SYDNEY - A research grant for Cape Breton University will create a laboratory to study the long-term health of the island's estuaries and waterways.

Cape Breton University said Friday that development of an estuary assessment laboratory will be headed by K. Martha Jones, an assistant professor of biology at the university.

Her main focus of research will be the effectiveness of remediation work at the Muggah Creek watershed, including the Sydney tar ponds site.

Her colleague Jeffery (Hong) Nie of the engineering department will research and develop a wireless sensor used in the offshore petroleum sector.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation will contribute $113,977, and the grant will be matched by other sources. The total project cost is $285,000.