| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Survival of mobile antibiotic resistance in water |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-PhD-11 |
| Lead Organisation | Maynooth University (MU) |
| Coordinator | Fiona Walsh |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 1: Safe Water EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 07/01/2019 End (if applicable): 06/01/2023 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Scholarships |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 52000.00 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Our EU Water JPI project (Stare) identified specific mobile antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and bacteria in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Ireland and EU. These AR genes pose a threat to the treatment of human and animal infections if they transfer to pathogenic bacteria as they confer resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. The objective of this proposal is to identify the capabilities of these AR mechanisms carried on mobile DNA (plasmids) to survive in downstream water when they are released from WWTPs. This will be achieved by characterising the genetic components of the collected AR plasmids, analysing the collected plasmids for their ability to survive in receiving water, identifying the plasmids capable of surviving and transferring to both resident water bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. The potential applications of the research findings are to describe the plasmids and AR genes emerging from WWTPs, which pose the greatest risk to human and animal health and further dissemination in the environment and enable risk assessment models to be developed. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | AliceWemaere |
EPA Research Database / Funded Research
Climate change impacts on the water-quality and functioning of Irish rivers in a multi-stressor environment
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Climate change impacts on the water-quality and functioning of Irish rivers in a multi-stressor environment |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-PhD-14 |
| Lead Organisation | Irish Research Council (UCD) |
| Coordinator | IRC Applicant |
| 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: 01/10/2018 End (if applicable): 01/10/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Scholarships |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 96000.00 |
| Project Abstract/Description | This study will investigate whether climate change (changes in temperature and rainfall) will worsen the negative effects of pollutants (sediment and nutrients) which enter freshwaters. The proposed research will consist of a series of experiments carried out in the ‘UCD ExStream’ research facility. This consists of 128 donut shaped dishes known as ‘mesocosms’. Water and aquatic organisms are continuously pumped from a nearby clean stream into the mesocosms. Water flows around the mesocosm and exits through a hole in the centre. Thus, each mesocosm is a realistic version of the stream but on a smaller scale. The individual and combined effects of higher water temperatures, altered flow, and inputs of pollutants will be studied. The effects examined will include (1) type and numbers of aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects, worms, etc.) that exit the mesocosms because they cannot tolerate the conditions, (2) organisms remaining in the mesocosms at the end of the experiment (i.e. those that can tolerate the stressors), (3) production of algae and rate of decomposition – these are vital processes that keep our freshwaters healthy. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | KevinWoods |
PESTicide MANagement for better water quality
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | PESTicide MANagement for better water quality |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-HW-LS-3 |
| Lead Organisation | National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) |
| Coordinator | Mark Healy |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Sustainability: Theme 2: Health & Wellbeing EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 03/02/2020 End (if applicable): 02/02/2023 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 | 425598.40 |
| Project Abstract/Description | This project will use a DPSIR (drivers, pressures, state, impacts, responses) approach to assess how drinking water and human health may be affected by pesticide use in Ireland. The project will evaluate the drivers and pressures for the use of pesticides in Ireland and a semi-quantitative pesticide risk ranking will utilise all available data to identify pesticides of concern (WP1). The pathway of loss from the source of pesticide use to the receptor will be identified in WP2. This WP will comprise controlled laboratory mesocosm experiments to understand the impact of soil type and land use on pesticide leaching and surface runoff. In WP 3, the response of the receptor will be evaluated. This will be conducted at urban and catchment scale, and will utilise most of the study sites of the Agricultural Catchments Programme, which have already been extensively characterised and monitored. Baseline monitoring will be conducted for one year, before a low-cost, passive, in-situ technology will be placed in the streams draining the catchments. The project will develop a citizen science network through collaboration with stakeholders (WP 4). WP 5 will address project management and communication to the EPA and stakeholders. Final technical report focusing on the drivers, pressures and impacts of pesticide use on receiving waters and human health in Ireland. This will provide quantitative information, which will inform policies. This project will develop solutions for pesticides in the environment by examining, at field-scale, the efficacy of in-situ, low-cost, passive remediation technologies for pesticide mitigation. Publication of a minimum of five peer reviewed publications from project findings in internationally 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 2018 (e.g., Science week) and volunteer formation. These materials will inform the general public and interested third parties about PEST-MAN. Create a website and 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 engineering, soil and microbiological conferences and workshops. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | RachelClarke |
Research based Assessment of Integrated approaches to Nature based Solutions
