Transport, Impact and Fate of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Systems
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://inzymes.lab.yorku.ca/satinder-kaur-brar/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description:
Background- The proliferation of plastics has become a defining feature of modern civilization, with staggering volumes produced annually. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this plastic waste eventually degrades into microplastics (MPs)—tiny fragments under 5mm. Recent estimates suggest over 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently pollute our oceans, with microplastics forming a substantial fraction. These microplastics present a unique challenge to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), particularly in the context of biological processes like the Activated Sludge Process (ASP) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR). Despite their critical role in organic and nutrient removal, these systems are not specifically designed to tackle the nuances of microplastic pollution, leading to a significant gap in our understanding and management of these pollutants in wastewater treatment. Overview- This project aims to understand the transport and fate of microplastics and simultaneously their impact in biological wastewater treatment systems, specifically the Activated Sludge Process (ASP) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technologies. The goal encompasses not only assessing the impact of microplastics on organic matter and nutrient removal and their effects on microbial communities but also exploring the transport and fate of these particles within the treatment systems. A key aspect of this investigation is to understand how biofilm formation on microplastics influences their transport and eventual fate, whether leading to their settlement in solids or their presence in the effluent. This process is crucial as it may significantly alter the physical and chemical properties of microplastics, potentially resulting in their weathering and the formation of nano plastics. This study contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by addressing the complex challenges posed by microplastic pollution in water treatment and aquatic ecosystems.
Research Objectives:
-Examine the impact of microplastics on the efficiency of organic matter and nutrient removal in ASP and MBBR systems.
-Investigate the effects of microplastics on microbial community dynamics within these treatment processes.
-Explore the biofilm formation on microplastics and its influence on their transport and fate, determining their tendency to settle in solids or remain in effluent.
-Assess the physical and chemical transformation of microplastics, including weathering and nano plastic formation, within the wastewater treatment context.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Experimental Setup and Maintenance: Gain practical skills in bioreactor operation and maintenance, essential for process engineering.
-Sample Collection and Analysis: Develop proficiency in using advanced analytical tools, enhancing technical expertise.
-Data Recording and Management: Improve data organization and analytical skills, key for research accuracy and integrity.
-Research Collaboration and Reporting: Enhance collaboration and scientific communication abilities through regular lab meetings and report preparation.
-Laboratory Safety Compliance: Learn essential safety protocols and risk management in a laboratory setting.
-Work Setting: The project will be conducted in a specialized on-campus laboratory, equipped with necessary bioreactors and analytical tools, adhering to standard campus hours and safety protocols.
Desired Technical Skills:
-Competency in handling and operating lab-scale bioreactors.
-Skills in microscopic analysis and characterization techniques.
-Proficiency in analytical methods and instrumentation.
-Solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
Desired Course(s):
-Environmental Engineering, Biology or Chemistry
-Environmental Systems and Wastewater Engineering
-Analytical Techniques in Environmental Science
-Microbiology for Environmental Engineers
-Pollution Control and Waste Management
Other Desired Qualifications:
-Active engagement in environmental or engineering extracurricular activities.
-Previous internship or research experience in related fields.
-Demonstrated interest in sustainability and environmental issues.
Comparative Assessment of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Treatments for Hydrocarbon Removal in Petroleum-Contaminated Water
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/satinder-brar
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: This project aims to evaluate the efficacy of physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods for hydrocarbon removal in petroleum-contaminated water. Hydrocarbon pollution is a significant environmental issue caused by activities such as oil spills, industrial discharges, and accidental leaks. Effective remediation strategies are crucial for mitigating its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. The study will investigate three primary approaches: physical methods (e.g., adsorption, microwave-extraction), chemical treatments (e.g., oxidation, surfactants), and biological remediation (e.g., biodegradation by microbes). The project will compare these methods in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and scalability. It will also explore how factors like hydrocarbon composition, contaminant concentration, and environmental conditions affect the performance of each method. The research will involve laboratory-scale experiments using petroleum-contaminated water to evaluate the removal efficiency of hydrocarbons under controlled conditions. Analytical tools such as gas chromatography (GC-FID) and spectroscopy will be used to assess hydrocarbon concentrations before and after treatment. The findings will help identify the most effective and sustainable approach for managing petroleum-contaminated water.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Conduct laboratory experiments to assess the efficiency of physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods for hydrocarbon removal.
