The threat posed by the growth of harmful algal blooms in waterbodies and supplies is being tackled by a new European initiative, involving scientists at the University of Dundee.
A new EC-funded research programme involves researchers from 10 laboratories across Europe working more closely with the water industry, environmental scientists and engineers. The project will maximise the application of scientific research into the control of algal blooms, which are an annual menace in many rivers, lakes and ponds.
The initiative has just been launched by Professor Geoffrey Codd and Dr James Metcalf from the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences, at a meeting attended by representatives from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water and the Environment Agency for England and Wales.
Research in the new project will focus on three main areas: the development of early warning systems which indicate when algal blooms are beginning to develop; the evaluation and application of water treatment methods to remove or destroy toxins during water treatment, and improving communication and awareness amongst professional bodies and the public.
Professor Codd said, "This is a three-year, nine-country partnership, pioneered by the University of Dundee, which will bring university-based researchers closer to the needs and problems of water conservation and supply and will be developed through a nine-country partnership."
For more information, please contact Dr James Metcalf, 01382 344866.
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk