Kerstin Bluhm

Project Summary: Traditionally, safe handling of the stormwater focused on quantity with quality only recently becoming of major interest and importance. Stormwater runoff washes off a wide range of contaminants (nutrients, heavy metals, organic chemicals) form roads, parking lots, roofs, facades, and lawns, and discharges them into receiving waters. This project identifies the complex composition of chemical (and other) contaminants found in urban stormwater originating from the City of Saskatoon. After identifying target contaminants, preliminary investigation of treatment options is also being conducted in conjunction with the health risk assessment of stormwater. This research follows upon ongoing (and future planned) stormwater-focused studies being done in collaboration with the City of Saskatoon (Mitch McMann) with the results being proposed for treatment of stormwaters thereby minimizing impacts on downstream communities.

Internal Mentor: Dr. Kerry McPhedran 

External Mentors: Mitch McMann, Stormwater Utility Manager, City of Saskatoon and Mike Sadowski, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, City of Saskatoon