2. Prepare and handle petroleum-contaminated water samples following safety protocols.
3. Use analytical instruments such as GC-FID, spectrophotometers, and other tools to quantify hydrocarbon concentrations.
4. Collect, record, and analyze data to compare treatment methods in terms of efficacy and environmental impact.
5. Perform literature reviews to stay updated on the latest advancements in hydrocarbon remediation techniques.
6. Collaborate with team members to design experiments and interpret results.
7. Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
8. Ensure adherence to laboratory safety guidelines and environmental standards throughout the research.
Desired Technical Skills:
-Basic laboratory skills, including pipetting, weighing, and preparing solutions.
-Familiarity with standard analytical techniques, such as pH measurement and spectrophotometry.
-Ability to conduct literature searches and summarize scientific findings.
-Proficiency in using basic software tools such as Microsoft Excel and Origin for data analysis and report writing.
Desired Course(s):
-Environmental Science
-Biological Science
-Biotechnology
-Microbiology
-Chemistry
-Civil Engineering
-Chemical Engineering
Any related discipline focused on environmental or biological sciences.
Other Desired Qualifications:
-Strong interest in environmental sustainability and remediation techniques.
-Effective communication and teamwork skills.
-Enthusiasm for hands-on research and willingness to learn new laboratory methods.
-Previous experience in academic or extracurricular projects related to environmental science is an asset but not required.
Carotenoid Production by the Oleaginous Red Yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://inzymes.lab.yorku.ca
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that play a critical role in various biological processes and provide numerous benefits across industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These compounds, classified as tetraterpenoids, contribute to the vibrant yellow, orange, and red colours seen in fruits, vegetables, and certain microorganisms. Beyond their role in pigmentation, carotenoids are potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and environmental stressors such as ultraviolet (UV) light. The global demand for carotenoids is growing rapidly, driven by their use as food colourants, in cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% and an estimated market value of $3.4 billion by 2029, carotenoids are increasingly sought after for their health benefits, including their role as precursors to vitamin A and their potential anticancer properties. Microbial carotenoid production, particularly through sustainable platforms like Rhodosporidium toruloides, offers an eco-friendly and scalable alternative to traditional plant and animal sources. This yeast’s ability to thrive under controlled bioreactor conditions, coupled with its high carotenoid yields, provides a consistent and reliable source of these valuable compounds, without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with large-scale agricultural production. Rhodosporidium toruloides is an oleaginous red yeast that has emerged as a promising platform for carotenoid production. Its ability to produce high-value carotenoids such as β-carotene, torulene, and torularhodin is tightly linked to its stress response, especially under nutrient-limited conditions or in the presence of metabolic inhibitors. This research aims to explore and optimize carotenoid production in various strains of Rhodosporidium toruloides, using different culture conditions and substrates, including renewable lignocellulosic materials. By evaluating parameters such as carotenoid yield, substrate utilization, and microbial growth, the study seeks to enhance the commercial viability of microbial carotenoid production, positioning R. toruloides as a sustainable biofactory capable of meeting the growing global demand for natural antioxidants and pigments.
Duties and Responsibilities:
-To conduct experimental work related to microbial fermentation, including preparing and maintaining microbial cultures under controlled bioreactor conditions.
-Develop proficiency in using advanced analytical tools, enhancing technical expertise.
-Improve data organization and analytical skills, key for research accuracy and integrity.
-Enhance collaboration and scientific communication abilities through regular lab meetings and report preparation.
-Learn essential safety protocols and risk management in a laboratory setting.
Desired Technical Skills:
-Basic understanding of microbiological techniques, including aseptic handling of cultures and microbial growth monitoring.
