Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2024, Volume 6

The rapid expansion of urban populations worldwide has led to extensive urban sprawl and congested city centres, leading to a range of public health issues. The spatial characteristics of urban areas are pivotal in tackling these issues. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis to explore the intricate relationship between noise pollution and human behaviour in public spaces, with a specific emphasis on co-presence dynamics. The primary objective is to scrutinize how noise patterns impact the utilization and purpose of public spaces, additionally a particular focus on refining ‘modelled noise’ patterns in the context of London. Concentrating on two high streets and four junctions situated within the Camden borough of London, this study employs a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Data collection tools are used to meticulously observe and map human behaviours, emphasizing co-presence dynamics. Furthermore, manual measurements are employed to thoroughly document diverse noise patterns using acoustic metres. The collected data, geolocated for precision, undergo analysis through QGIS and SPSS software. The findings derived from this study offer valuable insights into the refinement of open-source modelled noise patterns, comprehension of the consequences of discomfort-inducing noise on human behaviour, especially co-presence. These insights aim to contribute to the enhancement of acoustic comfort and the promotion of public well-being in urban environments. Understanding how these factors interact is essential for informed urban planning and design decisions, fostering the creation of more liveable and healthy cities.

As urban development continues to expand and the likelihood of extreme precipitation events rises under climate change, there is an increasing risk of overburdening existing infrastructure. Therefore, considerations need to be made to enhance cities’ stormwater management infrastructure programs, policies, and designs. In this study, we thoroughly analyzed the current practices of 11 global cities, including London, Berlin, Copenhagen, Melbourne, New York City, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Boston, Ottawa, and Toronto, regarding stormwater management and climate change adaptation. We conducted thorough reviews of published documents and held interviews to evaluate their regulatory frameworks, policies, and design guidelines for stormwater management. City of Toronto served as the benchmark for comparison, which allowed us to assess how international approaches align with or diverge from local practices. The overarching strategies adopted by these cities align with enhancing resilience, which to a certain extent addresses issues related to stormwater management. Findings revealed that integrating adaptation and resilience efforts into broader city improvement initiatives is a key aspect of the overall strategy. Solutions for stormwater management can also address multiple problems. The cloudburst management project implemented in Copenhagen and NYC serves as two noteworthy examples of this concept. As climate science and modeling techniques continue to improve, regular reviews of design storm criteria are crucial for building adaptive capacity and long-term resilience in stormwater management. Cities like Philadelphia have exemplified this approach by leveraging comprehensive climate projections to inform planning and design guidance. The selected cities serve as inspiring models for effective stormwater management and present innovative strategies and lessons for regions facing similar climate change challenges.

Landfilling is the predominant method for municipal solid waste management in many regions. A large amount of disposable face mask waste is generated and disposed in landfills. In this study, we explored the change of disposable masks in landfills through simulated processes, encompassing the exposure to sunlight before burial and contact with landfill leachate. After the exposure to UV radiation, the masks’ three layers exhibited surface abrasions and fractures, indicating an aging process that rendered them unstable. Chemical alterations in the masks and a reduction in mechanical strength were observed after UV weathering, providing evidence of the aging phenomenon. In addition, the physicochemical properties of disposable face masks before and after aging in landfill leachate were further investigated. It was found that the aging of these masks were accelerated in landfill leachate, resulting in the release of elevated quantity of microparticles, surpassing those released in deionized water after UV radiation and aging. Specifically, after 48 h of UV radiation, the concentration of released particles in leachate rose 7.5 times after 30 days of aging. Disposable mask end-life profiling such as this study shed light on the development of new strategies of waste management and further sustainable product development.

In the recent years, there has been a significant increase in municipal and industrial solid waste due to factors such as urban population growth, industrialization, and ongoing economic expansion. A notable group of emerging contaminants that have been detected at elevated levels in our environment are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as the ‘Forever Chemicals’. PFAS have raised concerns due to their toxicity and widespread presence in the environment, both in water and solid materials. These compounds are anthropogenic in nature and consist of long hydrophobic perfluorinated carbon chains (C_n F_2n+1) and a hydrophilic functional group such as—SO₃⁻. Government regulations have established maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) levels for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in drinking water, which are set at 0.6 µg/L and 0.2 µg/L, respectively (Government of Canada 2018). One solution for PFAS release into our environment is to investigate landfill leachate (LL) treatment to efficiently remove PFAS. Electrocoagulation technology (EC) is employed to agitate the formation of flocs with a propensity to either float or settle. Following the concentration of PFAS in the foam layer generated by the EC system, this study manages various operational parameters. The initial PFOS concentration stands at 40 µg/L, with an EC reaction time of 60 min. The PFOS removal efficiency in the effluent surpasses 90%. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements are utilized to analyze PFOS removal through EC technology.

