Environmental Contamination/Reclamation

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This report investigates the impact of micro(nano)plastic pollution on crops and soil health, focusing on the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. It highlights how the increasing reliance on plastics has led to significant soil contamination, particularly in agroecosystems, where micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) can be introduced through various agricultural practices. The study emphasizes that MNPs can be absorbed by crops, potentially affecting their growth and contributing to food safety concerns. A systematic review of five crops—carrot, corn, lettuce, pea, and wheat—revealed multiple uptake pathways for MNPs, including apoplastic and symplastic routes, with notable phytotoxic effects such as oxidative stress and altered metabolic activity. The estimated presence of MNPs in soils ranges from approximately 760,000 to 4,370,000 particles per tonne, highlighting the need for more research on this emerging issue. The report concludes with recommendations for mitigating MNP pollution, including phytoremediation, standardization of research protocols, and the establishment of regulations, to inform decision-making and combat plastic contamination in agroecosystems.

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This study investigates the changes in Leaf Area Index (LAI) at the Highland Valley Copper (HVC) Mine from 2000 to 2021, focusing on the factors affecting vegetation dynamics. The analysis revealed a significant decline in LAI during 2000-2010, followed by a dramatic increase from 2011 to 2021. Notably, the proportion of shrubs rose by 20.25% while coniferous trees decreased by 23.08%. Land cover changes, alongside environmental factors like temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and solar radiation, influenced LAI trends. The study also indicated that over the past forty years, the average temperature during the growing season significantly increased, while precipitation decreased, complicating revegetation efforts. Remote sensing technology was highlighted as crucial for monitoring LAI and guiding reclamation policies. The study advocates for enhancing biodiversity in revegetation practices and emphasizes collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and local communities for more effective land management.

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Global Climate Change (GCC) has been a critical concern for decades, prompting international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement to address emission reduction. Carbon pricing, including Carbon Tax (CT) and Cap-and-Trade (CAT) systems, has emerged as effective strategies for balancing economic growth with greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The Carbon Tax, exemplified by British Columbia's implementation in 2008, incentivizes reduced fossil fuel use and encourages low-carbon alternatives while providing tax exemptions to ease financial burdens. In contrast, the Cap-and-Trade system, such as Shanghai's launched in 2013, sets emission caps that allow companies to trade allowances, leading to significant GHG reductions while fostering economic growth. Comparative analyses indicate that CAT systems are generally more effective than CT policies in reducing emissions. The study concludes that a hybrid model, combining CAT as the primary strategy and CT as a supplementary measure, can optimize emission reduction efforts, promoting both environmental sustainability and economic stability.

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Urban areas are facing significant environmental and social challenges due to rapid growth and densification, leading to increased pollution and vulnerability to climate change. In response, green infrastructure (GI) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional urban planning, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which focuses on creating resilient and sustainable cities. GI includes natural and semi-natural spaces like parks and green roofs, providing diverse ecosystem services. However, challenges hinder the implementation of GI projects, and often the benefits beyond stormwater management are overlooked. This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding the various benefits and barriers of GI by analyzing existing literature and case studies, offering actionable recommendations to promote its adoption and enhance urban resilience, equity, and sustainability.

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Lithium is vital for lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. As demand for these technologies grows, sustainable lithium extraction is crucial to protect the environment and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Traditional extraction methods are resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. Innovations like Direct Lithium Extraction use less water and are more eco-friendly. Recycling lithium from used batteries and reprocessing mining waste are also important strategies to reduce environmental impact and maintain a steady supply. Promoting these innovations and recycling efforts aligns with SDGs related to social inclusion, environmental protection, responsible resource management, and economic development.

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Although fuel management strategies are widely used to mitigate the scale and severity of wildfires, systematic evaluations of their eKectiveness and potential drawbacks in the context of climate change remain limited. This paper employed systematic literature review and comparative analysis methods to examine the performance of prescribed burning and mechanical treatment in managing fire risks and adapting to climate change. The study focused on their impacts on fire behavior, implementation challenges under climate constraints, and carbon emissions, while also exploring costs, environmental impacts, and social acceptance. Two representative case study sites - California, USA, and Southeast Australia - were chosen for longitudinal comparisons under varying environmental conditions. The findings suggested that diKerent fuel management strategies each have their strengths and weaknesses. No single strategy is perfect; each involves trade-oKs. Prescribed burning eKectively alters fire behavior and has lower carbon emissions, but its implementation window is severely limited by climate change. Mechanical treatment is not a complete substitute for prescribed burning and is associated with higher carbon emissions; however, it avoids the risks of smoke and fire escape linked to fire and is more resilient to climate change. Overall, combined mechanical and burn treatment may constitute an eKective strategy. In the planning process, balancing the impacts of diKerent strategies to achieve optimal results is crucial for successful management.

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This project investigates the potential for sustainable aquaculture development in Bhutan, a landlocked and low-income country, to meet the rising demand for protein, particularly fish, among its growing population. Despite aquaculture production being currently insignificant in Bhutan, the study suggests that it should expand by 10% annually to address the protein trade deficit. The research highlights the environmental risks associated with global aquaculture, such as water contamination and biodiversity loss, and emphasizes the importance of adopting best management practices. The project explores sustainable development options using circular economy principles, in collaboration with local authorities in Bhutan.

