Mobility of metals in northern environments

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The objective of this environmental earth science research program is understand the nature and mobility of metal-bearing particles in the Canadian Arctic. The overall aim is to capture and characterize tiny mineral particles, including mineral nanoparticles, which are released from mine waste and weathering mineral deposits and transported as airborne dust and waterborne colloids.The emphasis will be on particles that contain potentially hazardous elements such as arsenic or lead, with the aim of clarifying the risk to human and ecological health. In terms of human health, direct ingestion or inhalation of tiny mineral particles can lead to negative health effects which depend on the chemical form of the metal in the dust particles. In terms of ecological impact, windblown dust may be an important mechanism of metal transport from a point source to surface water, and colloidal particles can move with groundwater and contribute to metal contamination. Increased mineral exploration and resource development, extreme weather events associated with climate change, sensitive Arctic environments and the proximity of communities to abandoned mines all enhance our need to understand metal transport mechanisms. Our research results should lead to better risk assessment, baseline data and remediation design for mining operations included abandoned sites. Three PhD students, 1 MSc student, and 5 undergraduate students will conduct fieldwork in the North. Northern students will be hired as research assistants. We will interact with partner organizations including the Northwest Territories Geoscience Office, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Avalon Rare Metals, a mining company interesting in developing a rare earth deposit southeast of Yellowknife. The field sites include unmined deposits in the Mackenzie Mountains near the Nahanni National Part, .