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Research based Assessment of Integrated approaches to Nature based Solutions |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-DS-34 |
| Lead Organisation | Vesi Environmental Ltd |
| Coordinator | Aila Carty |
| 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: 01/04/2019 End (if applicable): 31/03/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | Desk Study |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 71438.23 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Rain Solutions aims to develop an integrated framework of methodologies to assess Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for the restoration and rehabilitation of urban water resource systems. The research will identify stakeholder and urban ecosystem needs to inform NBS planning and design. The work will review existing experiences of good practices and capitalise upon them by simulating the impact of climate variability and existing urban infrastructure, which in turn will lead to the development of an indicator system for the evaluation of key NBS. The indicator system will allow for assessment of water quantity and quality issues in an urban environment, whilst also examining socio-economic aspects for the communities which benefit from such NBS developments within their area. All of these will be brought together to create an NBS planning and design framework, supporting by machine learning, to generate recommendations which will address challenges associated with climate variability and the well-being of urban areas. The conclusion of the research of all aspects above, will lead to a self-sustainable web-based framework which will work in collaboration with stakeholders and allow for the transfer of knowledge to both potential new stakeholders and the wider community. The expected outputs from this research project are as follows; A) Report examining the impacts of Integrated Constructed Wetlands on communities in Dublin city suburbs. B) Examination of ICW performance for the treatment of contaminated waters. C) Mitigation effects of the ICW systems on extreme weather events. D) Production of a framework for local authorities, development groups, licensing and enforcement, and community groups. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | RachelClarke |
Percolation tests for site assessment for domestic wastewater treatment systems
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Percolation tests for site assessment for domestic wastewater treatment systems |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-DS-35 |
| Lead Organisation | University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD) |
| Coordinator | Laurence Gill |
| 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: 02/03/2020 End (if applicable): 01/03/2021 Revised End Date (if applicable): 01/06/2021 |
| EPA Project Type | Desk Study |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 90131.20 |
| Project Abstract/Description | This research will evaluate different methods of how to assess the percolation characteristics of soils as part of the site assessment process used for the design domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWS). Currently, site assessment (and subsequent DWWTS design) is prescribed in the EPA Code of Practice (EPA, 2009) which requires an on-site falling head percolation test, known nationally as the T-test, to be carried out. However, this method has limitations for more low permeability subsoils and so an alternative method needs to be evaluated. Several different approaches can be taken to determine a soil’s saturated hydraulic conductivity, either by percolation tests (carried out in the laboratory or in the field) or via soil size distribution analysis. The project will focus on a review of the different methodologies used internationally and also provide a clear explanation of the theoretical background for water percolation. It will then investigate the Irish situation specifically and translate the existing data / findings in to a proposed new approach to site assessment and associated percolation testing, in addition to how it might be incorporated into the Code of Practice, in order to overcome the issues with the existing falling head test for low permeability subsoils. As set out in the Communication Plan (see Section C of the proposal) the project will produce the following: a Final report for the EPA, a minimum of 1 peer-reviewed publication in a high quality international journal, and a database of over 800 falling head test and around 20 constant head percolation tests carried out across the country which will be compiled for EPA and stored on its Research Data Archive (SAFER). In addition, the project will set up a Stakeholder advisory group of members hopefully representing the following organisations: EPA, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), Local Authorities, An Bord Pleanala, Geological Survey Ireland, Site Assessors, National Standards Association of Ireland (NSAI), Irish Onsite Wastewater Association (IOWA), Irish Water Treatment Association (IWTA), National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) and Irish Water. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | KarenRoche |
Industrial Water 4.0 – A Framework for Catchment-based Digitally Integrated Industrial Water Stewardship
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Industrial Water 4.0 – A Framework for Catchment-based Digitally Integrated Industrial Water Stewardship |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-LS-21 |
| Lead Organisation | Central Solutions Ltd |
| Coordinator | Ken Stockil |
