UWinnipeg grad student improves soil health

Heavy metals are a byproduct of many industrial processes including mining operations here in Manitoba. When these contaminants get into our soils, they threaten the health of plants, animals, and humans.

However, University of Winnipeg graduate student Ruchini Sovis is working with two UWinnipeg biologist advisors, Dr. Nora Casson and Dr. Srimathie Indraratne who are looking at removing the contaminants from the soil. This research is part of Sovis' Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy.

Sovis is investigating a process called phytoremediation, which is a natural remediation option where plants are used to extract the metals from the soils.

Her work helps us understand how we can make this remediation process more efficient in boreal soils.

Dr. Nora Casson

Her work was done in boreal soils with a legacy of metal-mining activities.

"Her work helps us understand how we can make this remediation process more efficient in boreal soils, which is where many of the mines in Manitoba are located," explained Dr. Casson.

Sovis evaluated the effectiveness of a phytoremediation method using soils with legacy of metal-mining activities. This study combined two types of chelators or metal carriers to enhance the bioavailability of metals that increased metal accumulation in plants.

"This is the first time a combined chelator treatment was tried on a multi-metal contaminated acidic soil and the results were promising," said Dr. Indraratne.

Sovis presented her findings at the Plant Canada 2024 conference that was held in Winnipeg earlier this month. Her poster titled Chelate Assisted Phytoextraction of Multi-Metal(loid) Contaminated Soils using Indian Mustard, earned her the Best Poster Presentation Award in the Canola Research category, awarded by the Canadian Society of Agronomy (CSA).

The Plant Canada 2024 conference brings together seven Canadian plant science societies that promote research and education in plant pathology, public awareness of the importance of plant diseases, and discussion of all aspects of plant pathology in Canada and internationally.

"This interdisciplinary conference was an ideal place for Ruchini to present her work, which is helping us to understand how plants can be used to remediate contaminated sites," said Dr. Casson. "The best student awards are very competitive, and this award celebrates both Ruchini's creative and innovative research, as well as her ability to communicate her work to a broad audience."

The conference also provided Sovis a great opportunity to share her research with other experts, and scientists in the field and learn from them and network.

"I had a fantastic time at the conference, meeting new friends and professors from various universities," shared Sovis. "I am deeply grateful to my two wonderful co-supervisors, Dr. Srimathie Indraratne and Dr. Nora Casson, for giving me this amazing opportunity and for their immense support and guidance in this project."

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