Research Overview
The reclamation of waste piles using phyto-caps is seen as an environmentally advantageous option as it can be a cost effective method for disposal while also mitigating contaminant release. In the case of phosphogypsum (CaSO4•H2O) a waste by-product of the phosphate fertilizer industry, a phyto-cap needs to be effective in containing a highly erodible material which as the propensity to leach radioactive and trace elements. Therefore, the vegetation used on a reclaimed stack must be viable long-term, decrease water infiltration, and erosion potential.
In this study I look rooting distributions of vegetation growing on a reclaimed stack at Nutrien, Fort Saskatchewan, AB and relate soil physical factors (bulk density, volumetric water content, air-filled porosity) to root density through analyzing cores taken from the stack. The purpose of this field study was to determine if roots were impeded by the phosphogypsum, which would correlate to their overall success as a phyto-cap, as well if pre-measurements before planting could give an indication of rooting propensity. To explore these mechanisms further in regard to tree vitality of Populus balsmifera I also executed a controlled study in relation to phosphogypsum physical parameters using three bulk densities and two water potentials. The results of my study show that roots are impacted by both volumetric water content and bulk density of the phosphogypsum in the field, while in the controlled study there was an increase in vitality due to higher water content and no indication that bulk density had an affect on above-ground measurements.
In this study I look rooting distributions of vegetation growing on a reclaimed stack at Nutrien, Fort Saskatchewan, AB and relate soil physical factors (bulk density, volumetric water content, air-filled porosity) to root density through analyzing cores taken from the stack. The purpose of this field study was to determine if roots were impeded by the phosphogypsum, which would correlate to their overall success as a phyto-cap, as well if pre-measurements before planting could give an indication of rooting propensity. To explore these mechanisms further in regard to tree vitality of Populus balsmifera I also executed a controlled study in relation to phosphogypsum physical parameters using three bulk densities and two water potentials. The results of my study show that roots are impacted by both volumetric water content and bulk density of the phosphogypsum in the field, while in the controlled study there was an increase in vitality due to higher water content and no indication that bulk density had an affect on above-ground measurements.
Author: Emmily MacDonaldI am a Masters of Science student working with Professors Simon Landhäusser and Professor Miles Dyck to explore how soil physical factors relating to phosphogypsum affect root development and vitality of vegetation. I hope to use the skills gained throughout my MSc to better understand the relationships between soil, water dynamics, and vegetation. Which I hope can be used to increase the likelihood of project success in my career as a land reclamation specialist.
|
Disclaimer : The information provided on this website is based on a preliminary portion of unpublished data from an MSc. research project conducted by Emmily MacDonald from 2021 to 2022 for the RenR580 course.