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This study examines the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Vancouver, where urban areas experience higher temperatures than rural ones due to human activities and dense infrastructure. The research focuses on integrating Nature-based Solutions (NBS), such as tree planting, urban parks, and rain gardens, into urban planning to mitigate UHI effects. The study identified Vancouver's hotspots, particularly neighborhoods like Strathcona and Downtown, which are more vulnerable to heat due to low tree canopy coverage. The findings underscore the importance of green space distribution for environmental and social equity, highlighting the need for targeted NBS to create more resilient urban environments. https://riparianguardians.shorthandstories.com/greening-the-grey/

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The Alberta oil sands, one of the largest crude oil deposits globally, are a key economic driver for Canada but pose significant environmental, social, and cultural challenges, particularly for Indigenous communities like the Fort McKay First Nation in the Athabasca region. This report examines the severe environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and the contamination of traditional food sources, which disrupt the community’s way of life. It also highlights the cultural erosion caused by the loss of traditional lands and the uneven economic benefits from oil sands development. The report criticizes the disconnect between government and industry narratives, which often downplay the long-term impacts on Indigenous communities. It recommends stronger regulatory frameworks, meaningful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in environmental management, and co-management agreements that prioritize sustainable development and protect Indigenous rights, culture, and the environment. https://oilsandpollution.shorthandstories.com/Impacts-on-Indigenous-Groups/

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China, the global leader in aquaculture, faces significant sustainability challenges due to the extensive use of pharmaceuticals and pesticides, particularly in regions like Changshou and Dongting Lakes. This report focuses on the ecological impacts of pharmaceutical residues and pesticide misuse in these areas. The research highlights the detrimental effects of antibiotics and pesticides on aquatic life, ecological balance, and water quality, with issues like antibiotic resistance and heavy metal pollution being of particular concern. To address these challenges, the report recommends stricter regulatory oversight, sustainable aquaculture practices, and increased community awareness, alongside technological advancements to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable industry practices.

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Severe weather events and heavy rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, have increasingly led to devastating floods, as seen in China in 2023, where flooding impacted 16 million people and caused significant economic losses. This study explores the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) as a sustainable solution for managing urban floods, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Guangdong, China. CWs leverage natural processes to control excess rainwater, enhance drainage, and improve water quality. The research evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of CWs in urban settings, providing case studies and cost-benefit analyses. The findings suggest that integrating CWs into urban planning can reduce flood risks, offer ecological benefits, and result in long-term financial savings, promoting more resilient and sustainable urban development in flood-prone regions.

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As urbanization continues to reshape our cities the increase of impervious surfaces poses significant challenges. Traditional stormwater infrastructure typically aims to quickly drain water from city centers. In contrast, green infrastructure is an emerging approach to water management that focuses on protecting, restoring, or mimicking the natural water cycle. This approach allows for more effective management of urban stormwater and rainwater, improves water quality, and also helps address urban heat island effects, reduce flood risks, and tackle other urban challenges, improve urban green spaces and overall city livability. However, some highly developed cities like Vancouver, the impervious surface is dramatically high. One of the biggest challenges is finding space. In a city where every square inch counts, figuring out where to put green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens isn't easy. It requires creative thinking and strategic planning to carve out areas for these green solutions amidst the concrete jungle. This project is aimed to determine how GRI being may effectively implemented in a developed city were much of the streets/lanes are covered by impervious surfaces.

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Green infrastructure can help mitigate urban flooding caused by climate change and urbanization by reducing surface runoff. However, cities like Richmond, with high water tables and poorly drained soils, face challenges in implementing infiltration-based systems. In these areas, stormwater storage infrastructure, such as detention ponds, artificial wetlands, and rainwater harvesting systems, has proven more effective. Richmond's agricultural lands, particularly in East Richmond, also require specialized green infrastructure, such as dry detention ponds, to manage stormwater and prevent land subsidence. Additionally, Richmond needs to upgrade its flood protection system, develop an urban flood model, and monitor groundwater conditions to enhance flood resilience and sustainable stormwater management.

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British Columbia's Atlantic salmon farming industry, crucial to the economy, faces significant challenges due to environmental concerns, particularly the impact of sea lice on wild salmon populations. Sea lice, external parasites that harm juvenile wild salmon, have sparked a long-standing controversy involving conflicting scientific views, ineffective governance, and public distrust. Despite recent efforts by Fisheries & Oceans Canada to transition to more sustainable practices, disagreements have intensified. This report identifies key challenges, including the need for better social license, evidence-based policies, Indigenous leadership, and governance reforms. It emphasizes that lessons from the sea lice controversy can guide improvements in the aquaculture sector and other resource industries globally.,British Columbia's Atlantic salmon farming industry, crucial to the economy, faces significant challenges due to environmental concerns, particularly the impact of sea lice on wild salmon populations. Sea lice, external parasites that harm juvenile wild salmon, have sparked a long-standing controversy involving conflicting scientific views, ineffective governance, and public distrust. Despite recent efforts by Fisheries & Oceans Canada to transition to more sustainable practices, disagreements have intensified. This report identifies key challenges, including the need for better social license, evidence-based policies, Indigenous leadership, and governance reforms. It emphasizes that lessons from the sea lice controversy can guide improvements in the aquaculture sector and other resource industries globally.

