The federal government brought in new regulations last July effectively banning phosphorus in most household cleaning products, such as dishwashing and laundry detergents. The new rules prohibit the manufacture and import of these products containing phosphorus beyond 0.5% by weight. Similar regulations in the United States banned the chemical in 17 states.

Phosphorus in certain detergents and cleaning products softens water, reduces spotting and rusting , holds dirt, and increases performance. But it is also a plant fertilizer, Prof. Molot says, meaning when it enters a lake, it causes massive amounts of algae to grow.

"When the algae die, they sink to the bottom of the lake and are consumed by bacteria. In the process, these bacteria consume all the oxygen, leading to the asphyxiation of fish," Prof. Molot said.

The chemical also causes algal blooms -- massive green blob-like growths -- which can raise pH levels in water to toxic levels and block water intake pipes. Prof. Molot says dirty dishes are a small price to pay for preventing the spread of phosphorus.

"Either the public pays huge amounts of money to remove the phosphorus at the end of the pipe, or it can choose the cheaper alternative to reduce the amount of phosphorus going into our sewers in the first place," he said. "If I have to pay a little more for a greener detergent, even if it means it doesn't clean the way it used to, I'll put up with it."

Molot has published on , most recently in February 2010. His research is funded by the (NSERC).

Posted by Elizabeth Monier-Williams, research communications officer, with files courtesy of YFile鈥� 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin

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Lewis Molot, a professor in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Environmental Studies, has received more than $265,000 over three years from the (NSERC).

The award will fund Molot鈥檚 experiment to assess the effect of sulphate levels on several impacts associated with excessive fertilization of lakes. The study will be conducted in a remote, fishless lake in northwestern Ontario鈥檚 .

Right: Lewis Molot

While sulphate occurs naturally, acid deposition has led to higher levels in lakes in Eastern Canada. Sulphate is believed to play a key role in regulating various microbial processes in North American lakes and differences in sulphate concentrations may explain variance among individual lakes.

By adding sodium sulphate to one lake, Molot and his collaborators will be able to observe its effect on several processes, including the abundance and timing of toxic algal blooms and the rate at which mercury is incorporated into the food chain. A set of control experiments will receive sodium chloride, which could provide useful information about how the increasing use of road salt, due to slow yet steady increases in year-round cottage country traffic, is affecting lakes in the province鈥檚 central and northern areas.

Molot鈥檚 team includes 91亚色 graduate student Shelley McCabe and researchers at , , the , theand the .

鈥淓nvironmental research is one of 91亚色鈥檚 internationally recognized strengths,鈥� said Stan Shapson, vice-president research & innovation. 鈥淩esearch projects such as Professor Molot鈥檚 underscore the importance of maintaining sustainable ecosystems in our lakes and protecting our fresh water supply now and in the future.鈥�

The announcement was made by Gary Goodyear, minister of state (science聽& technology), on Feb.聽8. 鈥淥ur government is investing in research and development to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians,鈥� noted Goodyear. 鈥淭hese projects will help universities develop, attract and retain the world鈥檚 best researchers, while building a strong foundation for future economic growth across Canada.鈥�

Molot鈥檚 project is among 122 chosen to receive a total of $53.5 million in funding under NSERC鈥檚 , which aims to turn the results of academic research into real benefits for Canadians. It fosters partnerships among industry, academia and governments, and increases research and training in areas that could enhance Canada鈥檚 economy, society or environment in the coming decade.

鈥淭he research done through these projects will lead to important benefits for Canadians,鈥� said NSERC President Suzanne Fortier. 鈥淲e expect the results to include advances in renewable energy, progress toward the development of a quantum computer, improvements in screening for cancer and much more.鈥�

For a complete list of NSERC recipients, visit the Web site.

This research on attracted on-air coverage from CJRL Kenora on Feb. 11. Professor Molot was also interviewed by CBC Radio in Thunder Bay.

By Elizabeth Monier-Williams, research communications officer

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