the environment arising from municipal, industrial and agricultural activities. Our emphasis includes the development and application of new tools and approaches for risk assessment that supports the implementation of risk management and remedial actions. Research also includes development and testing of novel technologies for water treatment. Our long term goals are aimed at supporting cumulative effects assessment (and management) that considers natural variability at the watershed scale.
During the COVID-19 pandemic our team pivoted our research to support Public Health Units by conducting wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 (see COVID-19 Research)
Please read more about our Research, People and Publications by navigating the links on this site.
News
Long-term monitoring links wastewater treatment upgrades to river recovery
We have been researching the effects of upgrades to wastewater treatment plants in the Region of Waterloo for many years now and some of this work is being published. The Water Institute wrote an article about Sean McLay (M.Sc) research on invertebrates which was recently published in River Research and Applications.
Protecting Canada's Freshwater Ecosystems
A dynamic look inside the Faculty of Science’s Water Facility, following researchers and students as they gather field samples and study fish in our mobile and facility labs, showcasing hands-on innovation and real-world impact.
Hundreds of dead fish at Waterloo pond likely caused by natural circumstances: Expert
Mark Servos visited a local retention pond to help investigate a large number of fish dying. Published by Kitchener City News' Josh Piercey on Apr 2, 2025.