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Deserts, often misunderstood as barren and worthless, are home to unique ecosystems and human populations that have thrived for thousands of years. Despite their value, deserts are frequently neglected, with the field of eremology—desert science—being largely unrecognized. This neglect stems from a lack of research, inadequate policies, colonial history, land mismanagement, and the impacts of climate change. The paper synthesizes literature on this neglect, emphasizing the socioeconomic importance of deserts and the need for tailored conservation strategies. It also critiques the term "desertification" and the effectiveness of projects like the "Great Green Wall" in addressing land degradation, suggesting that current approaches may be misguided.

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The project delves into the significant issue of mining-related heavy metal water pollution in British Columbia, Canada. It aims to identify the causes behind this pollution and propose effective remediation methods. The study involves a comprehensive review of pertinent policies, regulations, and case studies like the Britannia Mine, Teck, and Mount Polley Mine. Despite joint federal and provincial regulations, persistent metal water contamination issues persist due to historical legacies, insufficient monitoring and reporting, and the complexity of metal contamination. The research emphasizes the necessity not only to prevent new contamination but also to address existing and historical pollution effectively.

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The project examines the perilous effects of climate change and human activities on agriculture and aquatic ecosystems, leading to decreased yields and aquatic degradation. It underscores the rising significance of aquaculture as a vital fish protein source, emphasizing its prevalent use of antibiotics to enhance product yield and prevent diseases in animals. Focusing on China's extensive aquaculture sector, the analysis concentrates on cultured species and antibiotic practices. Antibiotics, persisting as residues due to incomplete organism absorption, accumulate via bioaccumulation, adversely affecting organism growth and fostering antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic products. Consumption of these products poses health risks. Proposed strategies aim to mitigate these adverse effects, while a regulatory comparison across China and other nations sheds light on drivers for antibiotic overuse. The report concludes with recommendations targeting policymakers and the public to alleviate the repercussions of aquaculture in China, aiming to enhance sustainability and diminish health hazards linked to antibiotic residues in aquatic products.

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The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in various types of waste, notably face masks, overwhelming waste management systems. While these plastic products provided protection, their widespread use disrupted supply chains and waste disposal systems. The waste management industry faces immense pressure managing hazardous waste from COVID-19 cases. Concerns loom over the potential release of these plastics into terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to ineffective waste management. The report investigates the upsurge in plastic waste and its environmental repercussions, outlining strategies to manage biomedical plastic waste. It highlights the necessity for further research on this environmental issue and explores challenges and potential solutions for handling biomedical plastic waste during the pandemic.

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The report explores deforestation's impact on soil carbon in the Brazil Amazon Forest, highlighting the urgent need for climate change solutions. Cropland and pastureland exhibit significant soil carbon losses due to unsustainable land practices and inadequate incentive policies. In contrast, secondary forests demonstrate the capacity to restore soil carbon, recommending their adoption over other land uses. The paper aims to guide local governments in formulating effective incentive policies, providing research directions for scientists, and assisting farmers in sustainable land management without compromising their interests. It proposes mitigation strategies to curb soil carbon loss from improper land management and expansion. Long-term commitment and concerted efforts are deemed essential to prevent soil carbon loss, emphasizing the importance of sustained dedication toward this goal.

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With urbanization and industrialization, particulate matter (PM2.5) poses significant concerns for human health and urban ecosystems. These fine particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, result from both natural phenomena like wildfires, dust storms, and anthropogenic activities such as energy production, construction, transportation, and manufacturing. PM2.5's ultrafine size allows it to enter the human body through breathing, leading to increased morbidity and mortality from various diseases like cardiopulmonary issues, respiratory infections, and multiple organ diseases, affecting specific vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to accelerated aging. Urban expansion heightens the need to reduce air pollution, and studies demonstrate that Urban Green Spaces (UGS) play a crucial role in removing PM2.5. UGS positively impacts PM2.5 reduction through indoor and field experiments, spatial analysis, and appropriate configurations, structures, and patterns. While UGS has a removal capacity threshold, optimizing these spaces considering climate and topography enhances their efficacy in removing PM2.5, suggesting UGS as a valuable tool for combating urban air pollution.

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The Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, represented by Matullia Holdings Limited Partnership, reclaimed 7.5 acres of land near Rock Bay in Victoria Harbour to reconnect with their traditional territory and gain from its economic benefits. Amidst climate change concerns, this paper addresses sea-level rise (SLR) adaptation strategies at the Rock Bay Site, considering Indigenous values and priorities. BC Guidelines recommend preparing for SLR increases of 0.5m by 2050, 1m by 2100, and 2m by 2200 in the area. The document analyzes SLR adaptation possibilities for the site, involving an initial assessment of various tools and a decision matrix evaluating a narrowed-down selection of adaptation methods. The focus remains on integrating Indigenous values and community priorities into the planning process, aligning with Matullia's pursuit of reclaiming and sustaining their traditional lands in the face of climate change impacts.

