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Showing papers from Stantec (Canada)

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Article Tier 2

Microplastics in aquatic environments: Implications for Canadian ecosystems

This review summarizes what is known about microplastic contamination in Canadian freshwater and marine environments, covering sources, distribution, and potential ecological effects. Researchers found that while microplastics have been detected across Canadian waters from the Great Lakes to Arctic coastlines, significant data gaps exist for many regions. The study calls for standardized monitoring methods and more research into how microplastics affect Canadian aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

2016 Environmental Pollution 599 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of aging of primary and secondary polystyrene nanoplastics on the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes in anaerobic digestion

Researchers studied how aged and non-aged nanoplastics from both manufactured and environmentally degraded polystyrene affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes during sewage sludge treatment. They found that higher concentrations of nanoplastics inhibited the treatment process and increased the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes, with environmentally degraded particles having a stronger effect due to their altered surface properties. The study raises concerns that nanoplastic pollution in sewage systems may be contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance.

2024 The Science of The Total Environment 5 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on primary sludge fermentation under acidic and alkaline conditions: Significance of antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics affect the fermentation of sewage sludge at different pH levels. They found that low doses stimulated hydrogen gas production while higher concentrations suppressed it, and that nanoplastic exposure promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in the microbial community. The findings raise concerns about nanoplastics in wastewater systems potentially contributing to the broader problem of antibiotic resistance.

2024 Chemosphere 4 citations
Article Tier 2

A closer look at Toronto's water quality control design criteria for bioretention cells

This engineering study evaluated water quality performance and cost-effectiveness of bioretention cells at different design sizes in Toronto, finding that the current design standard of capturing the 90th percentile storm (25 mm) is likely too conservative and not cost-efficient. A lower design threshold could maintain similar pollutant removal while significantly reducing construction costs.

2023 Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Erdek Körfezi Karot Çökellerinin Ağır Metal Dağılımı ve Zenginleşme Derecesi

This Turkish study analyzed the distribution of heavy metals in sediment cores from Erdek Bay in the Marmara Sea, assessing anthropogenic enrichment of metals relative to natural background levels. Researchers found elevated concentrations of certain metals linked to nearby urban and industrial activities. This is a marine geochemistry study with limited direct relevance to microplastic research.

2020 Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni / Geological Bulletin of Turkey 1 citations