Natalie Szponar, Ph.D. Email and Phone Number

Utilized trace metal and stable isotope geochemistry tools to trace sources of mercury emissions in the atmosphere, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Expanded the utility of a novel passive air samplers used for the collection of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and concentration analysis to be utilized for isotope characterization. The passive air sampler was applied in large-scale reconnaissance studies across Ontario, Canada, and Madre de Dios, Peru, and the Canadian Arctic… Show more Utilized trace metal and stable isotope geochemistry tools to trace sources of mercury emissions in the atmosphere, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Expanded the utility of a novel passive air samplers used for the collection of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and concentration analysis to be utilized for isotope characterization. The passive air sampler was applied in large-scale reconnaissance studies across Ontario, Canada, and Madre de Dios, Peru, and the Canadian Arctic, revealing its capability to identify and trace regional and local sources of GEM, and evaluate their relative contribution to local and regional atmospheric pools.Key achievements include leading the pioneering study that mapped atmospheric GEM on a regional scale and provided the first isotopic characterization of GEM in an area affected by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The study not only achieved detailed GEM mapping over a large area but also employed isotopic characterization to trace ASGM-derived GEM in the atmosphere and its absorption by vegetation, offering crucial insights for effective monitoring programs and emission reduction goals. These findings bear significance in the global initiative to reduce ASGM mercury emissions as per the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Show less

Professional geoscientist consulting on water and soil quality, environmental forensics, environmental assessments and remediation projects.

Environmental scientist specializing in assessing water quality in natural and contaminated environments. Responsibilities included project coordination and management, completion of water quality modelling and assessment, environmental site assessments, soil and groundwater remediation, vapour assessment, and risk assessment.Active role in applying isotope forensics in characterizing and assessing contamination sources.

Investigated the carbon cycling in alkaline springs at a site of present-day serpentinization in Gros Morne National Park, NL, applying isotope forensics, geochemical and microbial evidence to determine how hydrocarbon gases are being produced and characterize the microbial community in these environments.The research produced the first published dataset on the geochemistry of hydrocarbon gases at the Tablelands. Additionally, as sites of serpentinization are deemed Mars analogues, the… Show more Investigated the carbon cycling in alkaline springs at a site of present-day serpentinization in Gros Morne National Park, NL, applying isotope forensics, geochemical and microbial evidence to determine how hydrocarbon gases are being produced and characterize the microbial community in these environments.The research produced the first published dataset on the geochemistry of hydrocarbon gases at the Tablelands. Additionally, as sites of serpentinization are deemed Mars analogues, the study's outcomes have been integrated into the NASA database for Mars analog sites, contributing to the planning of future space missions.Led several field sampling programs in Gros Morne National Park for a multi-disciplinary research groups including collaborators from four different international research and educational institutions Show less

Worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team conducting research on a biogeochemical component for high-precision field-equipment to be applied on future space missions.Contributed to the experimental design and implementation of research involving the detection of a methanogen specific coenzyme using laser-light induced fluorescence (LIFE) and fluorescence spectroscopy, along with identifying preliminary detection limits.

Improved an analytical geochemistry based method to extract and quantify Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediment from Hamilton Harbor Evaluated the effectiveness of a soil remediation technique in its ability to remove organic contaminants