�鶹��ý��վ News - Dept. of Bioresource Engineering

�鶹��ý��վ researchers optimize process for converting human urine into clean energy

webfull — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:07:32 +0000

Researchers at �鶹��ý��վ have improved the efficiency of a method for converting human urine into clean energy.

The method employs microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which use bacteria to turn organic waste into electricity, providing a sustainable and low-cost means of treating wastewater while generating energy from an abundant source. The �鶹��ý��վ research provides insights into which urine concentrations are optimal for this process.

Published: 16 February 2026

�鶹��ý��վ researchers create shapeshifting materials that could power the next generation of soft robots

webfull — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:59:18 +0000

�鶹��ý��վ engineers have developed new ultra-thin materials that can be programmed to move, fold and reshape themselves, much like animated origami. They open the door to softer, safer and more adaptable robots that could be used in medical tools that gently move inside the body, wearable devices that change shape on the skin or smart packaging that reacts to its environment.

Published: 23 January 2026

Microencapsulated B-vitamins help dairy cows produce more milk with fewer emissions

webfull — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:38:40 +0000

A new international study led by �鶹��ý��վ in collaboration with Jefo Nutrition shows that supplementing dairy cow diets with microencapsulated B-vitamins can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing milk yield and quality. The use of the feed additive cut global warming potential, an internationally standardized measure of climate impact, by up to 18 per cent across seven countries.

Published: 11 December 2025

�鶹��ý��վ study shows low-grade heat from renewable sources could be used to desalinate water

webfull — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:56:35 +0000

A �鶹��ý��վ-led research team has demonstrated the feasibility of a sustainable and cost-effective way to desalinate seawater. The method – thermally driven reverse osmosis (TDRO) – uses a piston-based system powered by low-grade heat from solar thermal, geothermal heat and other sources of renewable energy to produce fresh water.

Published: 14 November 2025

Bioresource Engineering Ph.D. candidate pitches biogas to turn farm waste into renewable energy

webfull — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:36:13 +0000

In her presentation at a scientific symposium hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre in June, �鶹��ý��վ Ph.D. candidate Anjaly Paul highlighted the potential for Canadian farms to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating renewable energy, by converting agricultural waste into biogas.

Published: 21 July 2025

Professor Michael Ngadi calls for enhanced capacity of smallholder farmers in Nigeria

webfull — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:59:53 +0000

�鶹��ý��վ Bioresource Engineering Professor Michael Ngadi called for urgent action to address the challenges facing stallholder farmers in Nigeria at a recent public lecture at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU).

A specialist in developing advanced emerging technologies for monitoring and controlling agrifood processing systems, he discussed the critical role that smallholder farmers and processors play in global food systems, particularly in developing and transition countries.

Published: 17 July 2025

Macdonald Campus valedictorians Andre Hadji-Thomas and Jennifer McDonald reflect on their journeys

webfull — Tue, 27 May 2025 19:28:43 +0000

As �鶹��ý��վ’s Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage, the 10 valedictorians from Faculties across the University—including Andre Hadji-Thomas and Jennifer McDonald in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—have been drafting their speeches and, in the process, reflecting on much more than their academic success.

Published: 27 May 2025

Is eating Canadian better for your health?

webfull — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:45:05 +0000

In a recent article, La Presse investigates whether boycotting American products could improve our health. Experts interviewed for the article said it's possible—but only if we change other eating habits in the process.

Published: 9 April 2025

�鶹��ý��վ Bravo Gala honours eight Agricultural and Environmental Sciences researchers

webfull — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:15:25 +0000

On March 27, �鶹��ý��վ honoured 141 laureates at the 20th annual Bravo Gala, celebrating researchers who received prestigious provincial, national or international awards in 2024, including eight researchers in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

In his opening remarks, �鶹��ý��վ President and Vice-Chancellor, Deep Saini, applauded the honourees for their efforts, underlining the importance of �鶹��ý��վ’s research contributions.

Published: 2 April 2025

Quebec adopts new code to regulate 'forever chemicals' in biosolids—comments from Prof. Grant Clark

webfull — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:38:28 +0000

The presence and concentration of PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," in fertilizing residual materials will be monitored under new standards in Quebec through a management code, according to Quebec's Environment Ministry.

Quebec's code on the management of fertilizing residual materials such as sewage sludge, also known as biosolids—which come from treating municipal or industrial wastewater—will take effect Nov. 1.

The code takes into account a total of 13 types of substances and includes monitoring guidelines.

Published: 19 March 2025