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This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of aggregate quarrying activities in southeastern Nigeria, focusing on water resources, soil quality, air quality, and wildlife. Through thoroughly examining quarrying practices, a case study analysis, and an evaluation of reclamation techniques, this study addresses the environmental consequences and proposes sustainable solutions for the region. The study highlights the significant effects of quarrying on water resources, which has negatively impacted local communities access to clean water. Soil degradation due to quarrying activities has also resulted in the loss of fertile agricultural land, affecting farmers' livelihoods, and contributing to food insecurity. By assessing reclamation techniques, such as topsoil replacement, revegetation, grading, and water management, the study identifies effective strategies for restoring degraded land and promoting ecosystem recovery. These techniques offer numerous benefits, including the re-establishment of native plant species, the prevention of soil erosion, the improvement of soil fertility, and the creation of visually appealing landscapes that blend with the natural surroundings.

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The study provides valuable insights into the sources, distribution, and potential impacts of microplastics when biosolids are applied to agricultural activities. The findings indicate that in British Columbia (BC), about 182 – 293 million particles of microplastic (equivalent to approximately 0.21 – 4.3 tons in weight) could be released into agricultural land each year through the application of 29,000 tons of biosolid annually. The presence of a large number of microplastics in agricultural ecosystems has negative effects on soil quality, food security and human health. It alters the water retention capacity, soil microbial functions, and immobilization of essential nutrients for plant growth. Moreover, these microplastics can enter the food web, potentially endangering human health. Additionally, microplastics have extensive impacts on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems due to their slow degradation, residual effects, and physical-chemical conversion over time.

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Engagement in nature is declining as access becomes increasingly limited, especially for urban youth. Youth-nature connection is falling alongside the salmon population in Washington state. This report aims to provide a guide to organizations who work with youth and those who do environmental work more broadly to strengthen youth-nature connection through salmon habitat restoration. The program must include, a community or whole watershed focus, the best science working in conjunction to local knowledge, and an understanding of the potential negative associations urban teens have with nature and a plan to change their mentality by providing engaging and safe experiences outdoors.

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Heavy metal pollution by mining activities can occur in a wide range of regions across BC. Improperly closed mines can create serious long-term environmental and health impacts. For example, the Pinchi mercury mine, and the Britannia copper mine remained to be some of the most polluted areas even decades after closure. The Bralorn-Pioneer gold mines were left a ghost town without any remediation until they came back to production in 2017. The level of metal contamination can be affected by many factors, including the main ore type, the structure of the mines, geological setting, climate, etc. With different combinations of natural settings and different mine structures, each mine can create environmental problems in its unique way. Therefore, remediation planning cannot be limited to a series of actions targeting individual problems after mine closure, but to be provided along the designing and operating stages. This project aims to examine the differences between different mines in BC by reviewing past geological surveys, remediation reports, and related pieces of literature. The project found that microbes with performance-enhancing amendments can treat problems such as AMD in metal mines. However, more field-level work needs to be conducted to accurately assess the ultility of microbes.

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Oil spills have been a significant menace in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria over the past few decades. These spills have occurred due to a wide range of reasons including sabotage, operational error, and equipment fault, to mention but a few. Despite existing regulations that mandate oil companies to be responsible for the cleanup of oil spills, only a minute portion of contaminated lands in this region have been remediated. This has caused untold hardship to residents of the communities in this region as their primary source of livelihood, farming, and fishing, are consistently lost to these incidents. Therefore, this study evaluated the remediation techniques that have been adopted across the region and globally to determine the appropriate techniques that would be suitable for this particular region. Before this study, most research had focused on single techniques, and each technique had their limitation. It was unclear whether a holistic approach to the policy regulating oil companies' operations and a multidisciplinary strategy to choice of remediation techniques could improve the situation. A review of published articles in the news, journals, and regulatory policies was conducted to determine how best to tackle this task. The various reviews showed that the nature of spills and circumstances surrounding each spill in this region was complex. Also, remediation techniques adopted for the region's cleanup were not documented. The review of other major oil spill incidents worldwide showed that each remediation technique has its major demerits but can be adapted to meet restoration goals. The study developed a framework based on five criteria: timeframe, climate/geography, efficiency/effectiveness, associated costs, and environmental considerations. The study concluded that, indeed, a complex problem could not be solved with a simple solution which means a range of remediation techniques may need to be adopted for each spill incident. This study will inform decision-makers and oil companies of the need to review existing cleanup operation policies and procedures for optimal results.

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Changchun is a typical city that experienced significant urbanization constructions in the past decades. With the continuous economic development, the expansion of the city, and the improvement of people's living standards, the heavy metals pollution of drinking water resources in Changchun will rapidly increase. Drinking water is an essential and fundamental requirement for supporting human living. However, heavy metal acclamation in the drinking water resources can affect the drinking water quality and threaten Changchun residents. Comparing the data of Xinlicheng reservoir and Shitoukoumen reservoir indicates the urbanization affected by heavy metals pollution from point and nonpoint sources. The second Songhua river also suffers the heavy metals pollutants from urban sewage and industrial wastewater. In addition, the heavy metal sediment in the Second Songhua river might also come from the sediment transport from other cities through the river basin. This paper lacks primary data to support the evidence, which might result from the reliance on secondary data sources. This study is limited to the published literature on the topics of interest outlined earlier. Therefore, the Changchun government needs particular policies to address the problem of heavy metal pollution while simultaneously balancing the rise of urbanization and environmental harm.

