SUMMARY:<p>The bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensing machinery with the innate immune system receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) at its centre has been the subject of extensive research but while TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) were both shown to be essential, the role of other, so-called "accessory", molecules is much less clear. The co-receptor cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) has been widely perceived as being a mere facilitator for the capture and transfer of LPS to TLR4, until recent studies suggested it might have a determining influence on which TLR4-dependent signaling cascades are triggered in response to LPS. The TLR4 receptor complex was shown to be specifically activated by diC14 amidine, a cationic lipid originally synthesized for its carrier properties. The lipid's immunostimulatory activity extends to both TLR4-dependent signaling cascades, the MyD88 and TRIF pathways.<p>The aim of this work was to gain more insight into how diC14 amidine is able to trigger these cascades and to contribute to the general understanding of the TLR4 machinery and its activation by non-LPS ligands. More precisely we were interested in the role of CD14 in the activation of both MyD88 and TRIF pathways by diC14-amidine and in potential consequences of possible divergent requirements of diC14 amidine and LPS for this co receptor.<p>Our study of the role of the membrane-associated and the soluble form of CD14 in the activation of the TLR4-dependent pathways by diC14 amidine revealed that – unlike LPS – the cationic lipid does not require CD14 to exercise its immunostimulatory activity, although the presence of the co receptor modulates the TLR4 activation and infrared spectroscopy experiments suggest a direct interaction.<p>In the case of sensing LPS, CD14 is required for the endocytosis of TLR4 and the subsequent activation of the TRIF pathway. By blocking the endocytosis mechanism at different stages we found that diC14-amidine generally enters the cell via endocytosis and that it activates – unlike LPS – both signaling cascades from inside endosomal vesicles, albeit at different stages of the endocytosis process.<p>Although the eventual immunological responses caused by diC14 amidine and LPS resemble each other or are even identical, our research revealed differences in the actual mechanism of activating TLR4, the receptor responsible for the corresponding innate immune response. These findings illustrate the uniqueness of diC14 amidine and the potential of further exploring its intriguing properties and mechanisms as a tool to decipher the TLR4 signaling machinery and with the perspective of designing new immunomodulators for vaccination and therapy.<p><p><p>RÉSUMÉ:<p>Le mécanisme de reconnaissance des lipopolysaccharides bactériens (LPS) par le récepteur de l'immunité innée Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) a fait l'objet d'une recherche intensive ces dernières années. Alors que TLR4 et son co-récepteur myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) ont été démontrés comme étant essentiels pour la détection du LPS, le rôle des molécules dites "accessoires" est beaucoup moins évident. Le co-récepteur cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) a largement été considéré comme un simple facilitateur pour la capture et le transfert des LPS à TLR4, mais des études récentes suggèrent qu'il pourrait avoir une influence déterminante sur les cascades de signalisation dépendantes de TLR4 induites en réponse au LPS. La diC14-amidine, un lipide cationique synthétisé initialement pour ses qualités en tant que vecteur de transfection, a révélé récemment une activité immunostimulatrice dépendante du récepteur TLR4, impliquant les deux cascades de signalisation dépendantes de TLR4, les voies MyD88 et TRIF.<p>Le but de ce travail était de mieux comprendre le mécanisme par lequel la diC14¬ amidine induit ces cascades et de contribuer à la compréhension générale du fonctionnement du complexe récepteur TLR4 et son activation par des ligands non-LPS. Plus précisément nous nous sommes intéressés au rôle de CD14 dans l'activation des voies MyD88 et TRIF par la diC14-amidine et des conséquences potentielles d’éventuelles divergences en termes d’exigence pour ce co-récepteur entre la diC14-amidine et le LPS. <p>Notre étude sur le rôle de la forme membranaire ou soluble de CD14 dans l'activation des voies dépendantes de TLR4 par la diC14-amidine a révélé que - contrairement au LPS - le lipide cationique ne nécessite pas de CD14 pour exercer son activité immunostimulatrice. Cependant, la présence du co-récepteur module l'activation de TLR4 et des expériences de spectroscopie infrarouge suggèrent une interaction directe entre le lipide et le CD14. <p>Dans le cas de la détection de LPS, le CD14 est nécessaire pour l'endocytose de TLR4 et l'activation subséquente de la voie TRIF. En bloquant le mécanisme d'endocytose à différents stades, nous avons montré que la diC14-amidine active - contrairement au LPS - les deux cascades de signalisation depuis l'intérieur des vésicules endosomiales, mais à des stades différents du processus d'endocytose.