-Familiarity with biochemical assays, such as spectrophotometric analysis.
-Proficiency in analytical methods and instrumentation.
-Experience with basic lab equipment, including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and autoclaves.
-Knowledge of fermentation processes and microbial metabolism, particularly in yeast or fungi.
-General laboratory skills, including solution preparation, pipetting, and sterile techniques.
Desired Course(s): Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or Environmental Science.
Other Desired Qualifications:
-Prior lab experience through academic courses, internships, or co-op programs is an asset.
-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
-Good communication and teamwork skills for collaborative research projects.
-Enthusiasm for sustainability and microbial biotechnology research.
-A proactive attitude and willingness to learn new techniques and concepts.
Robust Detection and Characterization of Microplastics in Wastewater
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://inzymes.lab.yorku.ca/satinder-kaur-brar/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Plastics have become an integral part of modern life, with global production reaching 350 million tons annually. Valued for their affordability and versatility, plastics are widely used by manufacturers and consumers alike. However, the uncontrolled and excessive use of plastics has led to their emergence as a major environmental pollutant. Among the most concerning forms of plastic pollution is “microplastic pollution.” Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, present in various forms and matrices in the environment. They exist in their primary forms, such as microbeads in cosmetics, or are generated secondarily through the degradation of larger plastics, such as fragments from macroplastic breakdown or microfibers released during the washing of synthetic textiles. This research project focuses on developing a qualitative and quantitative method for analyzing MPs in wastewater samples. The candidate will gain in-depth knowledge about MPs, their real-world impact on ecosystems, and the critical importance of this research.
Objective: To develop a Sensitive, Reproducible, and Efficient Method for Detecting MPs in Wastewater. Microplastics enter wastewater treatment plants through domestic and industrial wastewater, making these facilities key sources for the accumulation of microplastics. However, MPs are not properly addressed in conventional WWTP processes and are subsequently released into the environment via treated effluents or through dewatered sludge that often ends up in landfills. Consequently, these treatment plants act as significant sources of MPs to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This research involves collecting samples from various treatment stages within wastewater treatment plants and isolating, extracting, and characterizing microplastics at laboratory scale. A notable gap in existing studies is the absence of standardized protocols for microplastic analysis in wastewater. This project aims to innovate pretreatment techniques for the efficient removal of organic matter in wastewater, which can interfere with accurate microplastic analysis. Advanced analytical tools, such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, optical microscopy and DSC-TGA will be employed to ensure sensitive, reproducible, and efficient detection and quantification of microplastics in wastewater matrices. Ultimately, the research aspires to promote environmental sustainability by raising awareness about the prevalence of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their impact on the environment.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be required to assist in planning and performing the lab experiment, analyze the data, and attend the weekly group meetings. Project work must be carried out on campus.
Desired Technical Skills: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel
Desired Course(s): Candidates pursuing bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer, Civil, Environmental Engineering background, or any closely related field are strongly recommended.
Other Desired Qualifications: Students with chemical laboratory experience are preferred.
Chemical Transport through an Engineered Barrier to Used Nuclear Canisters
Professor: Magdalena Krol
Contact Info: mkrol@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://mkrol.info.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Several countries, including Canada, Finland, Switzerland, and the United Sates are studying long- term solutions for the storage of used nuclear fuel. Current designs include the use of deep geological repositories (DGRs) that would be located several hundred meters below ground level. DGRs will house used fuel canisters (UFCs) which are usually surrounded with multiple engineered barriers, each playing a different role within the DGR. In Canada, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for the design and implementation of the DGR. The current NWMO DGR design includes a steel container, a copper coating that acts as a corrosion barrier, and highly compacted bentonite (HCB) that surrounds the UFC. HCB can suppress the movement of corrosive agents to the UFC, thereby preventing corrosion of the canister. In this research project, the behaviour of the HCB under several different repository conditions will be investigated using lab experiments in order to understand how the HCB will perform as a barrier against the transport of potentially corrosion-inducing compounds. When the repository is sealed, these compounds can diffuse through the HCB and lead to microbially influenced corrosion of the UFC. One successful candidate will work in the Civil Environmental laboratory and conduct diffusion experiments to identify the diffusion/sorption parameters under different repository conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities: The undergraduate student will work closely with graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows and the faculty supervisor, Professor Magdalena Krol. The student will be expected to work in the Civil-Environmental lab and will receive biosafety training as well as training on various laboratory analytical devices. Their responsibilities will include running diffusion tests and performing general lab activities. The student will also be involved in report writing, presentations, and group meetings.
