| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | GRACE Monitoring of Groundwater over Ireland |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-DS-33 |
| Lead Organisation | National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) |
| Coordinator | Aaron Golden |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 4: Understanding, Managing and Conserving our Water Resources EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 01/02/2019 End (if applicable): 31/01/2020 Revised End Date (if applicable): 01/07/2020 |
| EPA Project Type | Desk Study |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 87648.60 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment-Follow On (GRACE-FO) mission utilise a pair of co-orbiting spacecraft whose variation in position between them as they track the same orbit meridian allows researchers to map gravitational anomalies on the Earth’s surface. Over land, once corrected for geological and atmospheric effects, the dominant anomaly signature is from variations in terrestrial ground water bodies, and the GRACE missions have been incredibly successful in characterising changes in large/continental scale aquifers. Application to more local aquifer bodies are limited by GRACE spatial resolution, roughly 1 square degree at the equator. Given sufficiently sampled ground well levels within GRACE resolution scale, combined with local climatic and soil data, mapping of ground water storage changes at 10s of km spatial scale have been achieved, using machine learning techniques. The GRAIL project proposes to assess the feasibility of such an approach for the island of Ireland, using GRACE data products and similar climatic/soil/ground water level information provided by existing and on-going EPA/GSI programmes. GRAIL will yield the following expected outputs: – a report documenting from the EPA/GSI perspective the feasibility of downscaling GRACE data to map ground water changes in an Irish context – a report detailing the completed software infrastructure, the basis for its operation, the data utilized, ways and means of interpreting results – a report containing downscaled GRACE derived ground water storage variations sampled at a monthly cadence between 2002-2010 – a web resource documenting same – one peer-reviewed manuscript documenting the GRAIL project in the context of downscaling GRACE data products to infer ground water storage changes across Ireland between 2002-2010 – one peer-reviewed manuscript documenting the machine learning methodologies and software stack utilized to implement a GRACE downscaling project to a regional geographical context – one peer-review conference abstract contribution to the 2019 Fall AGU Meeting detailing the GRAIL project – a data archive hosting both monthly maps (in GeoTIFF) and predicted/measured ground water levels (in JSON) format, for inclusion in existing EPA/GSI online repositories – a github site hosting the first stable release of the GRAIL software stack, available for ‘turn-key’ installation on a range of computing platforms |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |
EPA Research Database / Funded Research
Strategies to improve Water quality from Managed Peatlands
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Strategies to improve Water quality from Managed Peatlands |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-LS-18 |
| Lead Organisation | University College Dublin (UCD) |
| Coordinator | Florence Renou-Wilson |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 4: Understanding, Managing and Conserving our Water Resources EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 01/03/2019 End (if applicable): 28/02/2023 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Large Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 500503.41 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Peatland drainage has disturbed nearly 90% of peat soils in Ireland and potentially led to the deterioration of water quality in affected catchments. The peat extraction sector must develop mitigation strategies that ensure the status of water bodies is protected, maintained and improved in line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and Flood Directive. Robust mitigation measures must ensure reliable water purification methods as well as peak flow control, such as controlled flooding in ditches and flood plains. Ultimately, sustainable and effective watershed management to prevent environmental degradation will combine site-specific technological measures to reduce pollutants together with the restoration of previously degraded peatlands and carefully planned rehabilitation of cutaways/cutovers. The SWAMP project aims (1) to appraise the significance and extent of contaminants in drained/mined peatlands and affected catchments; (2) evaluate/develop robust methods and treatment technologies to prevent and reduce pollution at site levels and develop best practice guidelines to apply in this sector; (3) propose predictive tools for effective watershed management involving drained/mined peatlands that would include land use management and sustainable restoration and after-use of cutaway/cutover bogs in order to protect water quality with potential for synergy with biodiversity-climate change measures and policies. 1. State-of-the-art report critically assessing existing eco-hydrological datasets; identifying knowledge gaps; reviewing the main water-related problems and potential mitigation measures/technical solutions. 2. Comprehensive hydrometric and nutrient monitoring networks in catchment areas covering a range of peatland conditions. 3. Database to include past/new field observations of all hydrological data and physico-chemical and biological composition of water samples and associated peatlands parameters; ecosystem properties and measurement protocols. 4. 6 peer-reviewed publications addressing (1) the extent, significance, causes and impacts of peatland drainage/extraction on the health of downstream aquatic bodies; (2) strategies for the rehabilitation and land use management practice of cutaway/cutover peatlands according to their environmental profile with a view to meeting WFD and biodiversity and climate change mitigation targets; (3) Hydrological models for cutaway/cutover peatlands predict chemical transport and impact of treatment technologies on nutrient retention and prediction of expected pollution levels in affected streams. 5. Best Practice Guidelines for environmental protection in peat extraction including robust water purification methods which can be readily used by the EPA 6. Knowledge capacity building available to EPA and peat industry. 7. Communication platform to boost research-industry collaboration, raise water quality awareness and disseminate audience-adapted outputs to all relevant stakeholders. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | DorothyStewart |
