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The Experimental Lakes Area: An overview of the world’s freshwater laboratory and research into the impacts of oil on freshwater systems and how best to clean it up

Dr. Vince Palace, Head Research Scientist at IISD-ELA, will provide an overview of whole ecosystem science conducted at the IISD-ELA facility with a particular focus on an ongoing study of the environmental impacts of oil on freshwater systems and the potential of different clean up methods. 

IISD-ELA is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research.  By manipulating these small lakes, scientists are able to examine how all aspects of the ecosystem—from the atmosphere to fish populations—respond. This unique research approach has influenced billion-dollar decisions of governments and industries. It has generated more cost-effective environmental policies, regulations and management, all to ensure the safety of our freshwater supplies.  Research at IISD-ELA on the environmental impacts of oil spills in freshwater systems started in 2017 and has included work aimed and understanding what happens when oil is released into freshwater systems and improving our understanding of the implications of different methods for cleaning it up.