<p>En conclusion, bien que les réponses immunologiques causées par la diC14-amidine et le LPS se ressemblent, notre recherche a mis en évidence des différences substantielles dans leurs modes d'action. Ces différences illustrent le caractère unique de la diC14-amidine et son potentiel comme outil pour explorer la complexité du système de signalisation du TLR4 et en tirer des enseignements qui permettront de contribuer à la conception de nouveaux immunomodulateurs pour la vaccination et la thérapie. / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Les amines homoallyliques sont des synthons clés pour la construction de nombreuses molécules d’intérêt biologique. Du fait de la double liaison carbone-carbone du fragment allylique, facilement fonctionnalisable, elles sont également très utilisées en synthèse organique. Ce travail de recherche s’oriente sur la synthèse d’amines homoallyliques grâce à des complexes de titane. En effet, le couplage réducteur d’imines et de diènes promu par du titane permet la formation d’amines homoallyliques diastéréoisomères syn et anti. La diastéréosélectivité de la réaction est directement affectée par le substituant porté par l’atome d’azote. Selon qu’il s’agit d’un groupement benzyle ou phényle, la sélectivité sera marquée en faveur de l’amine syn ou anti respectivement. De plus, l’ajout de l’acide de Lewis BF3.OEt2 permet de diminuer considérablement le temps de réaction mais également d’inverser la diastéréosélectivité obtenue avec la réaction sans acide de Lewis.L’instabilité des amines homoallyliques durant le processus de purification a permis d’autre part de mettre en lumière un réarrangement cationique 2-Aza-Cope. Ce réarrangement a été appliqué à la synthèse catalytique d’homocrotylamines et d’un acide aminé , insaturé. Ce manuscrit rapporte également la synthèse d’amines homoallyliques par couplage entre des diènes et des dérivés benzotriazole. Ces dérivés génèrent des iminiums qui réagissent plus efficacement que les imines pour former les amines souhaitées. De plus, la réaction effectuée avec des dérivés de type bis(benzotriazole) conduit sélectivement à des homoallyl-(E)- homocrotylamines. Cette réactivité est expliquée par une triple réaction en cascade à savoir : allyltitanation – réarrangement cationique 2-Aza-Cope – allyltitanation.D’autre part, une partie de ce manuscrit s’intéresse à la réaction entre le complexe Ti(NMe2)4 et des dioxocyclames qui forment de nouvelles diamidines macrocyliques. Les propriétés chimiques de ces amidines présentent de nombreux intérêts pour la formation de complexes avec des métaux tels que le Cu, le Ni et le Pd. Les analyses des complexes méritent d’être approfondies afin de déterminer sans ambigüité leur structure et de mieux comprendre le mode de coordination de ces nouveaux macrocycles azotés. / Homoallylic amines are key reagents for the formation of a large number of biologically interesting products. Due to the double bond of their allylic moiety, easily functionalisable, they are commonly used in organic synthesis. This research work deals with the synthesis of homoallylic amines thanks to titanium complexes. In fact, the reductive coupling between of imines and dienes promoted by titanium allows the formation of diastereoisomeric homoallylamines syn and anti. The diastereoselectivity of the reaction is directly affected by the nitrogen substituent. Whether it is benzyl or phenyl, the selectivity will be in favour of syn or anti respectively. Moreover, the addition of a the Lewis acid BF3.OEt2 not only considerably decreases the reaction time but also inverts the diastereoselectivity obtained with the reaction without a Lewis acid.The decomposition of homoallylamines during the purification process allowed to highlights a cationic 2-Aza-Cope rearrangement. This rearrangement was applied to the catalytic synthesis of homocrotylamines and of a _,_ unsaturated amino acid. This manuscript also reports the synthesis of homoallylamines by coupling between dienes and benzotriazole derivatives. These derivatives generate iminiums which react efficiently than imines to form the desired amines. Moreover, the reaction ran with bis(benzotriazole) derivatives lead selectively to homoallyl-(E)-homocrotylamines. This reactivity is explained by a triple cascade reaction meaning an allyltitanation - cationic 2-Aza-Cope rearrangement – allyltitanation.Secondly, part of this thesis focuses on the reaction between Ti(NMe2)4 complex and dioxocyclams to produce new macrocyclic diamidines. The chemical properties of this amidines present several interests for the formation of complexes with metals such as Cu, Ni and Pd. The analyses of the complexes deserve further investigation to determine unambiguously their structure in order to understand much better the coordination of these new nitrogen macrocycles.