The aqueous phase generated from the exploration and exploitation of petroleum products is known as Produced Water (PW). Generally, PW contains various concentrations of petroleum components, production, and treatment chemicals, dissolved gases, salts, ions (e.g., Na⁺, Cl⁻, and SO ²⁻) as well as dissolved minerals including metals (e.g., iron), naturally occurring radioactive materials (Norm), and solids. The impacts of these components are negative on both land and marine ecosystems. The search for an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable method for removing selective ions from Produced Water treatment is ongoing since several technologies have not provided sustainable solutions. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of an advanced electrokinetic treatment of PW. This paper presents a part of investigations related to the reduction of chlorides and sulfates from Produced Water, where ion exchange membranes were applied. The process yielded a reduction of chloride and sulfate as well as improved PW properties to generate quality water. A series of tests were conducted on 3 different types of synthetically Produced Water (low, medium, and high concentrations). Electrokinetic (EK) cells combined with ion exchange membranes, containing 250 ml of each type of PW, were exposed to low DC 1 V/cm. The results showed that the efficiency of EK depended on the PW concentration, ion valence, temperature, and exposure time. The electrokinetic phenomena influenced electro-demulsification, dissociation, and ion motion. Besides flocculation, floatation, sedimentation, and separation of the phases were observed. Chloride reduction was demonstrated in all aqueous samples of PW. Furthermore, sulfate was completely removed from low concentration and almost eliminated from medium, and high-concentration samples of PW. The novel electrochemical process showed to be a potential new technology that can replace other treatment methods that are currently in use for Produced Water and subsequently protect the environment.

Septic systems are designed to treat and release partially treated wastewater into the subsurface. In doing so they release various pollutants including nutrients, pathogens, and emerging contaminants into the environment. The objectives of this study are to (1) evaluate whether the amount of septic wastewater effluent reaching streams varies seasonally and between high and low stream flow conditions, and (2) assess the utility of using the artificial sweetener acesulfame combined with the human-specific bacterial DNA marker HF183 to infer the dominant pathways in delivering septic effluent to streams. Repeated sampling of streams in 15 subwatersheds was conducted together with detailed high-resolution longitudinal sampling along one stream. The percentage of septic effluent reaching streams was found to be highly variable between subwatersheds with septic effluent inputs greater in spring compared to other seasons, and also greater during high stream flow conditions. Stream HF183 concentrations were not correlated with acesulfame concentrations with data indicating that rapid pathways may be more important for contributing septic effluent to streams in some subwatersheds compared to others. Finally, high-resolution survey data showed that spatial trends in acesulfame and HF183 concentrations along the surveyed stream were not consistent and therefore pathways contributing effluent may vary longitudinally. The study findings are needed to improve estimates of pollutant loads to streams from septic systems and to inform septic system best management practices.

Underground hydrogen storage is a suitable method to solve the hydrogen storage problem. Hydrogen can be stored underground when surplus energy is generated and release when the demand increases. Water electrolysis can transfer the extra energy to hydrogen with the advantages of low cost, high efficiency, and environment friendly. But the storage of hydrogen gas is a problem, aboveground storage needs strict requirements because of the low density, low solubility, and high diffusivity of hydrogen. Underground storage can avoid these problems. There are so many salt caverns in Southern Ontario, which are constructed by injecting water into the underground rock salt layer. The high salt content in the solution can prevent the solution of hydrogen. The plastic deformation of salt caverns can prevent the leakage of hydrogen. In this study, energy consumption and demand are balanced for hydrogen production from water electrolysis and storage in salt caverns. The potential of hydrogen storage in salt caverns is evaluated. A simple model is established to simulate the electrolysis process.

