Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Homa Kheyrollah Pour

Advisor Role

Advising

Second Advisor

Derek Gray

Third Advisor

Joseph Culp

Abstract

In the Canadian Arctic, unpaved gravel roads are essential for regional accessibility but are also potential sources of road dust runoff. My study investigated the impacts of road dust from the Dempster and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highways on adjacent freshwater ecosystems, focusing on water quality parameters and macroinvertebrate communities. Using a stratified random sampling design, 18 lakes were studied across two regions (boreal forest and tundra) and three distance categories from the road (0-300 m, 300-600 m, and > 600 m). Contrary to my initial hypotheses, findings revealed no significant differences in water quality or invertebrate communities relative to distance from the road. However, differences were noted in dissolved nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon levels between boreal and tundra lakes, as well as in macroinvertebrate community composition. Dust trap experiments confirmed dust dispersal up to at least 300 meters from the road, with higher deposition in tundra areas. The discrepancy between dust movement and lack of observable impacts on lakes suggests that other factors, such as lake morphometry, watershed characteristics, and regional variability, may overshadow potential road dust effects. My study highlights the intrinsic complexity of Arctic freshwater ecosystems and emphasizes the need for long-term, multi-seasonal studies to better distinguish between anthropogenic influences and natural variability.

Convocation Year

2024

Convocation Season

Fall

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