Les lipides « switch » - bascules - appartiennent à la famille des matériaux sensibles à un stimulus. Quand ces lipides bascules sont incorporés aux nanoparticules lipidiques (LNP), ils permettent la délivrance contrôlée grâce à un changement de conformation activé par une baisse de pH. Des expériences précédentes avaient démontré que les LNP bascules ont transfecté le petits ARN interférents (siRNA) in vitro et in vivo, silençant la protéine fluorescente verte (GFP) et la protéine hépatique Facteur VII, respectivement. La double administration de micro ARN (miRNA) et d'agent anticancéreux melphalan a également été réalisée par les LNP bascule sur un modèle de rétinoblastome murin. Ces résultats prometteurs nous ont encouragé à élargir les applications de LNP bascules en tant que vecteur de siRNA. De plus, le mécanisme par lequel les LNP bascules induisent la déstabilisation de la membrane et la libération de matériaux encapsulé au milleu acide reste obscur. La compréhension de ce mécanisme est cruciale pour cerner les avantages et les limites des LNP bascules, pour proposer des futures applications et pour prévenir leur toxicité. Dans ce mémoire, nous avons comme objectif d’évaluer le potentiel des LNP bascules pour le traitement du cancer. Nous avons évalué les LNP bascules comme vecteur de livraison du siRNA ciblant l'une des protéines cancéreuses les plus spécifiques découvertes à ce jour, la survivine. En parallèle, nous avons étudié le comportement biophysique des membranes contenant des lipides bascules dans des vésicules de taille micromètrique. Dans la première étude, nous avons démontré que les LNP bascules ont permis le silençage de la survivine dans une gamme de lignées cellulaires cancéreuses (poumon, cervical, ovaire, sein, côlon, rétinoblastome). Dans les cellules du rétinoblastome humain (Y79), nous avons examiné plusieurs agents cytotoxiques utilisés en clinique quant à leur synergie avec le silençage de la survivine: melphalan, topotécan, téniposide et carboplatine. Le prétraitement avec les LNP chargées de siRNA-survivine a amélioré de manière synergique la cytotoxicité du carboplatine et du melphalan mais dans une moindre mesure celle du topotécan et du téniposide. Cet effet était spécifique aux cellules cancéreuses car les cellules saines (ARPE.19) n'exprimaient pas de survivine. L'inhibition de la survivine par silençage de siRNA s'est révélée plus spécifique et moins dommageable pour les cellules saines (ARPE.19) que le YM155, un inhibiteur moléculaire de la survivine. Dans la deuxième étude, nous avons observé par microscopie confocale que les lipides bascules induisaient rapidement le stress, la fission et une courbure positive dans les membranes des vésicules unilamellaires géantes lorsqu'elles étaient exposées à des conditions acides. La dynamique de la membrane a été confirmée par des expériences de diffusion dynamique de la lumière (DLS) et de fuite de calcéine. Ces phénomènes ont également été observés lorsque des lipides bascules ont été incorporés dans une membrane hybride polymère/lipide, fournissant des propriétés sensibles au pH aux vésicules hybrides. À notre connaissance, c'est la première fois qu'une vésicule hybride sensible au pH est reportée. Nos résultats corroborent l'applicabilité des LNP bascules en tant qu'agents de vectorisation des siRNA pour le traitement du cancer grâce au silençage de la survivine, en particulier comme adjuvant à la chimiothérapie. L'investigation biophysique a révélé que les lipides bascules agissent sur la fluidité de la membrane, en particulier à pH acide. Cette sélectivité en pH garantit leur biocompatibilité à pH neutre ainsi que la libération efficace et rapide de leur cargo à pH acide. La compatibilité avec les vésicules hybrides polymère/lipide ouvre de nouvelles applications au niveau de vésicules biomimétiques et l'administration de médicaments. / Cationic switchable lipids belong to the class of stimuli-responsive materials. When incorporated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP), switchable LNP promote pH-triggered delivery of payload based on a molecular switch mechanism. Previous studies have demonstrated that switchable LNP successfully delivered small interferring RNA (siRNA) in vitro and in vivo, promoting the silencing of a reporter Green Fluorescencen Protein (GFP) protein and liver-produced factor VII, respectively. Dual delivery of micro RNA (miRNA) and anticancer agent melphalan was also achieved through switchable LNP in a retinoblastoma rat model. These promising results encouraged us to enlarge the applications of switchable LNP as siRNA