This paper proposes a circular economy framework for reuse of excess soil in pit and quarry rehabilitation in Ontario. More than 25 million cubic meters of excess soil is generated by the construction industry in Ontario. The rehabilitation of dormant or active pits and quarries can be a viable option for the reuse of this soil. This paper reviews the best practices for rehabilitation of pits and quarries using excess soil in several jurisdictions in the US and Canada. Next it proposes a safe rehabilitation approach for pits and quarries using excess soil. This approach was designed after studying different possible pathways for migration of contaminants in a pit and/or quarry setting (e.g., soil to groundwater pathway and inhalation of indoor air containing soil vapor). The approach is based on a “layer-cake” method, which may allow for placement of soil meeting one or more generic volume-independent soil quality standards under certain conditions. Each layer will be chosen based on the existing standards of the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks. This framework prescribes Table 1 standards (i.e., background condition standards) as a default reference standard and advocates for its use in settings described by the regulations (e.g., sites located in an environmentally sensitive area). The paper introduces a flowchart that can be used by qualified persons to decide about the layer of the soil to be used for backfilling. A case study in Ontario was assessed, and using the developed approach, an initial rehabilitation plan was developed for it.

As coastal hazards such as storm surge, erosion, and flooding increasingly threaten coastal communities, there is a growing need to understand their impacts on key infrastructure. There are currently over one million onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) in Ontario with many of them serving coastal communities along the Great Lakes. Climate change poses multifaceted challenges to the proper functioning of OWTSs located close to inland coastal waters such as the Great Lakes due to factors including lake level changes, shoreline recession and coastal flooding. Improperly functioning systems pose public health risk as well as ecosystem health challenges due to increased pollutant loads to inland waters. Through field investigations, historical data analysis, and predictive modeling techniques, this study explores the potential impacts of climate change induced stressors on the functioning of OWTSs located near the Great Lakes. This study first provides field-based evidence that shoreline recession associated with record high lake water levels accelerated and increased inputs of nutrients from a large OWTS to Lake Huron. Second, the study uses geospatial approaches to explore the potential impact of greater coastal flooding and coastal erosion on the vulnerability of OWTSs to fail (or underperform) and potential implications for pollutant inputs to the Great Lakes. The study provides new insights needed to inform management and policy decisions (e.g., OWTS installation and maintenance guidelines), develops adaptation and mitigation strategies, and designs currently overlooked belowground infrastructure to limit future subsurface and surface water pollution, and improves the resilience of coastal communities to a changing climate.

Cannabinoids are chemical substances present in the cannabis plant, which are recognized for their capability to be involved in the endocannabinoid system in humans and animals, hence raised concerns. More than a hundred different cannabinoids have been identified within the plant such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Where cannabis is legally and widely used, such as areas with medical or recreational cannabis programs, various cannabinoids are found in concentrations from ng/L to μg/L in wastewater influent. These compounds are considered emerging contaminants, highlighting the need for research into treatment methods to efficiently eliminate them from the effluent of wastewater treatment plants before their release into natural water systems. In this study, the feasibility of soybean peroxidase catalyzed—as an eco-friendly alternative—removal of selected compounds from synthetic wastewater was monitored using high performance liquid chromatography, including optimization of the most important operational conditions, hydrogen peroxide concentration, pH, and enzyme activity. 2-Methylresorcinol, as a model compound, and CBD were found to be substrates for the enzyme, having about 100% removal efficiency at pH 7 and 8, respectively. A time-course study was determined under the optimized reaction conditions. The results support the possibility of soybean peroxidase-catalyzed treatment of the cannabinoids of emerging concern.

The recent research on the widespread presence of microplastics in the Ottawa River has underscored the potential environmental implications for this vital aquatic ecosystem. In this study, we conducted a numerical analysis of microplastic transport in a 400-km stretch of the Ottawa River, spanning from Chats Falls to Carillon generating station. We developed a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model of the domain using the TELEMAC modeling system. The model was validated through a comparison of the measured and modeled water level data. The results of the hydrodynamic model were then employed in a three-dimensional Particle Tracking Model (CaMPSim-3D), developed by the National Research Council Canada, to predict the fate and transport of microplastics in aquatic environments. This model was utilized to identify accumulation zones for two different groups of microplastics with densities greater and lesser than that of water, aiming to explore the influence of particle density on their distribution within the simulated domain. To evaluate the performance of the model, the results of the numerical simulation were qualitatively compared with previously collected field data on microplastics in the domain. This study provides valuable insights into the accumulation zones of various types of microplastics in the Ottawa River, offering guidance for decision-making processes and identifying hotspots for further investigation, cleanup initiatives, and future remediation activities.