Strategic Look at Natural Water Retention Measures
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | a Strategic LOok at natural WAter reTention mEasuReS |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-LS-20 |
| Lead Organisation | University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD) |
| Coordinator | Mary Bourke |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Emerging and cross cutting issues EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 01/02/2019 End (if applicable): 31/01/2023 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Large Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 507990.49 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The proposed research will assess the benefits of Natural Water Retention Measures for agricultural catchments in Ireland. The project outputs will specifically provide recommendations for the management of specific catchment types relevant to the Irish environment by quantifying the magnitude of NWRM required to reduce flood peaks. Using GIS-based mapping techniques, hydrological modelling, and full scale field demonstrations, our research will develop a portfolio of potential approaches and methodologies to reduce flood risk and generate multiple benefits including sediment, nutrient and ecosystem enhancements. Demonstration sites will show how to design, build and instrument NWRM. Equally, the demonstration site will be visited by numerous stakeholder groups to evaluate the practicalities of uptake of NWRM on Irish farms. Scaling up methodologies will demonstrate approaches for investigating NWRM in other Irish catchments, at a range of spatial scales. Key to scaling up will be the use of Teagasc research catchments that have unique event scale datasets and agricultural stakeholder networks. Our research will underpin policy by identifying across scale the measures that are most effective at targeting flood flows, providing beneficial ecosystem functions whilst having minimum effect of farm economics. Peer review publications will be produced by all partners. Reports for policy makers, will take the form of workshops, web and guidance documents. Delivered through many media including web and traditional formats. Research capacity building will be increased through training of new research staff, demonstration of new methods to Teagasc, OPW, EPA and Irish water through workshops and a national conference. Key to this will be the construction of demonstration sites will full scale examples of NWRM in a local network of 4-5 features. Stakeholders, regulators and practitioners can use the site for learning and evaluation. Teagasc will consider the uptake of NWRM at research sites at later date and will thus bring practical NWRM to the Irish agricultural community. The project will increase research capacity in Ireland. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |
MACROalgal blooms in transitional and coastal waters; MANagement – pressures, policy and solutions – MACRO-MAN
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | MACROalgal blooms in transitional and coastal waters; MANagement – pressures, policy and solutions – MACRO-MAN |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-32 |
| Lead Organisation | National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) |
| Coordinator | Liam Morrison |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 4: Understanding, Managing and Conserving our Water Resources EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 01/02/2019 End (if applicable): 31/01/2021 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 327180.48 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Eutrophication has been identified as the most important pressure in European marine ecosystems, and the reduction of nutrient loads as the main restoration measure. MACRO-MAN will combine Earth Observation technologies, in situ monitoring of water quality and seaweed tides, and laboratory experiments in order to: i) identify the most important pressures affecting estuaries; ii) generate useful information about the ecological status to inform policy; and iii) develop solutions to reach a good ecological status and improve ecosystem services. These aims will be accomplished through the development of five work packages: WP1 will assess water quality in catchments; WP2 will monitor the development of green tides using satellite images; WP3 will provide information to predict the effectiveness of management strategies in a global change context (i.e. climate change and emergent pollutants); WP4 will develop ex-situ cultivation protocols to restore seagrass meadows and use seagrasses as biomonitors; WP5 will create a network of volunteers to improve the monitoring of green tides in estuaries (i.e. water quality, bloom extent and internal C:N in seaweed). Additionally, a sixth WP will be focused on the communication of the results and in the development of a protocol for good practices to reduce nutrient losses in agriculture. Final technical report focusing on the pressures affecting Irish estuaries, informing policies and possible solutions identified during the