| 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: 02/01/2020 End (if applicable): 01/07/2022 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 | 651511.54 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The joint Irish-German research proposed herein focuses on developing capability in the Water 4.0 domain and in particular its application to the industrial water lifecycle at a catchment level. This emerging theme has been called Industrial Water 4.0 by groups such as ACHEMA. The research herein has three major aims: • The development of a framework for digitalization of industrial water management and stewardship itself • tight integration with digitalization of industrial production and • tie-in to digitalized municipal water management (supply & waste water treatment including water resource management at the catchment level The research This project proposal is a manifestation of the work in recent years of Irish organisations working under the auspices of the EPA Large Water Users CoP to-date and German research organisations DECHEMA international leaders in the field.It provides important baseline research for proposed Irish engagement in an already in development, H2020 Industrial Water 4.0 project proposal under CE-SC5-04-2019: Building a water-smart economy and society. The research proposed herein, forms an important and necessary foundation for that future H2020 project while establishing closer working relationships between the Irish and German partners in the interim The main project outputs include: – A Framework and Associated Guideline for Industrial Water 4.0 along with associated peer reviewed publication. For both, the framework and the guidance it is anticipated that they will in time prove to be a seminal reference point for future research and practice both in Ireland and across Europe and it will lay the foundation for proposed Irish and German involvement in proposed H2020 and FP9 projects. – Greater insight and understanding through the production of envisioning case examples of Industrial Water 4.0 and its impact on key industries in Ireland – Sample data models for key catchment and site based water processes to inform addressing the horizontal integration (with Irish Water and EPA) data sets as well as the incompany vertical integration challenges that pose a barrier to Industrial Water 4.0 adoption – Development and application of an associated true cost of water model for the industrial water lifecycle These outputs will be of significant interest to policy makers, industry, utilities and regulators alike and provide a tangible step towards further enhancing Ireland’s credentials in the Industray 4.0 and Water Stewardship domains internationally. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaSheils |
Reducing the Effects of Forest Management to Inland Waters
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Reducing the Effects of Forest Management to Inland Waters |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-MS-40 |
| 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: 01/04/2019 End (if applicable): 31/03/2022 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 | 144996.75 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Since the demand for bioenergy and biomass is expanding rapidly, and a large part of forests in the Nordic countries, and Ireland is located on peatlands, there is a need for comprehensive analysis of the environmental effects of peatland forest harvesting and subsequent forest management practices such as drainage and clear-cutting operations on water quality. Terrestrial and aquatic systems are interlinked; the nutrients and organic matter are transported in runoff and drainage water from land to lakes via streams and rivers. The changes in water quality also have drastic effects on aquatic biogeochemistry and ecosystem functioning. Nutrients and organic matter transported in runoff and drainage water causes eutrophication which increases the oxygen consumption of the lakes and rivers virtually always. Although the effects of brownification varies, it also often results in increased hypoxia and even anoxia. In the Irish part of the REFORM project, we propose to first review long-term existing datasets as well as collect field data from experimental sites that will inform the development and testing of the process model. This study will help to reduce forestry-related negative effects on water quality. The overall project will see quite a number of academic outputs in terms of publications as peer reviewed papers in international journals. It is expected that the Irish work will feature in most of those 10 forecasted Publications which will be open access. It is proposed that one specific paper will be published from the Irish data collection part of the project aiming at the Irish forestry industry sector will be published in Irish Forestry. Presentations at international conferences will also feature as a strong outputs (especially European Geosciences Union) and the more technical solutions and practical applications will be presented in specific fora targeted at professionals in forestry, water management and environmental platforms as well a more policy related platform that the main Irish PI attend (e.g. Peatland Council). |
| EPA Scientific Officer | DorothyStewart |
Sense and Purify: Detect, Destroy and Remove Water Contaminants
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Sense and Purify: Detect, Destroy and Remove Water Contaminants |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-MS-41 |
| Lead Organisation | Dublin City University (DCU) |
| Coordinator | Robert Forster |
| 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: 01/04/2019 End (if applicable): 31/03/2022 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 | 297790.67 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The “Sense and Purify” SPy technology allows organic molecules and pathogens, that cannot be destroyed using conventional wastewater treatments, to be mineralised to carbon dioxide, ammonia and water. It does this by generating a high concentration of the powerful oxidising agent, hydroxyl radicals, throughout a water sample volume with very high electrical efficiency. The active agent has no persistent toxicity (radical lifetime is 5 μs), causes no residue and causes no secondary pollution. It can be implemented at source, is highly mobile/portable, is low cost, has a high throughput, ensures optimised water quality for a given application through sensing/analysis of the inlet and outlet streams, is energy efficient, environmentally friendly, broadly applicable to a wide range of waste streams (from microalgae farms to industry and municipal waste) and has low Capex and Opex Scientific •Novel wireless electrochemistry approach to oxidative electrocatalysis. •Insights into the rates and mechanism of organic pollutant oxidation. Economic •Prototype reactor for the purification of waste water streams generated by one of Ireland’s leading industries, (bio)pharma. Decreased waste water treatment costs. •Enhanced removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants from industrial waste water streams. Social •Enhanced public awareness of water resource issues. Education and Outreach •PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers with the necessary skills for future industrial, policy, academic and start-up employment. • Publications in international, peer-reviewed journals. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | OonaghMonahan |
