The Spring 2024 Peat Metal webinar series begins with a short introduction from the PI of Peat Metal, Dr Gareth Clay (University of Manchester), who will give an overview of the Peat Metal project.
Professor emeritus Peter Beckett (Laurentian University) will then present on the history of heavy metal contamination and restoration of peatlands in the Sudbury, Canada. Over a century of smelting activity in the Sudbury region had resulted in the degradation of the surrounding peatlands. Through the 1970/80s these peatlands were characterised by extensive areas of bare peat - testament to the stress of heavy metal deposition from industrial works. Restoration efforts in recent decades have helped to improve the state of some peatlands in the area. Methods include the application of lime to actively improve peat geochemistry for vegetation establishment. However, further time and effort is required to improve the ecological functioning of these peatlands.
