Review of the Environmental Protection Agency

The long awaited review of the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been published today. Although some 58 recommendations were made some concerns about the review have been raised.   For further information use the link.

SFI Postdoctoral Four-Year Early Career Grants

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has recently launched the Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG) which is aimed at funding excellent early-career-stage investigators (postdoctoral) to carry out independent research in the fields of science and engineering that underpin biotechnology, information and communications technology, and sustainable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Funding of up to €400,000 direct costs over a four year period is provided to successful applicants, to include the Starting Investigator’s salary and funding for a postgraduate student . A mentor is required to support the necessary support and infrastructure to the project. Full information can be accessed here.
The Water Technology Research Group would like to encourage applications from any nationality to apply for one of these grants. Each institution including Trinity College Dublin is required to supply a list of approved (pre-selected) candidates to SFI who make the final selection. An internal deadline of 15th June has been set for online applications, then a short-listing will be coordinated by the Dean of Research in association with the Faculty Deans. Time is short, so if you are interested please contact either Professor Nick Gray or the TCD research office.

Willows for wastewater treatment



On of many infected and dead willows



Infected willow now completely dead

Infected plant showing signs of die back

Healthy plant



There is much interest in the use of willows as part of the treatment sequence for single houses.  I have planted a small stand of the Common Osier Salix viminalis around the base of the percolation area from my septic tank. The objective is to encourage evapotranspiration during summer and to provide a barrier between the treatment area and the boundary of my property.  The stand is now about eight years old and last year many of the trees began to show signs of infection.  This year the infection (fungal) has spread and about a third of the trees have now died. Although I have replanted, I am concerned that this infection will spread. Has anyone else come across this problem?

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