Western University

Western University’s researchers are leading the way in finding innovative solutions to current problems related to wastewater treatment, water resource management, groundwater remediation, and resource recovery. We have more than 50 researchers involved primarily in water research and countless others who collaborate to enhance the applicability of the work across disciplines. The university leverages its researchers’ strengths with cutting-edge research facilities. Over the past few decades, Western and its partners have invested millions of dollars into establishing world-class research facilities where experts, in partnership with government and industry, are tackling a variety of current water challenges to find effective solutions.

RESEARCH CENTRES AND INSTITUTES

Western Water Centre

The WesternWater Centre (WWC) concentrates on conducting research that leads to innovative solutions addressing management and treatment of water supplies.

Since opening in 2020, the centre has grown rapidly, with more than 16 state-of-the-art laboratories, 19 associated faculty members, and more than 100 graduate students. The WWC fosters countless partnerships with industry and government actors across the country to provide expertise and solutions.

Contact: Dr. M. Ray, Director

PHYSICAL FACILITIES

Greenway Wastewater Treatment Plant (GWTP)

Once an older wastewater treatment building, the GWTP was repurposed into a real-world test laboratory to increase researchers’ access to municipal waste streams and simulate innovation.

The facility provides access to municipal wastewater at flow rates of up to 4,500 m3/day and a variety of process streams for full-scale testing of new technologies. Researchers working at the site have access to the city’s technical staff and to assistance from water treatment specialists at Western University.

Contact: Kirby Ouderkerk

koudeker@london.ca

Particle Technology Research Centre (PTRC) for Wastewater Research

Formed in 2000, the PTRC was the first centre in Canada to advance research and innovation of particle technology.

The Centre provides a platform for Western researchers to collaborate with industry and external groups by providing cost effective services through its’ Particle Research Facility including access to equipment and expertise. A current project at the Centre uses applications of gasification of biomass and solid wastes, and biomass co-firing to innovate the national wastewater treatment processes.

Contact: Dr. Jingxu (Jesse) Zhu

jzhu@uwo.ca

The Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre (BioTron)

The Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre at Western University is a keystone facility supporting research on biotic and abiotic processes in the environment.

The Centre houses specialized environmental chambers, laboratories and equipment and enables researchers to design self-contained mini-ecosystems. The BioTron Centre specializes in the simulation of natural environments and provides a state-of-the-art facility to understand the interactions among biological organism in air, soil and water.

Contact: Dr. Danielle Way

dway4@uwo.ca