Pierre Martel

Research Scientist, Environmental Program
Paprican—The Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada

Pierre Martel began working for Paprican as a summer intern more than fifteen years ago, while studying for his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Concordia University. A not-for-profit research and educational organization, Paprican hires several undergrad students each year, to help—as Pierre did—with research related to the pulp and paper sector. (Photo: Pierre (l) and another scientist at work.)

Pierre completed his BSc while remaining on staff as a part-time technician, returning full time after he graduated. His supervisors encouraged him to pursue a Master's degree in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene with the Universit? de Montreal—and to complete his experimental work in Paprican's Pointe Claire labs. His thesis involved studying the effects of dehydroabietic acid—a component of coniferous (or needle bearing) trees found in some mill effluent—on fish and invertebrates.

"As a student of biology, a career in the environmental field was a great enticement to pursue further studies," says Pierre. "Paprican is unique in terms of the variety of research fields and degree of specialization. It's like a university for pulp and paper."

Research programs are designed to address issues of importance to the industry, such as environmental impact. The manufacture of pulp and paper has traditionally required a great deal of water, which is why mills are built on the shores of rivers and lakes. Over the years, Paprican scientists have worked on a variety of projects designed to minimize the impact of effluent on nearby aquatic life. For example, sophisticated treatment systems have improved effluent quality, and scientists are now working to "close" the manufacturing process as much as possible, allowing mills to re-use water and reduce the amount released.

After graduating with his MSc, Pierre joined Paprican's Aquatic Biology Laboratory, where, twelve years later, he continues to conduct lab and field studies to assess the quality and impact of effluents. He has developed expertise in several areas, including (among others) pulp and paper toxicity regulations, toxicity testing and evaluation, fish reproduction and Environmental Effects Monitoring (a requirement under the federal Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations).

"I've always enjoyed the search," says Pierre, "the hunt for an answer to a question. But what I appreciate most about my job is the diversity. Within my general area, I have the opportunity to work on very different projects, some in the lab and some in the field, and to present the results at conferences and workshops. So far, I've traveled extensively in Canada, and occasionally to the United States, Finland, Sweden and New Zealand. It certainly keeps things interesting."

According to Pierre, research tends not to be the work of one person, but of teams that include several people with different backgrounds and levels of experience. One of his first opportunities to play a leading role came with a study of fish liver enzymes. In the early 1990s, a certain type of enzyme activity was linked with exposure to pulp and paper mill effluent, and scientists thought this might be a way to measure dioxin and other chlorinated organics. Work by Paprican and others showed that the activity was not specific to any particular kind of pulping or bleaching technology, and that the effect was reversible. However, additional research by Pierre and his team identified the real reason for the enzyme activity at one mill: not chlorinated organics at all, but a natural component of balsam fir thought to be produced as a defense against insects.

Since then, Pierre's focus has shifted to the potential effects of pulp and paper mill effluent on fish reproduction. Also referred to as endocrine disruption, this is part of the broader issue that seeks to address whether substances in the environment are influencing the normal reproductive physiology of various organisms. Pierre has supervised teams of up to five technologists, and says he particularly enjoys training interns and new employees. The results of his studies are regularly published in scientific and technical journals.

For more information on Paprican (including education and job opportunities), please visit www.paprican.ca/.