The work presented here is focused on applying basic principles of solid-state chemistry to the study and development of new wide band-gap semiconductors and insulators for photovoltaic and electronic-device applications. Analysis of crystal structure, band structure, optical band gap, morphology and transport properties provides fundamental insight into materials performance as...
Environmental archives provide records of natural and anthropogenic variation in the environment at different temporal and spatial scales. Lead (Pb) concentrations and isotopic ratios are useful tracers of anthropogenic emissions from industrial activities including mining, smelting, and leaded gasoline use, however, methods of measuring Pb are largely limited in low...
This study evaluates ore transport and other mining activities on metal levels in the remote Arctic ecosystem of Cape Krusenstern National Monument (CAKR) in northwestern Alaska. This monument is 50 km SW of Red Dog Mine, one of the world’s largest Pb–Zn mines. The Delong Mountain Transportation System (DMTS) haul...
The research presented in this thesis seeks to further our understanding of the geochemical signatures that can be used to trace and quantify non-ferrous smelting emission inputs into the environment. Strong evidence suggests that emissions from the non-ferrous smelter in Trail, BC are the primary source of metals deposited from...
Lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are known to have detrimental effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and to human health both in rural and urban areas. Heavy metal contamination enters stormwater by atmospheric deposition and by the collection of surface particles during overland flow. Stormwater runoff in urban...
Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is a prolific annual grassy weed that can be found worldwide in most landscapes. Known for its ability to produce seedhead at low heights (0.32 cm), thrive in over-maintained areas, and germinate anywhere, annual bluegrass is a highly invasive weed. Due to annual bluegrass’ persistence,...
The Red Dog Mine transports concentrated zinc and lead ore in northwestern Alaska through Cape Krusenstern National monument along a haul road. High metal levels in the moss Hylocomium splendens along the haul road have been attributed to ore dust released during transport. The mine has implemented several pollution abatement...
Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are manufactured at the greatest rate of any class of nanomaterial due to their wide variety of industrial, commercial, and environmental applications. The sustainable use of MONPs requires a balance of careful consideration of their potential negative environmental impacts with the effective exploitation of their unique...
With cannabis use increasing globally, it is important to understand its acute and chronic impacts on human physiology and behavior. It is proposed that cannabis use is linked to impairments in emotion processing, and brain regions that underlie these processes. The purpose of this review paper is to provide the...
The cometabolic ability of Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 grown on aromatic substrates was first assessed by resting suspended cells, and subsequently for cells encapsulated with and without slow release compounds (SRCs). In Chapter 3, benzyl alcohol was assessed as a food-grade growth substrate for promoting cometabolism of trichloroethene (TCE), via the...