Electrodialysis of Maple Sap: A Green Technology to Reduce Sugar Sand and Scale within a Circular Economy Framework?

Description

During its transformation in the evaporator, maple sap becomes concentrated and undergoes changes that cause certain compounds to become insoluble and precipitate. This insoluble material can foul the evaporator when it deposits on its surfaces, or it can end up in the maple syrup and alter its quality. Significant efforts must then be deployed by maple producers to remove it. The objective of the proposed project is therefore to study the potential of electrodialysis to reduce the formation of this insoluble material while offering a pathway to valorize the coproduct generated during the process, within a circular economy approach.

The general objectives of the project are to:
1) Analyze the composition of maple sap at different times during the season;
2) Study the effect of filtration on the recovery of sugar sand and its composition as a function of the time of year;
3) Evaluate the impact of sap composition and electrodialytic parameters on the efficiency of sap demineralization by electrodialysis;
4) Evaluate the quality of the final syrups produced from the demineralized saps at different levels;
5) Test the antimicrobial effect of the byproducts of electrodialysis.

Research Field

- Maple sap
- Electrodialysis
- Valorization
- Filtration
- Demineralization
- Antimicrobial activity

Research Supervisor

Laurent Bazinet

Research Environment

Food processing laboratory and electromembrane processes

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Food Science

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$22000 per year for 3 years.

The position is full-time (100%) and placed at the department of Food Sciences, Laval University (Quebec, Canada), under the supervision of Dr Laurent Bazinet, for a fixed term of three years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Submission and approval of research proposal AND project outline	$3,000
Expected progression in the study program	$3,000
First submission of dissertation before the end of the 11th semester	$4,000
Total	$10,000

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $45,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Food Science and Technology

Requirements and Conditions

- Obtention of an engineering master or M.Sc degree in Food Engineering, Agronomy or Food science
- Great interest in a career in applied research and technology development;
- Good knowledge of membrane processes
- Demonstrated written and spoken English skills
- Speaking French is an advantage

Required Documentation

- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Applications are due by May 1st, 2026. The selected candidate will start in Fall 2026 or according to his/her availability. In order to be considered, applicants are requested to submit the followings:
- Current resume or CV
- Summary statement of research and career interests
- Transcripts

Application Deadline

May 1, 2026

Find Out More

Véronique Perreault
Professionnelle de recherche
Département des sciences des aliments
veronique.perreault.5@ulaval.ca