EES1101: Research Paper in Environmental Science

Full title: 

Evaluating the effectiveness of Pochote (Pachira quinate) and Guapinol (Hymenaea courbaril) tree rings as historical atmospheric Hg concentration archives for Central American volcanic activity 

Author:

Kawther Shash

Supervisor:

Dr. David McLagan 

Abstract:

Atmospheric mercury (Hg), also known as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) is emitted via anthropogenic and natural sources such as volcanic activity and stored in trees via foliage. With the abundant information available for the usage of temperate tree rings as archives for historical atmospheric Hg concentrations, investigations with tropical tree rings, like Pochote (Pachira quinate) and Guapinol (Hymenaea courbaril) found in Costa Rica and Nicaragua are needed, particularly with their proximity to the Central America Volcanic Arc. Tree core samples were tested (tree ring/year) and assessed according to the volcanic activity that was present for the corresponding year. Passive air samplers (PAS) were used supplementary to evaluate atmospheric Hg concentrations to the current year and spatial variations on the sample site. PAS atmospheric Hg concentrations were constant in both horizontal and vertical distribution. Volcanic activity from Santiago, Rincón de la Vieja, Arenal and Mombacho were shown to increase Hg concentrations in both Pochote and Guapinol. In comparison to Guapinol, Pochote had larger Hg concentration variation in more recent years due to its high sapwood percentage (80.4%) and younger trees demonstrated augmented Hg values due to leaf cuticle and droplet availabilities. Determination of Pochote and Guapinol tree rings are difficult; sampling of other tropical species is needed for optimal Hg analysis. Highly sensitive Hg detector is required as majority of tree ring Hg concentrations were found to be below 5 ng/g.

Full title: 

Identifying Energy Poverty and Analysing the Gaps and Opportunities for Retrofit Policies in Toronto 

Author:

Vicky Koirala

Supervisor:

Dr. Laura Tozer

Abstract:

Research on energy poverty in Canada is an understudied area in Canadian scholarship. Energy poverty is associated with low income, poor energy performance of buildings and increased energy prices, resulting in inadequate delivery of essential energy services in the home. Energy poor households are commonly understood as suffering high fuel bills, low incomes, and poorly insulated dwellings. Energy efficiency retrofitting is an important tool in addressing escalating energy costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study includes an exploration of energy poverty in the City of Toronto and analyzes the gaps and opportunities of retrofit policy in terms of addressing energy poverty in the City of Toronto. About 164,465 (23%) households are experiencing high home energy cost burden (defined as 6%+ of household income spent on energy which is twice the average amount spent on energy) in Toronto. Although the relevant retrofit policies of Toronto address greenhouse gases (GHGs), overall, they have not prioritized energy poverty to enhance the quality of life for low-income owner households, renters and seniors. These retrofit policies have left behind many households in energy poverty which can be addressed by developing tracking mechanisms for the reduction of energy poverty. The existing ecosystem of policies can also be improved in the areas such as providing financial support to low-income, senior, disabled and other marginalized groups along with creating awareness about the programs to reach broader targeted groups. Further research on designing the mechanisms for making retrofit programs easily accessible to vulnerable populations and expanding energy poverty centered policy would be helpful as well. 

Keywords: retrofit, energy poverty, policy, Toronto