The goal of the Laboratory of Soil Environmental Toxicology is to explore the relationship between human and ecosystem health. To do so, our research group focuses on two primary questions:

• What are the key controls on pollutants introduced into the environment?
• How can we ensure that ecosystems remain sustainable and protected during industrial and social development?

By using a combination of field campaigns and in-laboratory simulations, we study how natural chemical cycles in polar environments affect the health of people and the environment. Students in our research group use state of the art equipment to assess the biology, chemistry and ecology of pollutants and their effects on communities.

But, our research isn’t always focussed so far from home! The Laboratory of Soil Environmental Toxicology tests soil for harmful toxicants throughout Saskatchewan. We recently been conducting studies on the cold ground waters of the southern prairies and issues related to greenhouse gas emissions in various sites across the province.

There is a direct relationship between people’s health and the health of their environment; the goal of the Laboratory of Soil Environmental Toxicology is to explain that relationship.