WATER Group – Watershed And Terrestrial Environment Research Group

University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario
What the facility does

Research on environmental quality of water, soils, and air

Areas of expertise

In our facility, we work at the interface of hydrology and biogeochemistry. This means that we tackle largely water-related problems as they relate to environmental contamination, especially of heavy metals and mercury. We have specific expertise in stable isotope analysis, elemental analyses, and the use of enriched isotopes in tracer studies. Dr. Mitchell is heavily involved in multiple projects and collaborates significantly with both industry, government and communities.

Research services

Analytical services, including stable water isotopes, elemental analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and testing facilities. We have field testing facilities related to watershed hydrology, rivers, water quality.  

Sectors of application
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Forestry and forest-based industries
  • Mining, minerals and metals

Equipment

Function

Agilent 7700x ICP-MS

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Elemental analysis (large part of periodic table in one sample), including isotope tracer analysis.

Los Gatos Research DLT-100 Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer

Deuterium and O-18 measurements in water for hydrological tracer applications.

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Natural Resources Canada
  • Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Domtar, Inc.
  • Weyerhaeuser Canada
  • Tekran Corporation
  • State of Minnesota
Title URL

You can taste it': Road salt making GTA rivers, streams as salty as seawater

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/road-salt-gta-water-1.4515132

U of T researchers conduct most comprehensive airborne mercury testing in GTA

https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-researchers-conduct-most-comprehensive-airborne-mercury-testing-gta

Seven U of T researchers awarded $3.8 million in federal grants for projects benefiting economy, environment

https://www.utoronto.ca/news/seven-u-t-researchers-awarded-38-million-federal-grants-projects-benef…