Date: May 20th, 2025 | Time: 5:15 PM | Location: McGill Faculty Club- 3450 McTavish St, Montreal, Qc
Agricultural land application of municipal wastewater biosolids provides a significant source of nutrients that support crop growth and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. As a result, this practice contributes to more sustainable agricultural systems. However, growing concern over contaminants such as PFAS is prompting regulatory shifts and raising questions about the future of this common practice. Join TISED for an evening of presentations and an expert panel discussion exploring the science, policy, and evolving landscape of biosolids management.
Hosted by
Prof. Subhasis Ghoshal
Civil Engineering Professor and TISED Director at McGill University.
Speakers
Prof. Alistair Boxall
Title :Pharming the Land: The Fate, Uptake and Risks of Human Medicines in Agricultural Soils
Alistair Boxall is a Professor of Environmental Science at the University of York and Director of the NERC-funded ECORISC Centre for Doctoral Training. His research focuses on the ecological and health risks of chemical contaminants. He advises national and international bodies on environmental chemical impacts and has published widely on emerging pollutants. He co-led the award-winning Global Pharmaceutical Monitoring Project and has received multiple honors, including the 2016 Recipharm Environmental Award and recognition as a 2018 Highly Cited Researcher.
Prof. Bryan W. Brooks
Title: Perspectives on Bioaccumulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Bryan Brooks is a Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science and Public Health and Director of Environmental Health Science at Baylor University. His research spans toxicology, green chemistry, harmful algal blooms, and environmental public health. He is Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Science & Technology Letters and has held editorial roles with several leading journals. A Catalyst Leaders International Fellow, he is also a Fellow of SETAC, AAAS, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Panelists
Dr. Ruth Fisher (Moderator)
Dr. Fisher is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Engineering and Sustainability at UNSW Sydney. Her research focuses on resource recovery and applying risk and sustainability assessments to processes like wastewater treatment and solids management. She is currently a Chief Investigator with the ARC Training Centre for Biosolids, working on odour impacts and sustainability for biosolids reuse. Her work emphasizes industry collaboration to address real-world environmental challenges.
Professor Denis O’Carroll
Dr. O’Carroll is a Professor and Deputy Head of Research in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW. His work focuses on PFAS treatment technologies and understanding their environmental fate. He has led field trials using nZVI-based remediation methods and studies their long-term bioremediation impacts. He is a frequent media contributor on environmental contamination and advises government bodies, including the Australian Senate. He also serves as Associate Editor for Water Resources Research.
Prof. Stéphane Bayen
Dr. Stéphane Bayen is an Associate Professor in Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry at McGill University. His research focuses on trace contaminants in food and the environment, their behavior through the food chain, and related health risks. He leads the FoodTox Lab, developing non-targeted analytical approaches (e.g., Foodomics) to track contaminants from field to fork.
Prof. Gordon Price
Dr. Price is a soil biochemist, agronomist, and Professional Agrologist who leads the Innovative Waste Management (IWM) research group at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. His work focuses on sustainable solutions for organic waste management, climate change, and soil health. With over 20 years of experience studying municipal biosolids in agriculture, he has helped shape practices in bioconversion and resource recovery.