This fall, the Ontario Water Consortium hosted its Innovation Showcase Fall Series, a three-part webinar program highlighting applied research and interdisciplinary collaboration across Ontario’s water sector. With over 200 registrants from academia, government, and industry, the series showcased emerging tools and partnerships advancing sustainable water monitoring, treatment, and ecosystem restoration.

The series opened with a deep dive into the integration of engineering, biology, and data science at McMaster University. Dr. Herb Schellhorn, Dr. Faizan Saleem, and Dr. Ravi Selvaganapathy introduced the MacWater Diagnostic Research Initiative, a cross-disciplinary platform developing next-generation monitoring technologies for water and wastewater systems.

Their work brings together remote sensing, DNA genomics, nanoscale engineering, and AI to create low-cost, scalable sensor systems capable of continuous environmental monitoring. By uniting life sciences and mechanical engineering with real-world partnerships, the MacWater team is fostering innovation that strengthens Ontario’s capacity for rapid, data-driven water diagnostics.

The second session, led by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) researchers, focused on the quantification and prediction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment. Dr. Elsayed Elbeshbishy, Dr. Ahmed Elsayed, and Marwan AlSaleh (PhD Candidate) presented findings from an NSERC-funded project involving 16 partners across academia, industry, and government.

Through ground sensors, drones, and optical gas imaging, the team demonstrated how advanced monitoring and modeling tools can enhance the understanding of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from wastewater operations. The research offers practical insights for municipalities working to improve plant performance while aligning with Ontario’s low-carbon infrastructure goals.

The series concluded with the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER), which has led freshwater science and policy for more than four decades. Dr. R. Michael McKay, Dr. Trevor Pitcher, and Dr. Chris Weisener shared how GLIER’s collaborative research is helping restore and protect Great Lakes ecosystems.

From genomic tools that assess fish populations to watershed-scale monitoring of nutrient cycling, GLIER’s work underscores the value of science-driven restoration and biodiversity conservation. By partnering with government, Indigenous communities, and international networks, the Institute continues to advance Ontario’s leadership in Great Lakes stewardship and applied freshwater research.

Across all three sessions, a common theme emerged: Ontario’s water innovation ecosystem thrives on collaboration. Whether developing smart sensors, measuring emissions, or restoring ecosystems, these initiatives reflect how research partnerships are turning discovery into tangible impact for communities across the province.

Watch the Webinars

Recordings from the Fall Series are now available:

  • Integrated Approaches to the Development of New Water Monitoring Technologies in Ontario
    Presented by Dr. Herb Schellhorn, Dr. Faizan Saleem, and Dr. Ravi Selvaganapathy – McMaster University
    Watch the recording ›
  • Quantification & Prediction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants
    Presented by Dr. Elsayed Elbeshbishy, Dr. Ahmed Elsayed, and Marwan AlSaleh (PhD Candidate) – Toronto Metropolitan University
    Watch the recording ›
  • Restoring and Protecting Freshwater Ecosystems at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research
    Presented by Dr. R. Michael McKay, Dr. Trevor Pitcher, and Dr. Chris Weisener – University of Windsor
    Watch the recording ›

What’s Next

Building on the success of the Fall Series, OWC will launch its Winter 2026 Innovation Showcase early next year, continuing to spotlight academic research, technological breakthroughs, and the partnerships driving water innovation across Ontario.

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