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Aquatic Toxicology
North/South Consultants Inc. works on many multi-disciplinary aquatic studies related directly or indirectly to the science of aquatic toxicology. The company currently employs one Ph.D. level ecotoxicologist and two M.Sc. level aquatic toxicologists with specialties in the pulp and paper and metal mining industries.
We have experience in the appropriate collection, preservation (where necessary), and handling of water, sediment, and tissue (fish and invertebrate) samples for both organic and inorganic contaminant analysis, as well as the collection of blood/tissue samples for assessing a wide variety of biomarkers including mixed-function oxygenase enzymes, metallothionein, steroid hormones, vitamins, electrolytes, and assessments of histopathology. North/South Consultants Inc. has also conducted numerous projects to assess the mercury content of zooplankton and fish tissue samples obtained throughout northern Manitoba.
Representative Projects:
City of Winnipeg Ammonia Criteria Study
Participated in the design and conduct of studies to determine site-specific ammonia criteria for the Red and Assiniboine rivers in relation to municipal effluent discharges. Components of the study involved evaluating fish populations and communities, fish avoidance, and benthic invertebrates to determine effects of the discharges to biota. Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBIs) were developed as biological indicators of community health and the occurrence of deformities, erosion, lesions, and tumours (DELTs) were used to assess fish health. Acoustic tags were used to evaluate preference/avoidance behaviour of fish in relation to effluent plumes.
Potential Effects of a Sodium Chlorate Facility
Assessed the potential effects of groundwater intrusion from a sodium chlorate facility on sediment and water chemistry and the aquatic biota of the Assiniboine River. This work also involved the interpretation of aquatic toxicity tests conducted on groundwater.
Aquatic Life Risk Evaluation - Coal Tar
Conducting an assessment, in association with UMA Engineering Ltd., of the Red River adjacent to the Sutherland Site - a site historically contaminated with coal tar. North/South Consultants Inc. conducted a literature review, a bathymetric survey, and collected and assessed sediment chemistry and benthic invertebrate data to evaluate the risk that the site poses to the aquatic environment, with the primary objective being to determine the need for site remediation.
Evaluation of Pesticide Use and Environmental Concentrations
Conducted a review of pesticide use and aqueous environmental concentrations within the Canadian prairie and northern regions to assist in the development of a Department of Fisheries and Oceans pesticide research initiative.
Environmental Impact Assessment for the Procter & Gamble Cellulose Mill in Northern Alberta
Environmental Monitoring for New Britannia Mine
Review of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Doris North Project
Assessment of Sediment Contamination in Clear Lake (Parks Canada)
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