ANR-Biological filtration to reduce trace elements in woody biomass

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Due to industrial activities, large sites highly contaminated by trace elements (TE) are present in France and Canada, imposing hazard(s) to environment and human health. This proposal aims at developing a short and long rotation strategy for the capping of TE contaminated lands and for reconverting them into productive and resilient ecosystems offering a full range of goods and services. It will also evaluate the possibility of producing woody biomass by selecting cultivars or varieties that avoid mass translocation of TE from soil to the harvestable woody biomass. The short-and long- term research objectives are to: i) develop functional genomic markers based on candidate genes approach to assist genotypic selection of tree and microsymbiont species; ii) select (in vitro and in vivo) ecogenetically tolerant tree and microsymbiont species to TE encountered in contaminated soils; iii) establish and evaluate integrated bioremediation large-scale field trials based on intercropping tree species; iv) conduct economical and financial analyses and social acceptance of these trials; and v) coordinate, communicate and disseminate the results and information. The innovative aspects of this project rely on both technological and economical feasibility levels. To address the complex questions related to these innovative aspects, we have assembled a Canadian-French consortium of leading scientists in both countries with complementary expertise. Exploitation of this potential remediation biotechnology will provide opportunities for ancillary industries and environmental consultant agencies in both countries. This joint research project is part of NSERC's international strategy to increase scientific collaboration with the ANR-France, It will strengthen the collaboration between the two countries' research and innovation communities to achieve world-class scientific and technical results, leading towards new innovative green technologies in the area of healthy environment and ecosystems. It is also consistent with the University's research and training mandates and with NSERC's mission to invest in people, discovery and innovation that could strongly influence Canada's green economy, society and/or environment within the next 10 years.