development of the project will be delivered to the Environmental Protection Agency. Development of a cultivation manual for seagrass restoration, including Ruppia cirrhosa, Zostera marina and Zostera noltei. Publication of a minimum of 4 peer reviewed publications from project findings in international recognised journals. Materials will be prepared as part of general outreach activities in the NUIG Ryan Institute (reaching > 50,000 members of the general public in 2016 (e.g., Science week) and volunteer formation. These materials will inform the general public and interested third parties about the ongoing project. Create a website and a number of different profiles in twitter and Facebook to disseminate the obtained results, announce volunteer formation activities, share formation material, and coordinate volunteer actions. A “ResearchGate” project page will be created. This online resource is designed to help researchers discuss publications, create exposure for their own work and connects with colleagues. The results will be presented in leading ecological and phycological conferences and workshops (e.g. European Phycological Congress, Eutro conference…). |
| EPA Scientific Officer | OonaghMonahan |
SpatioTemporal Epidemiology of Primary Waterborne Infections – cryptoSporidium and vtEc
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | SpatioTemporal Epidemiology of Primary Waterborne Infections – cryptoSporidium and vtEc |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-33 |
| Lead Organisation | Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) |
| Coordinator | Paul Hynds |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 1: Safe Water EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 29/03/2019 End (if applicable): 28/03/2021 Revised End Date (if applicable): 28/12/2021 |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 206685.81 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The STEP_WISE project will use “gold-standard” laboratory-confirmed VTEC and cryptosporidiosis surveillance data over a 10-year period, totaling approximately 10,000 cases, to elucidate the presence, survival and transport of waterborne pathogens in the Republic of Ireland. Geospatial referencing approaches will be used to link cases of infection with myriad “driver datasets” including antecedent meteorology, climate events (e.g. flooding), hydro(geo)logical setting, landuse, hazard (e.g. public and private wastewater treatment, agriculture), and existing monitoring programme data (e.g. EPA) at an extremely fine (CSO Small Area, n >18,000) geographical resolution. Geostatistical analyses will subsequently be employed to develop multivariate models comprising all source, pathway and receptor datasets, with models validated via independent data (2018/19). Validated models will be integrated and used to create “HotSpot” infection risk maps for the Republic of Ireland, which will visually delineate locales and regions based upon the probability of future waterborne infections based upon both spatially- (e.g. hydro(geo)logical setting) and temporally-distinct (e.g. local meteorology, flood risk) characteristics. Finally, scenario analyses will be undertaken using simulation modelling, which will effectively test the effects of shifting climate and landuse patterns on the risk of waterborne infection among the Irish population. STEP_WISE comprises several trans-disciplinary outputs of direct relevance to the (inter)national research community, policymakers and project stakeholders including the general public. Comprised work will directly lead to ≥4 high-impact journal papers (e.g. Environmental Pollution, Water Research, Environmental Health Perspectives), and numerous national and international conference presentations. A detailed literature review, 2-page dissemination report and final project report will be delivered to the EPA for communication via publication. A non-technical summary report will be compiled and released to the general public via social media and the project website, in concurrence with a specific policy report, to be debuted at two post-project workshops. Infection risk “HotSpot” maps will be made freely available to project stakeholders and the general public as a primary project output. STEP_WISE will significantly assist research capacity building through development of an entirely unique, geo-referenced Hazard-Pathway-Receptor database, which will be fully updatable, and available as a foundational tool for future environmental health studies in Ireland (e.g. cancers, norovirus, Campylobacter). |
| EPA Scientific Officer | RachelClarke |
An Integrated System to Mitigate Environmental Impact from Disposal of Difficult Ammoniacal Wastes and Residues
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | An Integrated System to Mitigate Environmental Impact from Disposal of Difficult Ammoniacal Wastes and Residues |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-34 |
| Lead Organisation | National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) |
| Coordinator | Vincent O’Flaherty |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 3: Innovative Water Technologies EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 14/01/2019 End (if applicable): 13/01/2021 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 396556.82 |
