Nuclear magnetic resonance methods for environmental diagnostics

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The objective of the proposed research is to develop advanced analytical methods based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to improve the characterization of complex environmental mixtures, including: (i) the development of novel analytical methods to rapidly identify and quantify the organic constituents present in contaminated groundwater and complex non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL); (ii) new tools to identify variations in key chemical parameters important to the optimal operation of bioreactor digesters; and (iii) the exploration of metabolomics-based profiling of microbial communities used for the bioremediation of contaminated groundwater. In general, conventional approaches for the chemical characterization of environmental samples are based on the targeted analyses of known chemical parameters. NMR is arguably the most powerful analytical tool available to study chemically and physically complex systems, however the application of NMR to improve our understanding of environmental problems is underdeveloped relative to its use in other scientific disciplines. The proposed research will contribute to the growing development of environmental applications of NMR across many disciplines of environmental science, including environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, and environmental toxicology. The proposed research program will provide academic, economic, environmental and societal benefits to Canada by providing the new tools and knowledge needed to enhance and improve our environmental practices to ensure continued access to healthy ecosystems and clean water now and in the future. Improved analytical approaches to characterize contaminated environments will assist in the design of improved models to predict molecular fate, behaviour and potential harm from contamination in the environment. These approaches will assist in the design and implementation of strategies and technologies to monitor, mitigate and remediate sensitive environmental systems.