PhD Scholarship with Water Technology Research Group

Applications are sought from suitably qualified candidates (plant science, experimental biology, environmental science) to work on a 4 year PhD studentship entitled Sustainable nutrient and metal removal from domestic and industrial wastewaters using Lagarosiphon major and other submerged macrophytes under temperate conditions. Application deadline is 13 May 2011 and all applications must be made through: Link The studentship will be based with the Water Technology Research Group based inTrinity College Dublin at the Centre for the Environment.

Earth Day 2011

Today is Earth Day when people from around the globe join together with one purpose to create a sustainable planet. The theme of this year’s event is a billion acts of green.
It invites everyone to pledge to do just one green act. Suggestions include: write to your government in support of green legislation; organize an earth day event; eliminate use of pesticides and toxic cleaning products; change incandescent bulbs to led bulbs; get a home energy audit and do what it says; plant a garden at school or at home; or take public transit at least one day each week. See the facebook link:

So far a staggering 102,000,000 pledges have been made!! For more information use the link.

MSc Students Visit Swords STW

Francis O'Hagan and the MSc
students examining the final effluent

The students of the MSc course in Environmental Science were given VIP treatment when they visited Swords Sewage Treatment Works operated by Fingal County Council.  We were shown around by plant supervisor Mr Francis O’Hagan who gave a very useful insight into the management and operation of a modern wastewater treatment plant. The incredibly low odour at the plant coupled with an excellent final effluent is a huge credit to all the staff of this local authority run plant.

Weirs on the River Dodder

 There are some spectacular weirs on the River Dodder in Dublin but some of them as shown below are in urgent need of repair

Environ 2011

UCC main quadrangle
Copyright UCC

The 21st Irish Environmental Researchers’ Colloquium is being held in University College Cork (UCC) from Wednesday, April 6th to Friday April 8th, 2011. With over 300 researchers and delegates from a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines in attendance, this is Ireland’s largest annual environmental event. Postgraduate researchers from throughout Ireland share their research offering a unique opportunity to experience the latest ideas in environmental science and technology. Most of the researchers from the Water Technology Research Group will be in attendance at this year’s colloquium. List of presentations

Perchlorate Standard for US Drinking Water

Perchlorate in drinking water is known to suppress thyroid function by inhibiting uptake of iodide and its subsequent ability to produce hormones that are critical to development. Children and new born are particularly at risk. However, the exact safe dose of this compound is unknown. Link Link  In 2002 the US EPA suggested a limit of 1 ppb should be set, but in 2008 the Government decided not to regulate the compound but recommended drinking water concentrations should not exceed 15 ppb.

The US EPA has  now decided to regulate perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act . Perclolrates are used to produce rocket fuel, fireworks and explosives, not activities associated with Ireland. However, they are also found in bleach, in some fertilizers and in nature making them universal. In the US it is estimated that between 5 to 17 million people may be exposed to perchlorate contaminated water with 153 supplies known to be contaminated. A standard is not expected to be set for at least 18-24 months. Link