Sedimentary Processes Characterization and Analyses

University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
What the facility does

Sediment and sediment-bound nutrient transport in surface waters

Areas of expertise

At a time when surface water flow is variable and its predictability questionable, it is important to understand this vital resource. This research group works to characterize surface water flow and the material it is transporting in a number of different environments.  We work in agricultural, urban, rural and transitioning watersheds across North America to understand the impact these changes have on water quality and what this means for landscape evolution. Sediment transported via surface-water flows affect downstream environments.  In addition, sediment-bound nutrients can also alter established ecosystems.  We work to understand the relationships among surface water flow, sediment and sediment-bound nutrients, as well as changes that occur in the surrounding landscapes that affect these processes. Our work is an effort to inform mitigation, adaptation, and management strategies.

Research services

Particle size characterization, surface water monitoring, sediment record retrieval (coring)

Sectors of application
  • Agriculture, animal science and food
  • Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
  • Education
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Forestry and forest-based industries
  • Mining, minerals and metals
Equipment
Particle size characterization 
Automated surface water sampling – pump samplers
Sediment coring 
Water level and flow monitoring
Water quality monitoring
Water sample analysis for nutrients
Dedicated space for sedimentary core analysis and characterization
Dedicated work space for up to six researchers