Dr. Georges Lacrampe-Couloume
Senior Research Associate
glc@geology.utoronto.ca  

Mathieu Morin

morin@geology.utoronto.ca

My research focuses on the use of compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of halogenated organic contaminants in field applications. Halogenated hydrocarbons (including chlorobenzenes, chloroethenes, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)) represent a group of environmental contaminants that possess a wide range of toxic and carcinogenic properties. The persistence of these chemicals in environmental media (including groundwater and indoor air) is a major concern for governments worldwide, and has led to worldwide bans on the production of PFCs and CFCs.

Current Research Interests:
- Transferral of traditional CSIA techniques for analyzing groundwater to the analysis of indoor air samples using stainless steel Summa-passivated air canisters.
- Field study of a chlorobenzene contaminated groundwater plume and usage of sediment peepers as a sampling technique in CSIA analyses.
- Applications of CSIA to fluorinated compounds including CFCs and PFCs.

Dr. Long Li
Postdoctoral Fellow
416-978-0825

longli@geology.utoronto.ca

Serpentinization (a process of hydrothermal alteration of olivine-bearing mantle rocks at relatively low pressure and temperature conditions) has been proposed to potentially support the energy and material required for the first life on Earth and other planets (if there is any). My research here in Toronto mostly employs lab experiments, field observations and numerical modeling to examine the cycling of some life-constituting elements, particularly nitrogen and sulphur, in these serpentinite settings, their interplay with the deep biosphere and the implications to early life.

Click here to see my CV.

My research focuses on compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of chlorinated organic compounds, which are some of the most common contaminants found at sites across Canada. The biodegradation of such contaminants by microorganisms under natural conditions presents a potentially efficient and cost-effective remediation strategy. However, the mechanisms and rates of dechlorination by these microorganisms must be fully understood in order to optimize the performance of remediation operations.  

Current research project:
Using of stable carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C) to investigate the degradation kinetics and associated fractionation of microbial cultures in the presence of trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), which are common co-contaminants and can act as inhibitors of the dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes and ethanes.

Calvin Chan

Master Candidate

416-978-0825

ch.calvin.chan@gmail.com

My research focuses on Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) of chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds, which are some of the most common contaminants found at sites across North America. The biodegradation of such contaminants by microorganisms under natural conditions presents a potentially efficient and cost effective remediation strategy. However, the mechanisms and rates of dechlorination by these microorganisms must be fully understood in order to optimize the performance of remediation operations. CSIA provides the insights of reaction mechanisms on an isotopic level.

Current Research Interest:

•  Using CSIA to unravel the dechlorination mechanics of trichlorinated hydrocarbons with bacterial culture DHB-CF/MEL

• Forming base knowledge on the isotope fractionation observed during the degradation of 1,1,1-TCA and CF under co-contaminant situations

Dr. Scott Mundle
Postdoctoral Fellow
416-978-0825

smundle@chem.utoronto.ca

My research is focused on carbon dioxide capture and storage.  We are investigating the processes that control hydrocarbon and CO₂ transport within different geological systems to identify the key physical, chemical, and biological controls on carbon mobility across a spectrum of systems.  We are using noble gas tracers with stable carbon isotopes to understand CO₂ sinks and sources, as well as controls on the transport and fate of carbon-bearing gases.

Click here to see my CV.