Small University, Global Impact
Resourceful, collaborative, and impactful are three words that describe researchers at Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE), who with their small teams, tackle big challenges.
“We take immense pride in our research endeavours, where innovation and collaboration intersect. Our commitment to fostering a dynamic academic environment not only fuels groundbreaking discoveries but also provides unparalleled opportunities for students and faculty to actively engage in the pursuit of knowledge,” said Dr. Barbara van Ingen, Provost and Vice-President Academic at CUE.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, CUE offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, concentrations, and minors, four master’s degree programs and one doctorate degree program in addition to several after-degree programs, certificates, diplomas, and continuing education programs. It also has a growing focus on waste management and environmental sciences research.
“As we strive towards zero waste, we need to adopt sustainable waste management strategies that include reduction at the source, reuse, recycling, and composting,” said Dr. Emmanuel Mapfumo, associate professor of environmental sciences at CUE.
Recent research at CUE has explored soil health analysis, prairie climate change, and polystyrene decomposition. CUE’s polystyrene decomposition research explores how superworms and their gut bacteria can help manage polystyrene waste in waste management sites.
“Approximately nine per cent of plastic materials are recycled in Canada with a large proportion ending up in the natural environment or in landfills. Therefore, this innovative approach to use of superworms (larvae of darkling beetles) to degrade plastics–specifically, polystyrene–could help reduce plastic waste going to landfills,” said Dr. Mapfumo.
To tackle these big-ticket issues, it takes a team of experts from a variety of disciplines.
Supporting Dr. Mapfumo in his superworm research are Dr. Cecilia Bukutu, Dean of Science, with her public health expertise, Dr. Makan Golizeh and his chemistry background, and Dr. Deborah Hemmerling, bringing her microbiology experience. The research includes industry partners Westlock Regional Waste Management Centre and Alberta Recycling Management Authority.
“That is what makes CUE unique: Our strength lies in the collaboration among faculty members from various disciplines because they bring different perspectives and expertise into research projects,” he said.
While Dr. Mapfumo explored consumption rates for different types of expanded polystyrene and potential nutrient value of superworm excreta, Dr. Golizeh chemically analysed the products of the degradation process. Dr. Hemmerling analysed the gut microbiome of superworm that fed on polystyrene, and Dr. Bukutu explored the potential implementation of solutions in landfills.
“Collaborating with fellow faculty members at CUE has been both enriching and rewarding. We each have learnt a lot from each other and from the results of the project,” said Mapfumo. “The students played such an important role in polystyrene research.”
Five CUE students supported the researchers in their work. Through this work integrated learning, they gained valuable skills testing methodologies and monitoring and measuring results of tests throughout the research project.
“Further research plans will include optimization of conditions that could enhance the degradation rate of plastics while at the same time allow for the superworms to stay healthy.”
Image Caption: Dr. Emmanuel Mapfumo shows Alberta Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney some of the superworms CUE is researching that has potential to revolutionise polystyrene decomposition.