Kyle Robinson
Role and ecological impact of groundwater in delivering phosphorus to agricultural streams
Streams, rivers and lakes across Canada are threatened by excess nutrients, predominately phosphorus (P), from human activities. Subsequent eutrophication, algal growth, impairment of aquatic ecosystems, and contamination of drinking water sources costs billions of dollars annually due to lost economic, recreational and ecological benefits. Notably, the economic cost of the water supply disruptions as a result of the massive harmful algal bloom in Lake Erie in 2014, which shutdown the drinking water system for half a million people, cost $US 65 M. Due to the magnitude and urgency of the threat, the Canadian and Ontarian governments recently committed to reducing loads of total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), the bioavailable form of P that stimulates plant growth, to Lake Erie by 40% by 2025. The research of the project will aim to generate new and urgently required scientific knowledge and assessment tools needed to address this challenge and ensure effective, scientifically-sound management and policy actions are implemented.
Personal Background
Kyle graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Western University in April 2019. Upon graduation, Kyle decided to continue his education through M.E.Sc. Civil and Environmental Engineering program and joined the RESTORE group under the supervision of Dr. Clare Robinson and Dr. Christopher Power in September 2019.
Awards
- AER Global Opportunities Award in Environment and Sustainability Studies - 2017
