Research Report 2010-2011 - College of Engineering - University of ...

Water
Research in this category is concerned with the distribution of water on the earth’s
surface, water supply systems with regard to both quantity and quality, and the
protection of the aquatic environment. Faculty members in Civil and Geological
Engineering are working on a great diversity of projects, including: evaluating the
hydrology of reconstructed watersheds (A. Elshorbagy), studying the effect of forest
harvesting upon stream flow quantity and quality (G. Putz), studying built structures in
waterways and their ability to allow for passage of fish (J. Kells), modifying sea lamprey
barriers to minimize drowning risk (K. Mazurek), characterizing pollutant load in runoff
from various urban land use types to the South Saskatchewan River in the City of
Saskatoon (J. Kells and G. Putz), reducing internal phosphorous loading in lakes
(J. Peng), characterizing residual solids from membrane filtration of water (G. Putz),
studying the influence of baffles and columns on retention time in chlorine contact
vessels (K. Mazurek and G. Putz), and investigating the dynamics of scour in erodible
material at hydraulic structures (J. Kells and K. Mazurek).
Within Chemical Engineering, C. Niu is developing biosorbents from waste biomaterials
for removal of nickel, sulphate, chloride and boron from industrial process rinse water so
that the rinse water may be recycled. In addition, M. Nemati is working on biotreatment
of acid mine drainage and biological treatment of sulphide-laden waters.
Current research within Chemical and Biological Engineering is focused upon intensive
livestock operations: the effect of manure land application upon snowmelt runoff water
quality (C. Maulé), runoff prediction and control from beef feedlots (C. Maulé and
T. Fonstad), and development of management practices to maximize the efficiency of
solar powered irrigation systems (T. Fonstad).
R. Burton (Mechanical Engineering), with funding from the Canadian Water Network,
have been working on the detection of leakage in pipelines using Kalman and Variable
Structure filtering techniques. The cooperation of SaskWater has permitted the use of
the line from the South Saskatchewan River to Melfort to simulate controlled leakages
and to make online measurements.
Land
Research in the land category is typified by monitoring, protection, treatment, and
reclamation of soils, land, and groundwater resources influenced by human activities
related to agriculture, urban development, and industry. Within the Chemical and
Biological Engineering, T. Fonstad is monitoring seepage and geochemistry changes
beneath earthen hog manure storages and from animal mortality pits with the goal of
improving control and regulation. M. Nemati has developed a novel method that
enhances bioremediation of petroleum contaminated waters, sludges, and soils. In
Theme 2 – Environment – Research Report 2010-11 Page 10