Brent Sleep

Professor

Background

Professors Brent Sleep conducts hybrid research with laboratory experimentation, field studies and computer modelling to determine the fate and transport of organic chemicals in the subsurface and surface aquatic environments.

More specifically, Professor Brent Sleep’s research is dedicated to developing innovative methods for remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, with a focus on organic contaminants. His research group is working on a variety of in-situ subsurface remediation methods, conducting laboratory and computer modelling studies of bioremediation, thermal remediation, and the applications of chemical oxidants and nanoscale zero valent iron for subsurface remediation. His group is also investigating the transport of pathogens in fractured rock aquifers.

Education and Designations

B.A.Sc. (Waterloo)
M.A.Sc. (Waterloo)
Ph.D. (Waterloo)
P.Eng.

Research Interests

Biological and geochemical processes in soils

Computational methods for modelling environmental processes

Waste disposal and groundwater pollution modelling and remediation

Multiphase flow and transport in soils

Saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow modelling

Publications

Journals

Book Chapters

Sleep, B. E., Shackelford, C. D., Parker, J. C., Modeling of Fluid Transport Through Barriers (62 pages) in: Barrier Systems for Environmental Contaminant Containment and Treatment, ed. Chien, C., Inyang, H., and Everett, L., Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton, 2006.
Sleep, B.E., with contributions from C.R. Faust, N.D. Durant, J.C. Parker, J.G. Guarnaccia, L. Sehayek, and M.R. Harkness. Modeling Fate and Transport of Chlorinated Organic Compounds in the Subsurface (85 pages). In: Contaminated Groundwater and Sediments: Modeling for Management and Remediation. CRC Press, 2003.
Sleep, B.E., with contributions from C.R. Faust, N.D. Durant, J.C. Parker, J.G. Guarnaccia, L. Sehayek, and M.R. Harkness. 2002. Modeling Fate and Transport of Chlorinated Organic Compounds in the Subsurface. In: Environmental Modeling and Management: Theory, Practice, and Future Directions. Today Media, Inc., Wilmington, DE. pp. 187-272.

Teaching

Course Code	Title & Description	Session	Day(s)	Start Time	End	Section
CIV201H	Introduction to Civil Engineering Introduction to Civil Engineering A field-based course introducing students to current and historical civil engineering works in the urban and natural environments, highlighting the role of the Civil Engineer in developing sustainable solutions. It will run the Tuesday through Thursday immediately following Labour Day, with follow-up assignments coordinated with the course CIV282 Engineering Communications I. Students must have their own personal protective equipment (PPE). One night will be spent at the University of Toronto Survey Camp near Minden, Ontario. Detailed course information. View full course description in the Engineering Undergrad Academic Calendar.	Fall	Scheduled by the Office of the Faculty Registrar.

News Mentions

A decade of leadership: Prof. Brent Sleeps completes his role as two-term CivMin Chair

CivMin’s Professor Brent Sleep completes his role as two-term Chair Professor Brent Sleep completes his role as Chair of the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering (CivMin) as of June 30, 2023. We take a look back at the milestones and fond memories of his past 10 years at the helm, from 2013 to 2023. […]

Bridging communities in Bolivia

U of T Engineers in Action (EIA) students team up to connect separated communities in rural Bolivia. Thanks to efforts by students, a remote Bolivian community previously divided by a ravine with a seasonal river, sometimes making a land crossing impossible for months at a time, is now united with a pedestrian crossing, ensuring access […]

CivMin extends partnership with City of Oshawa’s TeachingCity

Today The Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto celebrated the five-year anniversary of the TeachingCity partnership with the City of Oshawa, and agreed to extend the collaboration. Department Chair Prof. Brent Sleep, along with representatives from educational partners gathered at the TeachingCity hub in downtown Oshawa to sign the extension. […]

Contact

Brent Sleep
Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
University of Toronto
35 St. George St.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M5S 1A4

Tel: 416-978-3005

brent.sleep@utoronto.ca