The greenhouse gas emissions from conventional fossil fuel vehicles have a significant impact on the environment. Compared to fossil fuel vehicles, the new energy vehicles result in greatly lower carbon emissions. Some countries have been providing considerable subsidies for the popularization of new energy vehicles in the recent years, which has been gradually reducing the total urban transportation emissions. However, the rigidity of the existing subsidy policies has limited both policy implementation and incentive outcomes. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-enabled theoretical system for carbon emission trading between new energy vehicles and fossil fuel vehicles. The system is designed for free-market emission trading to realize incentives for clean transportation behaviors by punishing fossil fuel vehicles and rewarding new energy vehicles. To better contribute a high-performance and low-cost structure, Ethereum 2.0 and Rollups are adopted for the development of the new system. A discussion is conducted to illustrate the design advantages and social impact of this theoretical system. In the end, we analyze the feasibility of the proposed system.

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm and known to have prolong negative impacts on ecosystem and human health. MPs often are transported to freshwater and marine systems, and it is important to track their occurrence in water bodies. The distribution of these contaminants in water is affected by various parameters including particles’ buoyancy, surface composition, biofilm formation, and flow hydrodynamics. One hydrodynamic parameter that can affect the MPs vertical distribution is lake stratification during hot months. Temperature-induced lake stratification is shown to be an important factor in the depth-wise distribution of organic matter and oxygen on water column. This study focuses on the impact of lake stratification and thermocline formation on the vertical distribution of MPs in Hamilton Harbor. Thermocline formation in a lake could cause a dramatic difference in the temperature, which changes the density of water between top and bottom layer where it calls metalimnion, and thermocline is a part of this stratified section. As a result of thermocline formation, hydrodynamic behavior of MPs could be affected, where the distribution can be affected by partitioned mixing. To conduct this research, large-scale water samples were taken from July and October at different depths, and pretreatment methods prior to microscopy were done to extract maximum MPs from the water samples. Finally, microscopy was carried out and water residues on filters from near-surface layer (1 m), thermocline layer (6.5 to 9 m), and near-bottom samples (1 m above the bottom layer) were counted based on their size and shape. The thermocline zone had a higher MP concentration during the warm season than either the surface or bottom layers, according to initial findings, indicating the important impact of thermal stratification on MP distribution. Fibers were the most dominant particles in all layers of water during both warm and cold months. Particles were divided into four categories based on their size, and large-size particles (larger than 300 µm) outnumbered smaller particles from different categories. Findings of this research prove that thermocline could entrap particles in the middle layer during hot months.

Abating excessive greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion and implementing sustainable waste management strategies are two critical contemporary environmental challenges. Hydrogen has gained considerable attention as a prospective clean energy source over the past few decades. In this regard, generating hydrogen from various types of waste provides a unique opportunity to divert waste from landfills and convert it into sustainable hydrogen, offering a solution to both aforementioned environmental concerns. The concept of multigeneration is a further advancement of waste-to-hydrogen, allowing the integration of different processes with a waste-to-hydrogen system, producing multiple usable utilities such as space cooling and heating, electricity, freshwater, hot water, or methane in addition to hydrogen. This study expands on previous assessments and proposes a novel multigeneration waste-to-hydrogen gasification scenario. Municipal solid waste is subjected to gasification at a rate of 10,000 kg per hour, producing 1093 kg of hydrogen per hour. An organic Rankine cycle using R-245fa as the working fluid recovers thermal energy from the resultant effluent gas stream. As a result, electricity and low-pressure steam are produced at a rate of 13.1 kW and 2000 kg per hour. The cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment yielded that incorporating the organic Rankine cycle into gasification can reduce global warming by approximately 40%. The economic evaluation revealed reductions in the levelized cost of hydrogen between 1 and 3% under different scenarios of increasing carbon taxes. This evaluation offers valuable insights to investors, engineers, and other key stakeholders for informed decision-making regarding the successful establishment of waste-to-hydrogen gasification facilities.

