The Aquatic Bio-optics and Biogeochemistry Laboratory enables researchers to study the effects of climate change and permafrost thawing on lake water transparency and mixing dynamics and their multiple impacts on the microbial food chain, greenhouse gas emissions, and oxythermal habitat. Research at the Aquatic Bio-Optics and Biogeochemistry Laboratory also focuses on developing optical equipment for early detection of algal and cyanobacterial blooms and other problems related to water browning.
Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry laboratoryThe laboratory is equipped with a four-laser LSRFortessa cytometer that allows high-level multiparametric analyzes to characterize cell populations. A BD FACS Calibur two-laser cytometer is used to perform routine analyzes such as the expression of surface markers. The Zeiss LSM780 confocal microscopy system is a state-of-the-art instrument for the study of various cellular and subcellular biological processes such as intracellular trafficking and localization of pathogen molecules.
Processing and analysis of earth observation images in order to map and model environmental phenomena in the context of climate change. The research team in Environmental and NORdic Remote Sensing (TENOR) works on the development and application of digital approaches and the development of analysis and decision support tools applicable to various contexts by calling upon particularly in hydro-informatics, geomatics and remote sensing. The Environmental Remote Sensing by Drones (TED) laboratory includes different types of drones and a wide range of sensors: two hyperspectral cameras (400-1700 nm), a thermal infrared camera, a multispectral camera with interchangeable filters and a digital camera. The TENOR team also has a computer laboratory equipped with software specialized in image processing and geomatics, as well as field instrumentation (georadar, snow and ice corers, hydrometeorological sensors, etc.) necessary for the development and validation of algorithms.
The Laboratory for Ecotoxicogenomics and Endocrine Disruption (LEPE) brings together the expertise, knowledge, infrastructure and instrumentation necessary to test the effects of contaminants on the health of living organisms. The experiments are carried out in the laboratory, in microcosm, in mesocosm and in the field. The team is developing unique biomarkers for each target species in order to understand and validate the mechanisms of action of contaminants. The group also specializes in the study of endocrine disruptors and has, among other things, ultra-sensitive cell lines that identify contaminants capable of altering the hormonal response.
This pilot laboratory provides the scientific community and industry with its multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art equipment for the development and scaling of fermentation processes as well as the recovery, purification and characterization of various microbial derivatives. Its primary purpose is R & D in the field of biotechnology, and especially value-added products using putrescible residues as raw material.
This laboratory makes it possible to develop, among other things, sustainable approaches to coastal management to counter the erosion caused by climate change. This world-class laboratory is used to simulate swells, tides and high flow currents affecting the majority of coarse-bed streams, such as rivers and the St. Lawrence River. It offers a rich potential of applications, for example:
- Model the equilibrium profile of beaches for the stabilization of shorelines;
- Model sedimentation in harbors and marinas to plan dredging or control sediment drift;
- Study the interaction of currents and waves on coastal structures and at sea;
- Model overflow and overflow phenomena due to sea level rise on Canadian coasts;
- Simulate the effect of tides on port facilities;
- Simulate the effect of ice on banks in the presence of waves and currents;
- Model the diffusion of pollutants in complex hydraulic systems;
- Design arrangements or soft solutions for coastal protection.
The research conducted at the Geothermal Open Laboratory is aimed at gaining better understanding of underground heat transfer and flow phenomena for reducing technical risks of geothermal energy. It is an open access laboratory, modeled after open-source software.
This infrastructure measures trace elements in a wide variety of natural matrices ranging from water or soil samples to cellular fractions of living organisms. The laboratory includes: 1) a quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to an inductive plasma (ICP-MS) 2) a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) 3) an ultracentrifuge 4) two radiation counters (gamma counter and liquid scintillation counter)
This laboratory is used in particular to carry out research work on understanding the environmental fate of energetic materials. The laboratory consists of two experimental pans, the size of which makes it possible to carry out restoration experiments similar to field conditions, but under controlled experimental conditions. These tanks can contain 4 to 9 m3 of soil from contaminated sites or clean soils to which specific contaminants can be added.
This laboratory aims to develop electrolytic techniques and oxidative processes to improve municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems or replace conventional low efficiency technologies to remove refractory, inorganic and microbial organic contaminants. It includes 4 facilities: a) Laboratory treatment and control units, b) Analytical instrumentation units, c) Assembly of units, storage of reagents, installation ovens and scales, d) Heavy lab (pre-industrial pilot unit).