| Project Abstract/Description | REFERT will identify how technologies can be developed, adapted and integrated into an energy + nutrient recovery system to mitigate the environmental impact arising from disposal of difficult ammoniacal streams such as agricultural slurries, AD digestates, municipal wastewater and landfill leachates. The project will leverage results from previous research to scale up a method for efficient separation of solids that sufficiently clarifies liquor filtrates to enable use of advanced downstream processes to recover N and remove other contaminants, minimising environmental impact on liquor discharge. De-watering facilitates cost-effective aggregation of solids for optimal (centralised) energy/nutrient recovery. REFERT will investigate technology adaptations required to optimise energy recovery from N-charged solids via anaerobic digestion (AD) or advanced thermal technologies (ATT). It will investigate methods for recovery of N and P from both solid and liquor fractions, converting nutrients into safe saleable fertiliser forms that minimise loss and mitigate environmental impact when recycled back to land. It will outline the business models and commercial frameworks required to underpin wide deployment, reducing the cost and mitigating environmental impact of waste/ residue management, to make measurable contributions to Water Quality Framework, Air Quality Framework and 2030 Energy and Climate Change Framework objectives. Outputs will include: • Webpage to brief interested stakeholders on the REFERT topic • One infographic describing the project aims & objectives and one on completion of the project summarizing the main findings • A technical report which will include the detail methods and results from individual technology development/evaluation tasks • A synthesis report that will integrate the results and provide a techno-economic analysis of the issues to be addressed to support deployment • A policy briefs to be used to disseminate the findings of the research to key governmental stakeholders • A meeting with relevant governmental stakeholders to review outputs • At least 1 presentation at a conference/workshop to disseminate results to stakeholders • Post project at least 1 international peer-reviewed scientific paper on project results • An outline of an EU project that can be developed into an application to an EU funding programme to support concept demonstration |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |
Effect Based Monitoring for Pharmaceutical Pollution in Ireland
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Effect Based Monitoring for Pharmaceutical Pollution in Ireland |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-36 |
| Lead Organisation | Dublin City University (DCU) |
| Coordinator | Fiona Regan |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 1: Safe Water EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 29/03/2019 End (if applicable): 28/03/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): 28/05/2022 |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 349932.30 |
| Project Abstract/Description | EMPIRE will pilot effect based monitoring for pharmaceuticals in Irish surface water catchments, utilising bioassays validated by chemical methods, led by a multidisciplinary team of investigators mentoring two research students and a postdoctoral researcher. In vivo and in vitro bioassays for monitoring of cellular/subcellular responses will be assessed for applicability and challenged with complex cocktail low dose mixtures of pharmaceuticals of interest in the Irish context; a life cycle analysis of pharmaceuticals in Ireland will inform the research. Transcriptomic and bioinformatics analysis of gene expression in invertebrates exposed to pharmaceutical exosome will elucidate novel pathways to exposure which will be used to develop further the body of knowledge in this area, supplemented by analysis of tissue pharmaceutical concentrations. Combined bioassay and chemical methods of effect based monitoring will be applied in a two tiered SIMONI strategy for monitoring of targeted surface water catchments in Ireland. The outputs of the research will be: a pharmaceutical lifecycle assessment and data on occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Irish surface waters; the validation of bioassays for biological and community effects of pharmaceuticals; identification of novel gene pathways in invertebrates exposed to pharmaceuticals; and the pilot study of EBM for pharmaceuticals in Irish surface water catchments. The broad, primary outputs of the research will be: a pharmaceutical lifecycle assessment and data on occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Irish surface waters; the validation of bioassays for biological and community effects of pharmaceuticals; identification of novel gene pathways in invertebrates exposed to pharmaceuticals; and the pilot study of EBM for pharmaceuticals in Irish surface water catchments. A number of reports are identified at key points within the work packages which will be used to inform policy. Other outputs will include: two MSc graduates, at least 3 presentations given at scientific conferences, at least 3 manuscripts in peer reviewed international journals, at least 2 infographics related to the research, a public information campaign comprising website, Twitter, online, print and radio coverage, leaflets and posters. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |
ESDecide: from Ecosystem Services Framework to Application for Integrated Freshwater Resources Management
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | ESDecide: from Ecosystem Services Framework to Application for Integrated Freshwater Resources Management |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-37 |
| Lead Organisation | University College Dublin (UCD) |
| Coordinator | Mary Kelly-Quinn |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 2: Ecosystem Services and Sustainability EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 04/03/2019 End (if applicable): 03/09/2021 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 257691.59 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The overall aim of ESDecide is to develop an evidence-based decision support tool for management of Ireland’s freshwater resources. This will be achieved by greatly extending the scope of the original ESManage project through the collection of new evidence and then incorporating this into a practical decision support tool. The new evidence collected will include (i) models of the responses of ecosystems and associated ecosystem services to multiple stressors; and (ii) monetary and non-monetary values for river ES / NCP. This new evidence will feed into an update Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model of river systems, which will form the basis of the decision-support tool. The project will yield outputs of interest to a wide range of stakeholders: A ES/NCP decision-support diagnostic tool Guidance on use of the ES/NCP diagnostic tool. At least 5 peer-reviewed papers in high impact journals Short synthesis report on the plurality of river NCP & knowledge gaps Final technical and synthesis reports Database on pressure stressor impact relationships Project newsletters, blogs & tweets Inforgraphic |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaSheils |