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At the end of their life-cycle dams can be removed or rebuilt. Dam removal can be used to recover the ecosystem; avoid the dam failure and the loss of property and life. Many countries have promulgated policies for removing small dams and have begun to carry out small dam removals projects. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the challenges and benefit of small dam removal can be useful to wide range of managers. This report reviewed literature and provided case studies material to show what can be learned when contemplation dam removal. Dams have significant impacts on river ecosystem, causing changes in the hydrological regime, water quality and river channel morphology. Small dam removal can result in short-term problems (reservoir erosion, downstream sediment transport, and ecosystem disruption over minutes to months) and long-term responses (changes in overall watershed conditions over weeks to decades, including habitats improvement, environmental services restoration), which can be highly variable because of the different characteristics of dams and reservoirs. In many watersheds climate change can have positive or negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem before or after dam removal. However, climate change will likely contribute to the creation of a different ecosystem that was present before the dam was built and the one that was created during the period of dam operations.

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The project is about applying constructed wetlands to remove pollutants from wastewater in Baoding, China. Baoding is at a critical traffic crossroad between Beijing and Tianjin and the Baiyangdian River is the most important water resource for the Huabei plain area. It is, therefore, necessary to improve and maintain high water quality in the river.

Constructed wetlands are in an advanced stage and offer numerous services that reduce flooding impacts and improve the water quality. However, constructed wetlands are still relatively new and many cities in China have little experience in deciding what the best design options are to deal with the different climatic conditions, the local environmental settings, and the different contaminants in the rivers.

This study aims to evaluate the options and challenges of using constructed wetlands in Baoding to improve the water quality in the river. The research focus is to identify the best design of core elements and find the best solutions to operate and manage such systems. The results will show what the major type and pollution sources are, which will help the government decide how best to improve the water quality. The design plans of the wetland will provide the Baoding government with the opportunity to find a higher efficient way to improve the water quality in the river. Finally, the project will provide a blueprint on how to achieve the goals set in the environmental plan in the next five years.

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Biosolids have been applied on land for more than a century. It has a high content of organic matter and nutrients and can improve soil quality effectively. In British Columbia, land application of biosolids has become a key solution to deal with land pressure and degradation, and the process is under strict regulations to preserve human and environmental health.

However, biosolids are recovered from wastewater, which means harmful pollutants may still exist in biosolids after standard treatment processes. Although the regulations introduced by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment have mentioned the level of common pollutants in wastewater and biosolids, the emerging organic pollutants researches since the 1970s and the public perception of biosolids have become two major factors hindering the widespread land application of biosolids.

This white paper presents a literature review, stating the properties of emerging organic pollutants and public perception of biosolids land application in British Columbia. In the end, it will provide solutions for the dilemmas to optimize the land application of biosolid outcomes.

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Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is recognized as a major environmental issue globally, especially for hard rock sulfide mining. Among negative impacts of ARD are threats to ecosystem health, destruction of habitats, deterioration of aquatic ecosystems, risk of groundwater contamination and public health concerns. The traditional treatment involves neutralization by adding lime or limestone and has significant environmental impacts and very short long-term performance. Besides, ARD varies significantly between mine sites, thereby other remediation strategies may provide better results than the active neutralization method.

This paper presents a review of the various techniques available and assesses biological and abiotic remediation methods currently used worldwide. The goal is to provide alternative sustainable remedies other than active neutralization with lime/limestone, contribute to ecological restoration, a recommended next step to mitigation strategies and support site-specific decision-making processes in mine sites impacted by ARD. For future research, the next steps would be: to include other emerging strategies in the comparison, especially the integration of different approaches and the use of industrial by-products, and to evaluate the potential of each technique to support site-specific ecological restoration actions. Insights from the comparison of available remediation methods, based on key factors such as costs, effectiveness and environmental impacts, may help site-specific decision-making process and inform local communities, the reclamation practitioner and environmental engineers on more sustainable remediation strategies available.

Soil is important to human and environmental health and ecological functioning. There is a demand for high-resolution quantitative soil data in many applications including agriculture, forestry, mining, land reclamation, and environmental science. Soil scientists are trying to meet this demand using new mapping methods. Soil scientists combine soil observations with models of soil-landscape relationships to interpret how soil varies over space. Conventional mapping depends on mental models and produces sharply bounded map units with qualitative estimates of accuracy and uncertainty. The process of conventional mapping is time-consuming and resource-intensive, and the results are not updatable or completely reproducible.

Recent technological advancement (GIS, remote sensing, computer processing) has enabled soil mapping to become more quantitative. Predictive digital mapping harnesses statistical techniques to generate soil maps with gridded continuous data and quantitative uncertainty estimates. These maps can be updated dynamically as new data becomes available. The inputs for predictive mapping are soil values used to calibrate and validate models and environmental covariates. Maps are commonly produced using existing or legacy data, often due to budget constraints, but the collection of new data using statistical sampling designs and an independent dataset for model validation have the potential to generate the greatest accuracy.