“Net-zero communities” is a focus area with a high potential to act against global warming and climate change. Existing buildings and infrastructure become equally crucial as new construction develops net-zero communities. This study analyzes retrofitting strategies that could be used at the building level of an existing residential community to transform it into a net-zero community. The suitable retrofit packages were selected based on each strategy’s emissions, costs, and energy consumption. The application of life cycle thinking in retrofit selection was studied to emphasize the importance of considering the entire life cycle of products in decision-making. The suitable retrofit packages for net-zero communities with different targeted outcomes were selected based on parameters related to each retrofit’s production, operational, and disposal stages. The study underscored the significance of integrating life cycle thinking into net-zero concepts. This was achieved through a comparison of retrofit selection performance against both conventional net-zero definitions and definitions that incorporate life cycle thinking. In addition, recommendations on technologies that could be used for net-zero adoption in cold climate communities have been discussed.

Truck-hauled decentralized water and wastewater systems are a common service type for First Nations in Saskatchewan and Canada, because of their low life cycle cost (LCC) through the scope of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). This regular hauling by heavy trucks increases the degradation of a community’s gravel road network, thereby requiring an increased budget for repairs. This study analyzes the cost of this increased degradation in the context of current operations and maintenance (O&M) funding and typical O&M budgets to determine if there is justification for increased funding or different levels of service (LOS). A hypothetical road network was examined, and it was found that historic levels of funding were significantly inadequate to meet basic maintenance needs with the expected deterioration of road networks. Recently increased funding levels (2021) are closer, but still less, than other values taken from local municipal budgets in the literature. An LCC forecast showed that the funding gap does not allow for scheduled major surface renewal, which leaves First Nations in a cycle of reactive and emergency maintenance. Further, with the expectation of deteriorated road surfaces comes impacts to health and safety. Accounting for these non-monetized impacts is important in decision evaluation for alternate LOS. Considering a broader scope of costs and impacts associated with decentralized systems demonstrates the need for flexibility in funding and decision-making in consideration of First Nations infrastructure management.

Arsenic (As) is a carcinogenic metalloid commonly occurring in the environment stemming from both natural sources and human activities like mining. Given its high toxicity and widespread presence in global water systems, exploring effective treatment methods is crucial. Adsorption is recognized as a highly effective method for removing As from water. In the last decade, there has been a rising interest for using agricultural biomass residues as plentiful and economical resources for creating biomass and biochar-based adsorbents. In the current study, canola straw biochar (CSB) was treated with H₃PO₄ and FeCl₃ for arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) adsorption. Two factors were investigated for adsorption enhancement including FeCl₃ concentration and thermal treatment. Overall, an intermediate iron concentration and lower thermal treatment led to higher As adsorption capacities, with the optimized canola straw biochar (OCSB) being at 0.25 M FeCl₃ and 70 °C. It was found that an As solution of pH 10 was optimal for both As(III) and As(V) adsorption and thermodynamic experiments showed that both processes were spontaneous while As(III) was an endothermic adsorption process and As(V) was an exothermic adsorption process. Kinetic data showed that As adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, while isotherm modeling resulted in the acceptance of a Freundlich model. Characterization analyses (BET, XRD, and Raman) suggested amorphous element structures and the deposition of α-Fe₂O₃ and α-FeOOH. In summary, the outcomes point to OCSB as a viable candidate for removing As from water making it a potentially effective adsorbent.

Biochar is a versatile material with various applications, such as soil enhancement and energy generation. Additionally, it is renowned for its capability to adsorb waterborne contaminants. Nevertheless, the utilization of untreated biochar for this purpose falls short due to its typically constrained adsorption capacity. Consequently, chemical modification of biochar can be employed to enhance its adsorption properties and optimize adsorption efficiency, leading to the development of an ‘engineered biochar’ that is more effective in water treatment. Although numerous studies have been carried out on engineered biochar in the past decade, there has been limited exploration into their environmental impacts and the assessment of their life cycle, both in terms of assessment (LCA) and cost (LCCA). In this study, we investigated the LCA and LCCA of canola straw biochar modified using H₃PO₄ and FeCl₃ developed for the adsorption of arsenic. LCA analysis showed that the biochar composite production process generates 0.134 kg CO₂ eq per kg of biochar, while LCCA results displayed an overall price of $6.95 USD per kg of biochar. Additionally, we examined a weighting scenario to compare the LCA and LCCA outcomes of the biochar composite produced through conventional pyrolysis with those of microwave pyrolysis. This evaluation led to the recommendation of microwave pyrolysis over conventional pyrolysis. In summary, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the practical environmental and economic implications associated with the utilization of biochar as an adsorbent.

