Student research removes contaminants from mine water

A YukonU student removed arsenic and nitrate from contaminated mine water while getting 3 credits and an A+! 

Chelsey Zurkan completed a directed study in NSCI 202 under the guidance of Dr. Guillaume Nielsen (NSERC Chair in Northern Mine Remediation). 

Chelsey ran contaminated mine water through columns filled with materials such as woodchips and gravel, in the YukonU Research Centre lab. She was able to remove 99.9% of arsenic and 85% of nitrate. She has helped advance this project to the next stage where Guillaume and his team will further explore the columns and attempt to remove uranium as well. 

YukonU students can access directed studies through the following courses: NSCI 201, NSCI 202, NOST 229, and RENR 401.  

Why are chemists great for solving problems? Because they always have a solution!