Predictive digital soil mapping has progressed from academic to operational over the last decade. Soil survey agencies in many countries now incorporate these techniques with good results. Some soil properties and classifications can be predicted with suitable levels of accuracy, but others are more difficult to estimate, providing opportunities for future developments. With this progress, the development of minimum quality standards has improved, but a universal system is yet to be enforced. Communication with end-users is critical to the success of PDSM, to ensure that mapping products are valuable and being applied judiciously.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT The impact of anthropogenic activities such as mining necessitates the knowledge of mechanisms to reduce disturbances to land and water resources affected, contributing to sustainable approaches to mine reclamation in British Columbia (B.C.). Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), a significant threat to climate change, have urged mining companies to diversify methods to sequester carbon to tackle these issues in B.C. Mine tailings have been useful as a feedstock in sequestering carbon, creating opportunities for mining companies to balance any emissions they may have produced during exploration activities. However, these tailings have posed dangers of acid mine drainage (AMD) and metal leaching (ML) into surrounding geoecosystems. Peer-reviewed articles were analyzed and used to assess the effect of biological activities in mine tailings. Organic amendments such as biosolids were found to have a positive impact on mine sites over long periods. Carbon pools, plant productivity, soil physiochemical properties and application rates of biosolids on mine soils were evaluated to assess the effect of biosolids. Outcomes revealed an increase in enzymatic activities, soil quality and quantity, positively impacting the biogeochemical cycle. The most significant impact is a cost-effective approach for neutralizing acidified mine soils through AMD and ML, reducing land and groundwater contamination hazards. In addition, a systematic review on the study of weathering rates of mine tailing was also conducted. A significant synthesis suggests that it is essential to conduct further research to understand the weathering sequence of minerals coupled with the addition of organic amendments to ultramafic mine tailings to promote the formation of anthroposols during carbon sequestration. This synthesis has provided the basis for studies related to mine reclamation of lands affected by acidified processes, which is pivotal to developing a sustainable geoecosystem.

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With the increase in population and the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, more and more pollutants are created by human activities. The river acts as the conduit to carry the pollution into the ocean.

China has a large land area, and the sea area is also vast. China’s marine pollution is relatively serious. However, the government and relevant departments have implemented a series of policies and measures to address the concern, which have been quite effective. This paper summarizes the three main marine pollutants-plastics, oil, and heavy metals, an introduction to each pollution type, the current situation in China, the harm of each pollutant, and the existing effective treatment measures.

The emergence of pollution issues should remind people to reduce pollution at the source. It is very important to prevent and monitor pollution in advance.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT Wildfire is a natural process that has happened regularly for millions of years and brings both positive and negative impacts to the forest environment. In recent decades, climate change has become a critical element in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires globally. Climate change increases temperature and reduces precipitation, extending the fire season and expanding the burning area. Wildfire affects soil physical properties (e.g. texture, colour, pH, hydrophobicity), chemical properties (e.g. organic matter, macro and micro-nutrients), as well as soil biota (e.g. invertebrates and micro-organisms). Intense wildfires further cause infiltration rate reduction and high surface runoff. Ash and sediments transported with surface runoff contaminate water quality, resulting in damage to the aquatic organisms and drinking water treatment issues. Effects of wildfire on forest soil, hydrologic processes and water are site-specific and complex. The extent of wildfire impacts depends on the intensity and severity of the fire, burning season, pre-fire and post-fire environmental conditions, climate pattern, vegetation types and many other factors. Studies of wildfire effects are diverse, but comprehensive reviews that assemble findings in the three fields are still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to review the wildfire effects on forest soil, the hydrologic processes and water quality based on existing literature.

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This study assesses the major potential sources of groundwater contamination in British Columbia (B.C.) and provides recommendations for preventative and remedial measures for groundwater quality protection. The objectives of this project are to: (1) identify and assess the most common potential sources of groundwater contamination in B.C.; (2) recommend preventative and remedial measures for groundwater quality protection; and (3) provide information to stakeholders, including government regulatory agencies; land use planning; water management; environmental health protection; and community development.

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In recent decades, surface water acidification has started to influence China due to increasing acid pollution and acid deposition. The Jialing River and Taihu Lake, located in the three major acid rain zones, were chosen to be the areas for studying surface water acidification. Since acidification results from excessive acid inputs and high acidification sensitivity of the water body, the project focuses on acid gas emissions and the assessment of acidification sensitivity.

There is a great necessity for policymakers and environmental groups to take precautionary measures, referring to successful experiences from Europe. First and foremost, they are supposed to limit the emissions of SO2 and NOx from power plants and vehicles. In addition, a detailed acidification sensitivity map based on soil conditions, bedrock types, and land use types are helpful tools for identifying the likelihood of acidification. Moreover, strengthening monitoring by increasing monitoring sites and recording the quality and pH from wet and dry deposition could also help observe the acidification trend timely. It is believed that acidification would be effectively prevented if adequate mitigation measures are taken.

