Click here for Centre
for Environmental Monitoring Information Sheet (pdf, 250 kb)
This research centre, founded in 2000, is engaged in interdisciplinary research
that uses the superb natural laboratories of the region to study the effects
of both emissions and of abatement technologies on both affected and near-pristine
land systems, as well as on human health issues through studies of water quality.
The goal is to move from a fragmented approach to a holistic focus on ecosystem
management, bringing together in one focused unit key researchers in disciplines
allied to ecosystem management, such as
- Terrestrial and aquatic biology
- Ecology
- Environmental chemistry and toxicology
- Earth sciences
- Radiation biology
CEM also continues the tradition of working with industry and community partners
to create and develop new technologies to meet environmental regulations and
preserve ecosystems.
CEM is involved in leading major funding initiatives on behalf of Laurentian
University environmental researchers. One example is the recently submitted
proposal to the Canadian Foundation for Innovation for the "Probing the
Health of the Canadian Shield" research initiative valued at CDN$6.43
million.
Objectives
Comprised of researchers from the Department of Chemistry,
Biology and Earth Science and collaborating with the other research centres
associated with MIRARCO, CEM is focusing on furthering the understanding of:
- The multiple stressors including climate change affecting the environment
in order to formulate and implement appropriate response strategies for
both direct effects such as heat stress, and indirect effects such as vector-borne
diseases or increased respiratory disorders from air pollution;
- Environmental
toxicology, specifically the effects of radionuclides and heavy metals on
various steps in ecological food webs.
One developing core focus of CEM researchers is to develop
models for the display of spatial data within an immersive virtual reality
environment using the newly commissioned Virtual Reality Laboratory (VRL)
within Laurentian University's Centre for
Integrated Monitoring Technology (CIMTEC). The VRL will allow the development
of predictive modelling scenarios to explore effects of impending climatic
warming events, or of pollution gradients at varying scales.
Principal Investigators
Dr. Graeme Spiers
Director, Centre for Environmental Monitoring (CEM)
Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University
Dr. Dave Pearson
Professor, Department of Geology, Laurentian University
Co-ordinator, Environmental Science Program, Laurentian University
Chair, Canadian Shield Environmental Research Network (CSERN)
CEM Network Development
The CEM is actively involved in the development of both research and communication networks. Current projects in this area are outlined
below.
- Canadian Shield Environmental Research Network - CSERN:
CSERN is a multidisciplinary group of organisations
and individuals with a common interest in the environmental health of the
Canadian Shield. Through collaborative research among universities,
colleges, industries and government, its goal is to understand the changes
affecting the Shield's terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to contribute
to actions that will sustain them.
- Canadian Climate
Impacts and Adaptations Research Network (C-CIARN), Ontario Node:
This Network will facilitate research on the impact of climate change and
adaptation options to prepare for the social, economic as well as environmental
changes that are expected during the 21st century. Developing
an integrated communications program to share relevant information within
the scientific community and among policy makers and the public is a high
priority of the Network. The Network will bring together researchers
from many disciplines.
Key Research Partners
MIRARCO, Elliot Lake Research Field Station, Inco Limited, Falconbridge Limited,
Ministry of the Environment, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo,
Wilfred Laurier University, University of Alberta.
Funding Sources
Ministry of the Environment, Inco Limited, Falconbridge Limited, CFI/OIT,
NSERC, MITE-RN, ORDCF, FedNor
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