Desired Technical Skills: Good foundation in chemistry and interest in environmental issues; good communication skills and a team player; experience working the lab an asset.
Desired Course(s): Finished 3rd year of Civil Engineering undergraduate program.
Other Desired Qualifications: Good communication skills, good organizational skills, and ability to work in a team. As all the work will be taking place in an environmental lab, the ability to take and follow instructions is paramount to ensure safety of all individuals.
Green Roof Efficiency
Professor: Magdalena Krol and Usman Khan
Contact Info: mkrol@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://mkrol.info.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Green roofs have shown potential in reducing cooling and heating loads of buildings, and thus, the related carbon emissions. The objective of this research is to analyze the performance of green roofs in terms of water retention and thermal performance as compared to conventional roofs under Ontario (Toronto) climates. The effect of two design parameters: green roof growing media depth and the insulation thickness of the roof, will be investigated using roof modules. The green roof modules will be constructed at the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) facility (at York campus) along with a conventional roof in order to assess the green roof performance. The modules will be instrumented and data collected will be used to examine the efficiency of the two roof systems.
Duties and Responsibilities: The undergraduate student(s) will perform literature review on green roof design used in Canada and submit their findings to the faculty supervisors (Khan and Krol). They will also work at the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) facility setting up various green roof systems and instrumenting them to collect data. Lastly, the student will examine, analyze and visualize data to communicate findings and present results to the research group.
Desired Technical Skills: Ability to conduct literature search and compile information from various sources. Ability to work with various instruments and troubleshoot issues. Strong communication skills, strong organization skills, and ability to work in a team are also desired.
Desired Course(s): Open to students in Civil Engineering, specifically those interested in environmental sustainability issues; Second year students or higher are preferred but first year students may be considered.
Other Desired Qualifications: Most of this work will be conducted outside so the desired candidate should enjoy being outside. Some lifting may also be required.
Thermo-mechanics of energy piles
Professor: Kamelia Atefi-Monfared
Contact Info: catefi@yorku.ca
Lab Website:
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Energy piles are key structural elements that while providing structural support, exploit the near-surface geothermal energy which can be utilized as a renewable resource for multiple applications including heating-cooling of buildings. Thermal loads can induce expansion and contraction in the pile as well as in the surrounding porous media, which may influence the load bearing mechanism and settlements in piles and thus the serviceability and safety of the built structure. Furthermore, different soil types and in-situ conditions can induce a very different thermo-mechanical response of the energy pile under thermal loads. This research project is aimed at geomechanical modeling of energy piles and their interaction with the surrounding porous media, to assess their thermo-mechanical performance in the Canadian climate. The objective is to obtain an in depth understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in load bearing of piles and how thermal loads can influence the aforementioned. To achieve this, coupled numerical modeling will be conducted to design thermal loads within energy pile and assess the thermo-mechanical response of the pile.
Duties and Responsibilities: To achieve the goals of the project, the student will be engaged in extensive literature review; formulation and analysis of thermal-mechanical processes in porous media; numerical modeling using COMSOL/FLAC3D; and result analysis. Regular weekly meetings with the advisor as well as graduate students working on the project will be held throughout the duration of this project, during which feedback will be provided on the work, questions will be answered, and weekly tasks will be assigned. Training on theoretical modeling will be provided by the advisor. The final deliverable is a comprehensive report on the work, developed model, and findings.
Desired Technical Skills: Strong background in mechanics of materials; CIVL2220; experience in numerical modeling and/or coding is favored; interest in fundamental problems/modeling.