carrier. Moreover, the mechanism whereby switchable LNP mediate acid-triggered membrane destabilization and, thus, payload release remains elusive. Understanding this mechanism is crucial to draw the advantages and limitations of switchable LNP, and to tailor their future applications and prevent their potential toxicity. In this dissertation, we aimed to further understand the potential of switchable LNP for cancer treatment. We assessed switchable LNP as a siRNA delivery carrier by targeting one of the most specific cancer protein discovered to date, survivin. Meanwhile, we investigated the biophysical behavior of switchable-lipid containing membranes in micron-sized vesicles. In the first study, we demonstrated that switchable LNP efficiently silenced survivin in a range of cancer cell line models (lung, cervical, ovary, breast, colon, retinoblastoma). In retinoblastoma (RB) cells (Y79), several clinically used cytotoxic agents were screened for their synergy with survivin silencing: melphalan, topotecan, Teniposide, and carboplatin. Pretreatment with LNP loaded with siRNA targeted against survivin synergistically enhanced the cytotoxicity of carboplatin and melphalan but in lesser extent topotecan and teniposide. This effect was specific to cancer cells since healthy cells (ARPE.19) did not express survivin. Survivin inhibition through siRNA silencing revealed more specific and less damageable for healthy cells (ARPE.19) than a molecular approach, such as YM155. In the second study, we observed by confocal microscopy that switchable lipids rapidly induced stress, fission, and positive curvature in giant unilamellar vesicles’ membranes when submitted to acidic conditions. The membrane dynamics was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and calcein leakage experiments. Remarkably, these phenomena were also observed when switchable lipids were embedded into a hybrid polymer/lipid membrane, providing pH-sensitive properties to hybrid vesicles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a pH-sensitive hybrid vesicle is reported. Our findings corroborate with the applicability of switchable LNP as siRNA delivery agents for cancer treatment through survivin silencing, especially as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. The biophysical investigation revealed that the switchable lipids act on the membrane fluidity, specifically at acidic pH. This pH selectivity guarantees their biocompatibility at neutral pH as well as its efficient and quick release of their cargo at acidic pH. Their compatibility with hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles opens new applications in biomimetic vesicles and drug delivery.

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth as it is found in every plant cell wall; therefore, it represents one of the most promising natural resources for the fabrication of sustainable materials. In plants, cellulose is mainly used for structural integrity, however, some species organise cellulose in helicoidal nano-architectures generating strong iridescent colours. Recent research has shown that cellulose nanocrystals, CNCs, isolated from natural fibres, can spontaneously self-assemble into architectures that resemble the one producing colouration in plants. Therefore, CNCs are an ideal candidate for the development of new photonic materials that can find use to substitute conventional pigments, which are often harmful to humans and to the environment. However, various obstacles still prevent a widespread use of cellulose-based photonic structures. For instance, while the CNC films can display a wide range of colours, a precise control of the optical appearance is still difficult to achieve. The intrinsic low thermal stability and brittleness of cellulose-based films strongly limit their use as photonic pigments at the industrial scale. Moreover, it is challenging to integrate them into composites to obtain further functionality while preserving their optical response. In this thesis, I present a series of research contributions that make progress towards addressing these challenges. First, I use an external magnetic field to tune the CNC films scattering response. Then, I demonstrate how it is possible to tailor the optical appearance and the mechanical properties of the films as well as to enhance their functionality, by combining CNCs with other polymers. Finally, I study the thermal properties of CNC films to improve the retention of the helicoidal arrangement at high temperatures and to explore the potential use of this material in industrial fabrication processes, such as hot-melt extrusion.

Kleine Moleküle wie Treibhausgase, aber auch Distickstoff und Disauerstoff stehen im Fokus der chemischen Forschung. Solche Moleküle sind durch ihr Vorkommen in der Atmosphäre ubiquitär vorhanden, preiswert und könnten als Synthesebausteine für die Darstellung von komplexeren Molekülen verwendet werden. In dieser Arbeit wurde die Reaktion koordinativ ungesättigter Diketiminato-Nickelkomplexe ([LNi] Komplexe) mit kleinen Molekülen untersucht. Zunächst wurden die Mechanismen der N2-Aktivierung durch reduzierte [LtBuNiI]- und [LMe6NiI] Komplexe miteinander verglichen. Dabei konnte das distickstoffaktivierende Schlüsselintermediat identifiziert und strukturell charakterisiert werden. Weiter wurden die N2-Komplexe [(LtBuNiI)( 1 1 N2)] bzw. K2[(LtBuNiI)( 1 1 N2)], die Vorläufer für [LNiI]- und [LNi0]– Komplexfragmente darstellen, hinsichtlich ihrer Potentials zur Aktivierung der reaktionsträgen Treibhausgase SF6 und NF3 untersucht. Über Reaktionen von Übergangsmetallkomplexen mit NF3 war bis dahin noch nicht berichtet worden; zur Umsetzung von SF6 existierten wenige Publikationen, in denen aber sehr viele mechanistische Fragen offengeblieben sind. Die Mechanismen der SF6- und NF3-Aktivierung wurden durch Kombination einer Vielzahl von ex- und in situ Analysen beleuchtet. Im Falle der SF6 Aktivierung gelang es zudem, ein Nickel(I)-Intermediat zu isolieren. Ein Produkt beider Systeme war der Fluorido-Nickel(II)-Komplex [LtBuNiIIF], dessen Reaktionsverhalten ebenfalls studiert wurde. Doch nicht nur Komplexe mit Nickelatomen in niedrigen Oxidationsstufen erwiesen sich für die Aktivierung kleiner Moleküle geeignet, sondern auch kationische [LtBuNiII(D)]+-Komplexe. Diese Nickel(II)-Komplexe reagierten mit fluorierten Molekülen, N2O sowie O2, was bemerkenswert ist, da Nickel(II)-Komplexe üblicherweise inert gegenüber O2 sind. Im Zuge der O2-Studien wurde ein metastabiler Oranoperoxidkomplex isoliert und strukturell charakterisiert, was beispiellos in der Literatur ist. / Current research focuses on the activation of small molecules like greenhouse gases, thermodynamically stable molecules like N2 and kinetically stabilized molecules like O2, which are all abundant in the atmosphere. Thus, it appears to be alluring to use them as cheap and readily available building blocks for the synthesis of value-added compounds. This dissertation deals with the reaction of low-coordinate diketiminate nickel complexes [LNi] and such small molecules. Initially, the mechanisms of the dinitrogen activation by reduced [LtBuNiI] and [LMe6NiI] complexes were studied. As a result, the key intermediate [(LtBuNiI)x(3 Br)xKx] (x > 1) was identified and structurally characterized. Subsequently, the nickel complexes [(LtBuNiI)( 1 1 N2)] and K2[(LtBuNiI)( 1 1 N2)], which represent sources for [LtBuNiI] and [LtBuNi0]– moieties, were applied to the activation of the inert, but very efficient greenhouse gases SF6 and NF3. Prior to these investigations, no transition metal complex had been reported to react with NF3. Publications dealing with the conversion of SF6 had been scarce, too, while at same time, the mechanisms involving its activation had been speculative. The mechanisms of the NF3 and SF6 activation reactions were deduced combining numerous ex-situ and in situ analytical methods. In case of the SF6 activation, even an intermediate could be isolated. In both systems, the nickel fluoride complex [LtBuNiIIF] was formed and its reaction behaviour was also studied. Furthermore, not only [LtBuNiI]- and [LtBuNi0]– moieties proved to be reactive towards small molecules, but also cationic [LtBuNiII(D)]+ complexes, which were specifically developed for this purpose. The reactions of [LtBuNiII(D)]+ complexes with fluorinated molecules (e. g. PhF, NF3), O2 and N2O were studied. In course of the O2 activation, a metastable organoperoxide complex was isolated and structurally characterized, which is unparalleled in the literature.

Lead is a known toxin, with the ability to accumulate in the human body from as early as fetal development. Lead exposure is known to cause a myriad of health effects which are more prominent among children. Health effects upon exposure can range from renal and heart disease or potentially cancer in adults to neurotoxicity in children. The continued presence of old lead service lines and plumbing in distribution systems as well as lead-containing solders and brass fixtures in homes may contribute lead to drinking water. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of a predictor known as the chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio (CSMR) in controlling lead release. A ratio above 0.5 – 0.6 theoretically increases the aggressiveness of lead leaching in galvanic settings, while a lower ratio controls lead corrosion. A switch in coagulant type could significantly alter the ratio. However, a coagulant switch could also trigger changes in finished water turbidity and organics, including disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors, as well as impact sludge production. Anecdotal evidence from an Ontario water treatment utility suggested the potential applicability of a newly formulated polymer, cationic activated silica (CAS), in improving DBP precursor removal when used in concurrence with a primary coagulant. No previous scientific research had been dedicated to testing of the polymer. The present research had three primary objectives: The first was to investigate the effect of conventional coagulation with six different coagulants on the chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio as it pertains to lead corrosion in two Ontario source waters of differing quality. Additionally, the effect of coagulant choice on pH, turbidity, and organics removal was investigated. The second objective was aimed at testing potential reductions in CSMR and organics that could be brought about by the use of two polymers, cationic and anionic activated silica (CAS and AAS, respectively), as flocculant aids. Finally, the performance of a high-rate sand-ballasted clarification process was simulated at bench-scale to gauge its performance in comparison with conventional coagulation simulation techniques. The first series of jar-tests investigated the effectiveness of CAS as a primary coagulant on Lake Ontario water. In comparison with the conventional coagulants aluminum sulfate and polyaluminum chloride, CAS did not offer any apparent advantage with respect to turbidity and organics removal. Testing of CAS and AAS as flocculant aids was also conducted. Results from a full factorial experiment focused on CAS testing on Lake Ontario water showed that coagulant dose is the most significant contributor to CSMR, turbidity, DOC removal, and THM control. Generally, improvements resulting from CAS addition were of small magnitude (<15%). Reductions in CSMR were attributed to the presence of the sulfate-containing chemicals alum and sulfuric acid in the CAS formulation. Testing of sulfuric acid-activated AAS on Grand River water showed that pairing of AAS with polyaluminum chloride provides better results than with alum with respect to DOC removal (39% and 27% respectively at 60 mg/L coagulant dose). Highest turbidity removals (>90%) with both coagulants were achieved at the tested coagulant and AAS doses of 10 mg/L and 4 mg/L respectively. CSMR reductions in the presence of AAS were also attributable to sulfate contribution from sulfuric acid. Bench-scale simulation of a high-rate sand-ballasted clarification process on Grand River water showed comparable removal efficiencies for turbidity (80 – 90% at 10 mg/L), and DOC (30 – 40% at 50 mg/L). Finally, six different coagulants were tested on the two source waters for potential applicability in CSMR adjustment in the context of lead corrosion. The two chloride-containing coagulants polyaluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate increased CSMR in proportion to the coagulant dose added, as would be expected. Average chloride contribution per 10 mg/L coagulant dose was 2.7 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L for polyaluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate, respectively. Sulfate-contributing coagulants aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate, pre-hydroxylated aluminum sulfate, and polyaluminum silicate sulfate reduced CSMR as coagulant dose increased, also as would be expected. The highest sulfate contributors per 10 mg/L dose were pre-hydroxylated aluminum sulfate (6.2 mg/L) and ferric sulfate (6.0 mg/L). The lowest CSMR achieved was 0.6 in Lake Ontario water at a 30 mg/L dose and 0.8 in Grand River water at a 60 mg/L dose. Highest DOC removals were achieved with the chloride-containing coagulants in both waters (35 – 50%) with aluminum chlorohydrate showing superiority in that respect. DOC removals with sulfate-containing coagulants were less, generally in the range of 22 – 41%. Specificity of critical CSMR values to source water needs to be investigated. Additionally, long term effects of sustained high or low CSMR values in distribution systems need to be further looked into. Finally, the effect of interventions to alter CSMR on other water quality parameters influencing lead corrosion such as pH and alkalinity still represent a research deficit.

