Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Characterization of microplastics in wetlands of the Fraser estuary to support predictive modelling
Agreement Number:
1035910
Agreement Value:
$143,660.00
Agreement Date:
Sep 2, 2025 - Mar 31, 2027
Description:
Estuarine wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, but are experiencing dramatic global losses. A pilot project at Sturgeon Bank in the Fraser Estuary is exploring the use of dredged sediment for marsh restoration. However, the effects of potential contamination of the dredged sediments by microplastics and leachates on project success remains poorly understood. At the same time, trapping of particulates by wetland vegetation offers promise for nature-based solutions designed to beneficially sequester microplastics. This Project will characterize microplastics in sediments at Sturgeon Bank, examine the relative distributions in dredgeate, mudflats and vegetated salt marshes, investigate contaminant leaching from microplastics, and determine UV weathering rates. This Project will also support informed decision-making for wetland restoration, enhance understanding and predictive modelling of microplastics fate and transport, and guide beneficial use of dredged sediment.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia, CA V6T 1Z3
Reference Number:
172-2025-2026-Q3-1035910
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
108161779
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
The University of British Columbia
Federal Riding Name:
Vancouver Quadra
Federal Riding Number:
59040
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
NAICS Code:
541710