Nature-based METLands for water challenges in rural and Indigenous communities in Canada

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The proposed research program aims to address water challenges for rural and Indigenous communities while fostering net-positive benefits for nature through development of techno-ecological nature-based solutions (NbS). Four billion humans face severe water scarcity globally, while six million rural and Indigenous Canadians experience disproportionate water stress; this is only expected to be magnified by climate change. Concurrently, ecological degradation from a myriad of causes, including climate change, is resulting in ongoing and accelerating loss of natural areas and biodiversity. In rural and Indigenous communities, most water management systems exclusively use engineered technologies and infrastructure; often with significant implementation barriers that are magnified by current COVID-19 logistical constraints. However, utilizing nature (green/blue space, biodiversity, ecosystem services) in combination with engineered solutions to link human and ecosystem health is an understudied, but highly relevant topic in the era of climate and socioecological change. With concurrent climate, biodiversity, and COVID crises, effective ecologically and logistically resilient infrastructure and technologies are critically needed. NbS are approaches that work with and for nature, while addressing societal challenges - in this case, enhancing water security (quantity, quality, water-related risk). The proposed research program develops `hybrid' NbS as techno-ecological alternatives to conventional infrastructure for drinking water treatment, wastewater resource recovery, and water reuse. Specifically, microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) embedded in wetlands (METLands) will be developed. The proposed program builds on the applicant's research on MET, wastewater resource recovery, low-power disinfection, natural organic matter (NOM), and micropollutants. Short-term objectives include: i) NOM removal utilizing bankside MET; ii) utilizing MET in wetlands for wastewater treatment and resource recovery; and iii) utilizing resultant plant growth as a source of pyrogenic carbon (biochar) for the removal of micropollutants. Chemical and biological water quality will be monitored in wetland microcosms and semi-controlled outdoor systems to determine efficacy, and plant growth and microbial ecology will be monitored to assess contributions to natural capital and biodiversity. Longer-term, these advances will be combined into a self-sustaining nature-based water reuse system that enhances water security and natural capital concurrently. This research has the potential for high impact in enhancing community and ecosystem health, and advancing the field of techno-ecological innovation. I will train 12 HQP (7 directly with requested funds) and produce world-leading academic outputs on METLands and nature-based water reuse. I will support equity, diversity, and inclusion in both HQP training and in working respectfully and reciprocally with communities.