NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, water quality, water chemistry

Objective(s): To examine the water quality of streams located along the Dempster and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway corridor, to assess the relative importance of latitude and surficial geology in controlling water quality; and, to examine the water quality of streams at key points in the year, to investigate how seasonal changes in water flow control water quality.

Project Description: The objectives of this project are: 1) to examine the water quality of streams located along the Dempster and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway corridor, to assess the relative importance of latitude (or climate) and surficial geology (e.g., glaciated, unglaciated, upland, peatland, riparian) in controlling water quality; and, 2) to examine the water quality of streams at key points in the year, to investigate how seasonal changes in water flow control water quality. The research team will obtain water samples from study sites located along the Dempster and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highways. All of the sites are accessible from the road. Since spring snowmelt is so dynamic, the team anticipate that water quality will be extremely variable during this time. To capture this, samples will be collected every 2 to 3 days during the Spring snowmelt period (approximately mid-May). Fewer samples will be collected during the summer months, approximately one sample per site per month from June to freeze-up (October). Samples will be analyzed for sediment content, major ions, nutrients, and carbon by Taiga Laboratories in Yellowknife, NT. Water level recorders will be installed into each of the streams, or study sites, in Spring. Water level will be recorded at 30 minute intervals from Spring snowmelt through to freeze-up. This data, in combination with field measurements, will be used to determine the amount of water being transported through each stream. This information can then be used to calculate the amount of sediment, major ions, nutrients, and carbon that is be transported at each site. The goal of this research is to improve the understanding of what processes affect the quality of freshwater systems in the Beaufort Delta region and how. Some key factors that will be looked at include: latitude (or climatic variability), season, surficial geology, and disturbance (e.g., thaw slumping). This information can be used by Indigenous organizations, government agencies, and other decision makers to make informed decisions about land use in the Beaufort Delta region. The fieldwork component of this project will be carried out by Aurora Research Institute (ARI) Research Technicians, both of whom are from the Beaufort Delta Region. They will be assisted by an ARI Summer Student. The purpose of the program is to provide students with hands on work experience in their field of study. Preference is given to students originally from the NWT. The first round of sampling will take place between the NWT border and Fort McPherson. ARI has already been in contact with Chief Julius School, who has asked the research team to meet with the students to discuss their project. The School is currently planning to take the students on a field trip to one of the study sites, accompanied by the research team. The research team will complement their current science curricula, which is looking at water chemistry. Efforts will also be made to present to the students at East Three Secondary School and Mangilaluk School. Each Summer, the ARI hosts a Summer Speaker Series, whereby every second Friday, 3 to 5 researchers present their work to the public. ARI is committed to presenting the proposed project during one of these sessions. ARI is committed to reaching out to the Tetlit Gwich’in Renewable Resource Council, the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board, the Inuvik Hunters and Trappers Committee, and the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee to discuss the proposed project and elicit feedback on the study design and communication/outreach plans. A summary of the project will be available to the public via the Aurora Research Institute website. The project team will present the project at the ARI Summer Speaker Series, which is open to the public. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 15, 2018 to October 31, 2018.