Our research and development (R&D) seeks to better understand the environmental impacts from accidentally spilled hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) on sediments, soils, surface water, groundwater and associated ecosystems. We experimentally simulate offshore, nearshore, and inland spills of biooils, biofuels, chemicals and plastics. As the transport of HNS increases across Canada by ship, rail, road and pipeline, it is important to understand the behaviour and fate of priority HNS in order to improve response and recovery options available should an accidental spill occur.
This research program supports Canada’s Ocean Protection Plan and involves close collaborations with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Health Canada, as well as collaborators in academia.
Our areas of focus
This program studies the dispersion, degradation and toxicity of biooils, biofuels, alternative fuels (including ammonia), plastics, and selected chemicals that may be accidentally released to marine and freshwater ecosystems during transportation and/or storage.
Key outcomes include:
- HNS fact sheets, intended to support spill responders and to generate knowledge about the longer term (months to years) behaviour and fate of various HNS in the environment
- new approaches for monitoring and remediation
- technology developments including solidifiers, dispersants, and biosurfactants
Contact information
For information about our team, research, or to work with us, please contact:
James Brydie PhD. P.Geo., Director - Upstream and Environment
james.brydie@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
(587) 337 2536