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Due to the global trend of urbanization, environmental contamination has become a critical issue globally. Metal contamination of the soil-water system mainly results in disturbances in environmental health and biotic functions. Insect biomonitoring has become a valuable environmental assessment tool that quantifies the impacts of soil and water contamination. Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) is an ideal species commonly used in urban metal biomonitoring. Honey, the natural product, also serves as a food source for human consumption. High accessibility, global distribution, species diversity, and intense interactions with the environment are factors that contribute to the effectiveness of western honeybee and honey as the urban metal biomonitor.

Metro Vancouver is selected as a case study of the urban system that encompasses a wide range of habitats. Enrichment factor (EF) and Honeybee Contamination Index (HCI) are two biomonitoring indicators used for metal contamination assessment. The results show that most study sites of Metro Vancouver are characterized by relatively insignificant anthropogenic metal deposition and high metal contamination.

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Molybdenosis is a molybdenum-induced copper deficiency that can occur in ruminants when the copper to molybdenum ratio in forage is less than 2:1, typically due to trace element imbalances in the underlying soil. Ruminants refer to the group of grazing herbivores with multi-chambered stomachs who chew the cud, such as cattle, moose, or deer.

Regions with high molybdenum content in soils include reclaimed mine tailings sites and waste rock piles where residual molybdenum exists as a by-product of extraction and processing activities. While incidences of molybdenosis have been recorded internationally, this report focuses on molybdenosis associated with copper-molybdenum mines located in the Southern Interior of British Columbia.

Despite an identified risk of molybdenosis in these areas, a framework for the reclamation of molybdenum-contaminated sites does not exist. To address this gap, I have conducted a literature review on molybdenosis and ruminants and land reclamation strategies for molybdenum for the prevention of molybdenosis in affected sites, which include soil amendment and phytoremediation interventions. The literature review serves in the construction of a land reclamation framework designed for use by professionals and landowners in the remediation of molybdenum contaminated land.

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As urbanization increases, so does the demand for multi-functionality of limited green spaces. However, as urbanization intensifies, so does contamination associated with urban development into these green spaces. One related concern is heavy metal exposure for humans in green spaces associated with community gardens, urban agriculture and children’s play spaces. This becomes an issue when heavy metals enter the soil, are taken up by vegetable plants and are then consumed by humans or when children play in soils with heavy metals and are exposed through dermal contact or inhalation of dust.

This white paper first reviews the literature concerning both sources of heavy metal contaminants in urban agriculture and green spaces and current remediation/prevention methods available. Secondly, it uses a section of the Arbutus Corridor in Vancouver as a case study to assess contamination of heavy metals in community gardens, the surrounding native soil and whether a number of physical barriers adjacent to a traffic corridor prevent or limit the contamination of heavy metals into the community garden’s soils and vegetation.

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This paper evaluates evidence regarding the adverse effects EDCs and PPCPs have on aquatic life and people, and highlights the potential risk that exists for humans from exposure to EDCs in the aquatic environment. EDCs are introduced into the environment through a variety of urban, rural and industrial sources. Treated wastewater is a major source of EDCs and PPCPs entering the aquatic environment. Municipal wastewater treatment plants were designed to control a variety of substances, such as nutrients and pathogens, which are (typically) successfully removed. However, this is not the case for a wide range of emerging contaminants, such as EDCs and PPCPs that are present in low concentrations and possess unique characteristics.

The presence of EDCs and PPCPs in the environment is a complex land and water issue, which requires a holistic approach. It is important to recognize that depending on how the issue of EDCs is framed, different conclusions can be reached. It is essential to include the frameworks from a variety of disciplines. This can help eliminate a disciplinary bias, while recognizing the interconnectedness of land and water.

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This project was targeted to address the public and the provincial government of British Columbia on the issue of fracking. Thus, the specific objectives of this project work were: (i) to assess impacts of fracking on water resources; and (ii) to conduct meta-analysis of impacts of fracking on induced seismicity in North Eastern British Columbia.

Based on personal communication with researchers currently working on fracking and preliminary studies from literatures, it can be concluded that (i) if boreholes are done properly with due to diligence and mechanical integrity, there will be no or very limited groundwater contamination; (ii) if the sites are properly managed, there is little or no chance of environmental pollution (including air and water resources) by shale gas; (iii) fracking induces seismicity and if fracking continues, the magnitude and effects of earthquake will increase; and (iv) lastly, ongoing research in Northeastern British Columbia shows the concern of well leakage due to gas migration, which may lead to air pollution and groundwater contamination by methane gas.

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From 1902 to 2001, Vancouver’s Arbutus Greenway served as a railway for regional freight and interurban passenger transport service. In March 2016, the City of Vancouver purchased the Arbutus Corridor from the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) built this corridor into a greenway.

The overall aim of this study was to provide an evaluation of potential heavy metal contamination along a recently de-commissioned railroad track in Vancouver and a particular section that has a history of small scale raised bed community gardens. This study focuses on Vancouver transportation corridor, the Arbutus Greenway, as a case study. Five random sites were selected in Zone 1 of the Arbutus Greenway. The pH, ash content and heavy metal concentration of the soil were determined. The metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were selected as important in relation to human exposure.