Water Management for Sustainable Use and Protection of Peatlands
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Water Management for Sustainable Use and Protection of Peatlands |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-MS-42 |
| Lead Organisation | National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) |
| Coordinator | Mark Healy |
| 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: 01/04/2019 End (if applicable): 31/03/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): 30/06/2022 |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 148242.25 |
| Project Abstract/Description | In Europe, peatlands have been drained for agriculture, forestryandpeat extraction. Peatland drainage leads to several negative impacts on water resources (e.g. drinking waterorrecreation) due to peat erosion, leaching of nutrients, organic matter and iron. The impacts of peatland drainage are also severe for the socio- economic system. Peatland management requires careful land and water management to reduce a range of negative impacts on water resources and their ecosystem services. However, lack of knowledge on land and water management is a key issue in peatland management, which hampers sound decision-making. This project will improve our knowledge on peatland hydrological and geochemical process, develop and test methods to reduce leaching and other negative impacts that occur after peatland drainage, and disseminate the knowledge gained to stakeholders. The Irish team will: (1) study peat soil geochemistry and reasons for nutrient, acidity, iron and dissolved organic carbon leaching in rainfall simulation experiments, (2) jointly review and test new options for mitigation and restoration to limit leaching and land and water resources degradation (3) develop with stakeholders improved options for land use planning, surveillance and zoning practices to reduce downstream environmental impacts, provide guidance for sustainable biomass production and maintenance of other ecosystem services. The project outputs include: • Data, conceptual and numerical models and a report on peatland hydrology and runoff water quality variations, • New methods to delineate peatlands forming the basis for peatland hydrological unit and peatland management and water protection • A critical review and an assessment of experience and expertise on mitigation methods (water treatment, restoration, land management), • Pilot tests on mitigation methods, • An on-line (open access) course on “peatland water management”, • Scientific papers in leading journals and presentation in relevant conferences (e.g. EGU sessions on “Peatland Hydrology” or “Peatlands Under Pressure”), • PhD from NUI Galway • Policy briefs and communications to stakeholders at relevant events (e.g. drainage days, water utility days etc.), • Face-to-face meetings with stakeholders such as ministries, and regional environmental protection. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | DorothyStewart |
Proactive optical monitoring of catchment dissolved organic matter for drinking water source protection
| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Proactive optical monitoring of catchment dissolved organic matter for drinking water source protection |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-MS-43 |
| Lead Organisation | University College Cork (UCC) |
| Coordinator | John Weatherill |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 1: Safe Water EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 04/11/2019 End (if applicable): 03/05/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): 02/08/2022 |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 343248.90 |
| Project Abstract/Description | Ireland has more than double the number of regulatory exceedances for trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water than the next highest EU member state. THMs are one class of at least 700 potentially harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) produced after chlorination of drinking water containing dissolved organic matter (DOM). The overall aim of PRODOM is to develop an integrated catchment-level understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of DOM precursors and associated DBP formation risk in a representative catchment with a range of physiographic conditions found in Ireland. The proposed research will explore the relationship between optically-active DOM precursors and laboratory formation potentials for key DBPs including emerging classes of potentially more harmful nitrogenous DBPs. Through high-resolution spatial sampling we will develop geospatial DBP formation risk maps and identify risk-driving catchment attributes and land use types. We will evaluate the potential of state-of-the-art UV fluorescence sensor technology to act as an early warning tool for proactive management of source water at sub-catchment scale. Using high-frequency time series monitoring of fluorescent precursors, we will identify high-risk periods in the catchment hydrograph and evaluate critical precursor sources and pathways to inform a series of catchment management measures designed to reduce DBP formation risk. The outputs of PRODOM are summarised as follows: 1) A dedicated project website with regular updates made by the project team. 2) Interim reports (6 monthly frequency) and a Final Report synthesising key stakeholder messages and insights for policy makers. 3) A minimum of three peer-reviewed research papers in high-impact journals in compliance with open access policy. Target journals will include Water Research, Environmental Science & Technology and Chemosphere. 4) Feature articles in the EPA’s catchments newsletter and catchments.ie website detailing research project objectives and interim results including sample datasets (after prior approval from the EPA). 5) (a) A database of georeferenced organic carbon, nitrogen and hydrochemical variables to be made available via the EPA Research Data Archive (SAFER), (b) a database of time series hydrological, water quality and FDOM available via SAFER and (c) an inventory of disinfection byproducts formed in batch studies available via SAFER (after prior approval from the EPA). 6) A dedicated research conference to communicate key research messages to stakeholders with invited contributions from international researchers involved in DOM optical technology research. 7) Oral or poster presentations at key national conferences (IAH, Engineers Ireland and Environ) and major international meetings (EGU and AGU) |
| EPA Scientific Officer | RachelClarke |