Research Area(s)
- Fate of Pesticides
- Interaction of Biochar and Pesticides
- Water Quality
- Impacts of war and conflicts on the environment
Department
Soil Science, Plant Sciences
Other Affiliations/Positions:
Academic Advisor, Soil Science Undergraduate Students
Brief Biography
I grew up in southern Bangladesh, where I developed a strong interest in sustainable land management and communication, inspired by my parents. I hold a B.Sc. in Agriculture and an M.Sc. in Horticulture from Bangladesh and earned Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Manitoba. Later I completed postdoctoral research there in collaboration with the Canadian Light Source. My research focused on the fate and transport of pesticides, water quality, and spectroscopic characterization of carbon functional groups.
At the University of Saskatchewan, I teach a variety of courses in soil science and plant sciences. I am passionate about student learning and dedicated to helping students build strong foundations in scientific communication, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection and preparing them to be informed and responsible global citizens.
Outside of my academic role, I enjoy life in Saskatoon with my husband and two children and am actively involved in community initiatives, particularly those related to social justice.
Research Interests
Education
Ph.D. (Soil Science) University of Manitoba, Canada, 2017
M.Sc. (Horticulture) Gazipur Agricultural University, Bangladesh, 2012
B.Sc. (Agriculture) Khulna University, Bangladesh, 2010
Selected Recent Publications
Munira, S., Khan, F., Adesanya, T., Islam, M., Dynes, J., Regier, Z. T., Spokas, K., and Farenhorst, A. (2021). Organic C functional groups in biochars and soils using C K-edge XANES, CPMAS and 13C NMR. Chemosphere. 283: 131023.
Gamhewage, M., Sheedy, C., Munira, S., and Farenhorst, A. (2021). Pesticide mixtures in the water-column versus bottom-sediments of Prairie rivers. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 106: 936–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03254-z
Munira, S., Farenhorst, A., Sapkota, S., Nilsson, D., and Sheedy, S. (2018). Pesticides mixtures in groundwater of a prairie province in Canada. Journal of Environmental Quality. 47: 1462-1467. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.05.0202
Munira, S., Farenhorst, A., and Akinremi, W. (2018). Phosphate and glyphosate sorption in soil following long-term phosphate applications. Geoderma. 313: 146-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.10.030
Munira, S., and Farenhorst, A. (2017). Sorption and desorption of glyphosate, MCPA and tetracycline and their mixtures in soil as influenced by phosphate. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B. 52: 887-895. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601234.2017.1361773
Zheng, T., Sutton, N., de Jager, P., Grosshans, R., Munira, S., and Farenhorst, A. (2017). Glyphosate absorption by shoots and rhizomes of native versus hybrid cattail (Typha). Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 99: 595-600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-017-2167-6
Munira, S., Farenhorst, A., Flaten, D., and Grant, C. (2016). Phosphate fertilizer impacts on glyphosate sorption by soil. Chemosphere. 153: 471‐477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.028
Courses
AGRC 110: Scientific Literacy and Communication for the Agricultural Sciences
EVSC 110: Renewable Resources and Environment
PLSC 375: Current Topics in Agronomy
PLSC 345: Pesticide and Crop Protection
EVSC/SLSC 492/494: Research and term paper/Research and Thesis
AGRC 445.3: Experiential Learning in the Workplace