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Over the years, wildfires have been of higher intensity and of longer duration throughout the world. This is caused by either human activities or natural factors. In British Columbia, climate change is believed to be responsible for this increasing phenomenon. Forest fires can have long term impacts on the environment, including physical, chemical and biological impacts. These environmental impacts pose threats to aquatic species and human health. In response to wildfires that are increasing due to climate change, wildfire prevention strategies, such as reducing the fuel volume, are recommended to apply in forest management practices. In addition, post fire measures aimed to mitigate the effects of wildfires, such as the upgrading of water supply treatment plants, is believed to be important, as it has been shown that wildfires cause the formation of toxic substances to both human and salmonid species.

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In 2014, the Mount Polley mine tailings storage facility breached, spilling approximately 25 million cubic metres of water and mine tailings into the surrounding environment and nearby water bodies. Following the incident, an independent review panel and the Chief Inspector of Mines conducted investigations to determine the cause(s) of the failure and to make recommendations. The Auditor General of British Columbia also reviewed the incident during an audit of compliance and enforcement activities in the mining industry. This study was undertaken to determine areas of overlap in the recommendations across the three reports in order to identify regulatory gaps. This study conducted a review of key pieces of legislation guiding the mining industry in BC, two regulatory bodies and the three reports. The following four areas of overlap in the recommendations were identified: professional reliance, geotechnical oversight, life-of-mine planning for permitting and investigation, compliance and enforcement review. These findings suggested that additional controls should be implemented in these areas of overlap in order to prevent another tailings storage facility incident from occurring.

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Constructed Wetlands (CWs) have been seen as a practical and cost-effective solution to solve both wastewater issues and habitat loss issues. The use of constructed wetlands in Canada is, however, less common than in other countries. The main objective of this project is to investigate the current development of constructed wetlands and the current application of Constructed Wetlands in Canada. The elements of CWs, different types of CWs, as well as the advantages and limitations of CWs were reviewed in this report. In order to assess the current application of CWs in the west coastal area of Canada, a case study in the Greater Vancouver region was selected. It is expected that CWs provide multiple benefits to both wildlife and local communities. Further studies are required to understand the viability and long term performance of CWs in Canada.

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Climate change has impacted the forested watersheds of British Columbia by bringing extremely high temperatures and beetle infestations, thus coinciding with increasing amounts of forest fires. On average, it is estimated that about 10,000 fires occur every year in Canada, burning about 2 million ha of the 400 million ha forested landscape. One of the areas that was most affected by the forest fires in 2017 was the Cariboo Regional District in the central interior of British Columbia. Wildfire burns away the ground cover of the landscape, exposing soils to erosion under heavy storms. The major objective of this study was to simulate the changes in water yield in the forested watershed during pre- and post-wildfire periods, using Bonaparte watershed as the study area. The SWAT model was used for water yield simulations, in order to evaluate the hydrological response of the watersheds to forest fires.

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When the first oil well was drilled in Alberta in 1914, it shaped Alberta’s future in the global economy. As it developed into the world’s third-largest oil reservoir and with booming oil and gas industries, Alberta became the heart of Canadian Energy. It is estimated that there are around 450,000 oil and gas wells that have been drilled throughout the province since 1963. However, developments at well sites have resulted in the high potential of local soil and water contamination from hazardous materials. These contaminants include soil sterilant herbicides, heavy metals, salts, petroleum hydrocarbons, and drilling fluids that are generated from oil and gas development and drilling activities. These contaminants present in soils and groundwater are potential health threats to human and environmental health. Several soil and groundwater remediation technologies were evaluated in this study for their potential to degrade or stabilize contaminants in Alberta's oilsands region. These include physical remediation technologies, such as soil vapour extraction, dual phase extraction, and electro-kinetic technologies; chemical remediation technologies, like in situ chemical oxidation, and soil washing; as well as bioremediation and phytoremediation.

As a result, a holistic approach to drinking water management has been recommended for both community groups. The use of watershed-level management by way of the multi-barrier approach and/or integrated watershed management more effectively protects water at its source and better ensures the quality of the water at the tap. Additionally, these holistic methods generate more collaboration and require that adequate data be gathered, both of which are needed in addressing drinking water concerns. Despite watershed level management of drinking water sources being a viable solution, the communities have little control over local governance, especially within their traditional territory, which hinders the more holistic approaches.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in Ghana is becoming a major concern, in spite of its positive economic impacts, particularly in alleviating rural poverty. ASM contributes to the pollution of land and water resources in Ghana, and thus to the health of the ecosystems and the local people. These environmental challenges and ASM-related social issues have resulted in several government interventions. These “top-down” approaches and policy implementations have proven unsustainable.

The study examined the potential of the introduction of a community-based framework for moving towards a more sustainable ASM in Ghana. Two case studies (Obuasi-Ghana and Mongolia) that involved community-driven intervention with the focus on the integration of technical, institutional and political capacity were examined. The framework developed presents a systematic planning and implementation strategy for project facilitators. ASM interventions should focus on organizing the miners, developing cleaner technology options, and formalizing ASM by strengthening political and institutional support.