Implementing an existing natural wetland into a new urban stormwater management facility can improve the sustainable aspects of the new development by providing increased social and environmental benefits and decreasing costs. Retaining an existing wetland has challenges due to the characteristics of its ability to handle the new hydrology and lower water quality from the urban stormwater runoff. There is limited literature available on implementing existing wetlands for stormwater control; however, constructed wetlands are an accepted and proven practice. Attempts to use natural wetlands require them to be modified to replicate constructed wetlands to facilitate regulatory approval. This is due to the lack of understanding of how natural wetlands will behave under a new stormwater flow regime. Low impact design (LID) measures are gaining wider acceptance, and there is promise in combining these measures with a natural wetland to provide stormwater management for both hydrology control and water quality improvement. Potential success of wetland retention requires a comprehensive understanding of the existing physical, chemical, and ecological parameters of the wetland, as well as modelling of the urban stormwater runoff to predict compatibility and inform possible upstream LID requirements. Using the case study of the Michael Rawson Clark Natural Area currently being implemented in Edmonton, Alberta, the physical, chemical, and ecological parameters of the existing wetland are established, and modelling using the rational method and PCSWMM for future stormwater flows with LID measures are considered to determine the potential sustainability of retaining this wetland to handle and treat new, urban stormwater flows. The methodology developed is applicable for future wetlands in considering retention in lieu of removing and replacing with a man-made structure.

Microplastics are an emerging challenge in wastewater treatment and reuse. Many studies have indicated that microplastics are widely existing in our environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a significant reservoir of microplastics in our natural waterways. Some preliminary studies have demonstrated that microplastics may cause harm to the environment and human health. Thus, it is imperative to control the flux of microplastics from WWTPs into the environment, and the occurrence and fate of microplastics in WWTPs should be examined. In this study, we systematically monitor the concentration and composition of microplastics at a WWTP in Saskatchewan, Canada. The WWTP consists of a grit chamber, sedimentation tank, biological treatment, and UV disinfection. The occurrence and removal of microplastics at each of these steps will be examined. A state-of-the-art microscopic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) imaging system and conventional fluorescence microscopy are used for microplastic detection and characterization. We evaluated how the WWTP helps control microplastic pollution in the region. We found that significant portions of microplastics can be removed from wastewater at the plant, but the microplastics remaining in the wastewater should not be ignored. The outcomes of this study are expected to provide new perspectives on the microplastic nexus in wastewater pollution and treatment.

Wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) are essential treatment systems for smaller communities, leveraging natural ecological processes for cost-effective and practical wastewater treatment. However, a significant concern regarding WSPs centers on their effectiveness amidst climate change influences. Historical data reveals a 1.7 °C temperature rise across Canada since 1948 with further warming anticipated by the late century (2081–2100) ranging from 1.8 °C to 6.3 °C for low and high-emission scenarios, respectively. These temperature shifts will significantly impact water temperature and thermal profiles within WSPs, altering their thermal stratification and biogeochemical processes. Consequently, these changes will affect the treatment mechanisms necessary for WSP disinfection. This study employs a numerical model for a WSP located in southeastern Ontario, utilizing a Delft-3D FLOW model to replicate pond dynamics. The model underwent calibration using field measurements such as water temperature, flow rate, and stratification data. The calibrated numerical model can simulate predictive scenarios based on projected climatic data. The insights gained from this study aim to enhance understanding of how WSP systems are affected by climate change and how they can be adapted for effective operation to preserve receiving water environments.