Desired Course(s): Strong background in mechanics of materials (CIVL2220).
Other Desired Qualifications: Interested in fundamental research, theoretical modeling, numerical modeling, and coupled processes in porous media.
Automated Speed Enforcement to Reduce Traffic Speeds and Collisions
Professor: Kevin Gingerich
Contact Info: kging@yorku.ca
Lab Website:
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: This is a collaborative project involving several faculty members in Civil Engineering and EUC. The aim of this research is to minimize the occurrence of road collisions, fatalities, and severe injuries involving aggressive driving and excessive speeding by promoting the safe and effective use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) camera technology. The project will create cutting-edge interactive 2D and 3D visualization tools, designed to assist traffic safety engineers, municipal decision makers and the general public. These tools aim to provide clear understanding, outreach, training and education regarding the best practices for installing and operating ASE cameras on targeted road networks. Notably, ASE has proven effective in reducing collision rates involving vulnerable road users, especially when strategically placed in areas of safety concern, such as School Zones and Community Safety Zones. The project has three main objectives with various sub-tasks aimed at (1) developing and modelling strategies for the optimal deployment and timing of ASE cameras, (2) collecting essential data for this modelling and incorporating this data into interactive 2D and 3D online tools, and (3) developing resources for municipal partners and facilitate outreach and education.
Duties and Responsibilities: Students will assist with areas that align with their interests and project needs. Example duties include the following:
-Data collection from municipalities and cleaning/processing the data for models and interactive tools.
-Statistical analysis of ASE data to identify trends and patterns related to aggressive driving and collisions.
-Generate visuals (figures, graphs, maps, etc.,) to communicate project data and results.
-Help write reports and papers.
-Support the development of additional outreach materials.
-Collect current information on ASE practices across various jurisdictions.
-Assist with the development and testing of interactive online tools.
-Assist with the deployment of surveys.
Desired Technical Skills: Technical skills related to data analysis will be essential for this project. Additional valuable skills include research (background investigation), communication (report writing and graphics creation), and modelling (coding, optimizations, and integrating data into tools).
Desired Course(s): The project is centrally related to transportation engineering and is therefore suitable for Civil Engineering students. However, students from other programs are encouraged to apply if they have an interest in transportation.
Modelling the effectiveness of UHPC Confinement in Columns Using Finite Element Analysis
Professor: Stavroula Pantazopoulou
Contact Info: pantazo@yorku.ca
Lab Website: http://lassonde.yorku.ca/civil-engineering/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Experiments conducted in our Laboratory have provided extensive data in the field of UHPC and the prospects of this new technology in providing durable solutions for seismic upgrading of older construction, and/or retrofitting reinforced concrete structural components that have been previously damaged by corrosion. However, in the development of methods to design of these retrofits, it is essential to quantify the strength and deformation capacity increase imparted by the UHPC acting as a retrofitting device over conventional reinforced concrete. To achieve this objective, detailed finite element studies will be undertaken, using the advanced F.E. platform ATENA which is specifically developed for modelling of concrete structures. The student will conduct development of models using ATENA, in order to study the effectiveness of confinement provided by UHPC jackets on bridge piers, which after calibration with the experiments, will be used to derive practical expressions that link the geometrical properties of the UHPC retrofit with the achieved strength and deformation capacity enhancement of the piers.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will develop and run the detailed FE models in ATENA, will conduct the experimental verification and calibration of the models, and will subsequently use them to extract a practical design expression for the retrofit. The student will contribute to the preparation of two manuscripts – one summarizing the experimental verification of the retrofitting solution when applied to precast UHPC jacketing, and a conference paper presenting the results of the parametric investigation and extraction of the design model for using the UHPC materials for retrofit.
Desired Technical Skills: Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling of Concrete Mechanics, Ability to use ATENA
Desired Course(s): Senior undergraduate degree coursework with emphasis on Structural Engineering
Other Desired Qualifications: Have conducted previous finite element modeling on ATENA