We are pleased to share the success of the 12th Western Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research, held on June 17, 2025 at the University of Alberta. The event brought together leading researchers, students, and professionals to exchange insights on water quality science, engineering innovations, and sustainable policy.

Award Winners

Philip H. Jones Award

🥇 First Prize: Tae Hyun (Calvin) Chung, University of Alberta
“Biogas upgrading and desulfurization via microbial electrosynthesis system”

🥈 Second Prize: Maha Dassouki Dit Tahan, Middle East Technical University, Türkiye / Toronto Metropolitan University
“Characterization of Polyethylene Microplastics Following Aerobic and Anaerobic Bio-Aging”

Best Poster Award

🥇 First Prize: Sunanda Paul, University of Alberta
“Immune cell bioassays identify receptor-mediated inflammatory effects of Oil Sands Process Waters and Naphthenic Acids: Implications for water quality assessment”

🥈 Second Prize: Shivani Sonkar, University of Alberta
“Plasma activated water mist: a promising surface disinfection technology”

Congratulations to all presenters and award recipients, and thank you to everyone who made the symposium a success!