Buildings are responsible for 39% of global CO₂ emissions. It is estimated that 80% of current buildings will remain in operation by 2050, a significant proportion lacking energy efficiency. Consequently, retrofitting plays a pivotal role in current and future efforts to counteract global warming. Retrofitting involves modifying a building’s components, systems, or structure post-construction to enhance its efficiency, thereby improving occupant comfort and overall performance. This study focuses on retrofitting the energy performance of an office building situated in San Donato Milanese, Lombardia, Italy. The research commences by analyzing the energy consumption of the existing building. The goal was to keep the energy retrofitting interventions as straightforward as possible, taking into account the financial viability. Implemented measures include increasing envelope insulation, incorporating shading panels, and integrating renewable energy sources. Architectural modifications are also considered in the design to enhance the quality of office interiors. These design concepts are evaluated in terms of their impact on energy performance. The results of the detailed energy and daylight analysis for pre- and post-retrofit scenarios are presented. Finally, the effectiveness of energy retrofit scenarios in reducing the building’s global warming potential, and achieving low-carbon design objectives is quantified and discussed.

The Leamington–Kingsville (L-K) area has one of the highest densities of vegetable greenhouses in North America that produce tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Over time and with the variability of the crop cycle greenhouse production leads to large quantities of organic waste (produce, leaves, stalks, and vines and other components), which accounts for an estimated ~ 98000 tonnes of waste produced annually in the region. In Canada, approximately 90% of organic waste ends up in the landfills, which include greenhouse waste, leading to greenhouse gas emissions through decomposition. This can substantially impact the environment, the economy, and society. Anaerobic digestion has become a method of interest in treating this organic waste and converting it to energy, while saving landfill space. This process produces biogas which is a renewable resource that can be used for electricity generation or as a transportation fuel. In this study, biomethane potential (BMP) of organic wastes for three greenhouse vegetable (tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper) operations in L-K area was determined using a batch test under mesophilic conditions (37°C). The wastes tested included crop wastes (tomato, cucumber, and bell pepper) and leaf wastes (cucumber and bell pepper) from crop grow/harvest cycle, and end-of-crop-cycle waste (cucumber). All crop waste types produced more methane than their respective leaf wastes, with tomato producing the highest overall biomethane yield of 351 NmL CH4/ g COD added. The end-of-crop-cycle (cucumber) waste produced the least biomethane yield of 135 NmL CH4/ g COD added.

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry plays a pivotal role in driving global decarbonization efforts through the adoption of low-carbon building practices. However, the transition toward sustainable construction is influenced by a complex interplay of technical, economic, social, and process factors that extend beyond technological advancements. This research investigates the motivations, barriers, and decision-making processes within the techno-socioeconomic domain to enhance sustainability in a case study project. While multiple guidelines and standards for sustainable building design exist, none require a comprehensive techno-socioeconomic analysis. This paper presents a review of existing assessment methods, decision-making models, and decision support systems to identify the main dimensions, key performance indicators, and measurement methods for sustainable design. Subsequently, interviews with key stakeholders in a case study project capture their perspectives on factors affecting sustainable decision-making. This multifaceted approach enables the identification of dimensions that exist in real-world projects as drivers and barriers to sustainability, comparing them with the theoretical guidelines. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a framework that bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a holistic approach to sustainable building design decision-making. This framework encompasses a comprehensive set of sustainable building design dimensions and their corresponding key performance indicators. Practical methods for assessing and quantifying the dimensions based on the insights from real-world case studies will be proposed to guide decision-making.

Phosphorus, a macronutrient, has been challenging for nations to cope with as the leading cause of eutrophication in inland waters (i.e., lakes). This nutrient has been overloading lakes due to diverse external and/or internal nutrient sources. Commonly most of this discharged phosphorus is incorporated into sediments, which in some circumstances are released back into the water column consequently triggering recurring eutrophication scenarios. From a possible water remediation perspective, practices commonly used, apart from dredging, do not directly address lake sediment. In this investigation, a resuspension technique followed by geotextile filtration was employed as a procedure for remediating/attenuating higher phosphorus concentrations in sediments of a mesotrophic lake, Lake Canard located in Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec. The experimental study was simulated using a confined water column. Thus, this study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of the resuspension method followed by geotextile bag filtration to reduce particles in the water suspension created. Water samples on this experiment were measured before and after resuspension and filtration for the following parameters: soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP), particle size, and total suspended solids (TSS). Sediment on the other hand was evaluated for total phosphorus before and after. Results on the water suspension filtration have indicated a reduction of around 80% in particle size with SRP reduction near 65% after resuspension/filtration and TSS attenuation of 30%. Also, for TP attenuation on sediment, a reduction of 22% was achieved after resuspension/filtration, thus implying the feasibility of the procedure.