Lead is a known toxin, with the ability to accumulate in the human body from as early as fetal development. Lead exposure is known to cause a myriad of health effects which are more prominent among children. Health effects upon exposure can range from renal and heart disease or potentially cancer in adults to neurotoxicity in children. The continued presence of old lead service lines and plumbing in distribution systems as well as lead-containing solders and brass fixtures in homes may contribute lead to drinking water. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of a predictor known as the chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio (CSMR) in controlling lead release. A ratio above 0.5 – 0.6 theoretically increases the aggressiveness of lead leaching in galvanic settings, while a lower ratio controls lead corrosion. A switch in coagulant type could significantly alter the ratio. However, a coagulant switch could also trigger changes in finished water turbidity and organics, including disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors, as well as impact sludge production. Anecdotal evidence from an Ontario water treatment utility suggested the potential applicability of a newly formulated polymer, cationic activated silica (CAS), in improving DBP precursor removal when used in concurrence with a primary coagulant. No previous scientific research had been dedicated to testing of the polymer. The present research had three primary objectives: The first was to investigate the effect of conventional coagulation with six different coagulants on the chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio as it pertains to lead corrosion in two Ontario source waters of differing quality. Additionally, the effect of coagulant choice on pH, turbidity, and organics removal was investigated. The second objective was aimed at testing potential reductions in CSMR and organics that could be brought about by the use of two polymers, cationic and anionic activated silica (CAS and AAS, respectively), as flocculant aids. Finally, the performance of a high-rate sand-ballasted clarification process was simulated at bench-scale to gauge its performance in comparison with conventional coagulation simulation techniques. The first series of jar-tests investigated the effectiveness of CAS as a primary coagulant on Lake Ontario water. In comparison with the conventional coagulants aluminum sulfate and polyaluminum chloride, CAS did not offer any apparent advantage with respect to turbidity and organics removal. Testing of CAS and AAS as flocculant aids was also conducted. Results from a full factorial experiment focused on CAS testing on Lake Ontario water showed that coagulant dose is the most significant contributor to CSMR, turbidity, DOC removal, and THM control. Generally, improvements resulting from CAS addition were of small magnitude (<15%). Reductions in CSMR were attributed to the presence of the sulfate-containing chemicals alum and sulfuric acid in the CAS formulation. Testing of sulfuric acid-activated AAS on Grand River water showed that pairing of AAS with polyaluminum chloride provides better results than with alum with respect to DOC removal (39% and 27% respectively at 60 mg/L coagulant dose). Highest turbidity removals (>90%) with both coagulants were achieved at the tested coagulant and AAS doses of 10 mg/L and 4 mg/L respectively. CSMR reductions in the presence of AAS were also attributable to sulfate contribution from sulfuric acid. Bench-scale simulation of a high-rate sand-ballasted clarification process on Grand River water showed comparable removal efficiencies for turbidity (80 – 90% at 10 mg/L), and DOC (30 – 40% at 50 mg/L). Finally, six different coagulants were tested on the two source waters for potential applicability in CSMR adjustment in the context of lead corrosion. The two chloride-containing coagulants polyaluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate increased CSMR in proportion to the coagulant dose added, as would be expected. Average chloride contribution per 10 mg/L coagulant dose was 2.7 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L for polyaluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate, respectively. Sulfate-contributing coagulants aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate, pre-hydroxylated aluminum sulfate, and polyaluminum silicate sulfate reduced CSMR as coagulant dose increased, also as would be expected. The highest sulfate contributors per 10 mg/L dose were pre-hydroxylated aluminum sulfate (6.2 mg/L) and ferric sulfate (6.0 mg/L). The lowest CSMR achieved was 0.6 in Lake Ontario water at a 30 mg/L dose and 0.8 in Grand River water at a 60 mg/L dose. Highest DOC removals were achieved with the chloride-containing coagulants in both waters (35 – 50%) with aluminum chlorohydrate showing superiority in that respect. DOC removals with sulfate-containing coagulants were less, generally in the range of 22 – 41%. Specificity of critical CSMR values to source water needs to be investigated. Additionally, long term effects of sustained high or low CSMR values in distribution systems need to be further looked into. Finally, the effect of interventions to alter CSMR on other water quality parameters influencing lead corrosion such as pH and alkalinity still represent a research deficit.