NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Qikiqtaaluk Region

Tags: contaminants, water quality, Pollutants, freshwater ecosystem

Objective(s): 1) To identify and monitor potential sources of contamination and pollution in the lake, including runoff, and sewage; 2) To measure and track levels of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), and organic compounds; 3) To assess the impact of contamination and pollution on water quality parameters such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and conductivity; 4) To establish baseline data and trends to evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control measures and regulatory compliance; and, 5) To develop strategies and recommendations for minimizing contamination and pollution risks to protect public health and ecosystem integrity.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5678. The contamination and pollution objectives for this research project are as follows: 1) identify and monitor potential sources of contamination and pollution in the lake, including runoff, and sewage; 2) measure and track levels of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), and organic compounds; 3) assess the impact of contamination and pollution on water quality parameters such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and conductivity; 4) establish baseline data and trends to evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control measures and regulatory compliance; 5) develop strategies and recommendations for minimizing contamination and pollution risks to protect public health and ecosystem integrity. The research team will also undertake various lake physical study objectives as follows: 1) monitor and record physical parameters of the lake, including water temperature, transparency, depth profiles, and sediment characteristics; 2) assess the impact of climate change on lake physical characteristics, such as changes in ice cover duration, water temperature, and thermal stratification; 3) investigate the occurrence and intensity of algal blooms, including harmful algal blooms (HABs), and their relationship with nutrient levels and water quality. The research team will also complete integration and analysis objectives as follows: 1) integrate data collected from contamination and pollution monitoring and lake physical studies to develop a comprehensive understanding of the lake ecosystem dynamics; 2) analyze and interpret long-term trends and patterns in water quality parameters, pollution sources, and lake physical characteristics; 3) identify potential relationships and correlations between pollution levels, physical parameters, and ecosystem health indicators; 4) assess the cumulative impacts of contamination, pollution, and physical changes on the lake's ecological balance and ecosystem services; 5) generate reports, summaries, and visual representations of the data for effective communication with stakeholders, policymakers, and the community. Community engagement and education objectives will be achieved by: 1) engaging community members in the water quality monitoring program through workshops, and public consultations; 2) raising awareness about the importance of water quality and its impact on public health, cultural heritage, and economic activities; 3) foster a sense of ownership, responsibility, and stewardship among community members toward the lake's protection and conservation; 4) provide educational materials and resources to school and community organizations to promote understanding of water quality issues and sustainable water resource management. Field investigations will be conducted at shoreline sites as well as offshore on GBL. Water monitoring sondes and buoys will be installed. Transects extended from approximately 15 m offshore to 50 m landward of the shoreline. From the shoreline to offshore, lake water levels will be measured using Hobo loggers. Sediment core samples along the transect will be collected close to the river mouth and the shoreline close to the town. All samples will be partially filtered in the field, partially stored on ice, and transported to the laboratory for water quality analysis. The map of water sampling sites is attached. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: January 1 - December 31, 2024