Roadway Runoff and Nutrient-loss Reduction
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Roadway Runoff and Nutrient-loss Reduction |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-38 |
| Lead Organisation | Teagasc |
| Coordinator | Owen Fenton |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 4: Understanding, Managing and Conserving our Water Resources EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 07/01/2019 End (if applicable): 06/01/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): 06/07/2022 |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 349990.00 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Achieving Water Framework Directive goals requires reduction in nutrient losses from point and diffuse sources, and mitigation of pathways delivering those nutrients to surface receptors. Farm roadways, which receive high concentrations of animal deposition and may have significant hydrological connectivity to receptors, have been little investigated relative to field areas with respect to their role in nutrient transport. Under the Nitrates Action Plan all direct runoff from farm roadways to watercourses and dry ditches will be prohibited by 2021. The goal of this project is to evaluate the extent, connectivity and nature of farm roadways and to quantify their role in nutrient transport. The project will devise and test mitigation strategies including best management practices and engineering solutions. Research will be conducted in study sites participating in the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments and Heavy Soils Programs, representing a range of soil drainage classes and land use intensities. The objectives of this project are to quantify phosphorus and nitrate loss from roadways, to devise a system of assessment for determining roadway quality and provide guidance for the mitigation of potential losses. This research will yield peer-reviewed publications, information for policy design and practical solutions for the farming community. The expected outcomes of this proposed research are intended to address scientific knowledge gaps, policy requirements and to offer practical solutions to be implemented at farm level. The deliverables from this project include a visual assessment tool for the assessment of roadway quality and hence, to determine mitigation measures or best management practices to be implemented as necessary. This will assist farm advisors to provide informed advice in accordance with section 3 of the Nitrates Explanatory Handbook (2018). As runoff rapidly transports nutrients it is expected that roadway mitigation strategies will yield perceptible reductions to nutrient losses soon after their implementation, and additionally, will continue to reduce loads over a prolonged period, provided the roadways are maintained. Roadway improvements will therefore provide a simultaneous rapid and a long-term impact. The project will produce peer-reviewed scientific papers (minimum 3) and is expected to generate further research and funding projects. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |
Coastal Lagoons: Ecology And Restoration
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Coastal Lagoons: Ecology And Restoration |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-39 |
| Lead Organisation | AQUAFACT INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD |
| Coordinator | Brendan O’Connor |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 4: Understanding, Managing and Conserving our Water Resources EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 04/02/2019 End (if applicable): 04/02/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 350000.00 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The proposed research seeks to address the two pressures of water pollution and hydrological modification on lagoon ecology by answering a number of questions: which nutrient limits growth in the lagoon or is growth light limited? What is the fate of these nutrients once in the lagoon? Do they accumulate in lagoonal sediments or are they exported to sea? Are sediment-bound nutrients available to the ecosystem and will they persist, even if additional imports cease? Does breaching/piping under the lagoon barrier accelerate the export of nutrients to sea? If breaching/piping under the barrier occurs, what effect will changes in salinity have on the lagoon’s ecosystem? By studying a single site, we would hope to describe and review the major factors involved in lagoon degradation and propose restoration methods applicable to other sites. While the initial outcome of the project will be a detailed plan to restore the Lady’s Island site, the project will also result in methods to quantify excessive nutrient inputs and impacts of lagoon turnover or flushing rates on conservation status for all Irish lagoons and suggest a suite of techniques which could reduce nutrient loading. Expected outputs of this project will be a report including a practical manual on how to improve the ecological status of Lady’s Island Lake and other lagoons, attendance and presentations at appropriate Irish and European scientific conferences, scientific papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and a deeper understanding of the ecology of saline lagoons. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |