| 2004 |
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YEAR BOOK |
Waterford Institute of Technology
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Estuarine Research Group (ERG)
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Dr Peter McLoughlin, Dr Helen Hughes, Dr Eddy Fitzgerald, Dr Catherine O'Reilly, Dr Orla O'Donovan and Mr James Cusack
The ERG has evolved from the cooperation of a multi-disciplinary group of researchers at WIT with a broad range of interests in the biological and chemical disciplines. Members of the group are experienced in estuarine fieldwork, e.g. identification of seaweed spp. (Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae, Chlorophyceae) and saltmarsh plant spp. (Monocotyledonae, Dicotyledonae), as well as sampling and analysis techniques. Establishment of this research team was facilitated through funding under the Technological Sector Research Strand III (Core research strengths enhancement 2000�2006) initiative.
Research has demonstrated that the seaweed, Polysiphonia lanosa is extremely effective at concentrating metals from seawater. Current research focuses on an investigation into the chemical and biological mechanisms associated with metal-binding within a range of seaweed species with a view to establishing the potential of this natural resource for bioremediation of metals from wastewater streams.
It is proposed to study the dynamics of metal uptake by Polysiphonia lanosa (see figure), as well as other seaweed species, in an attempt to understand the metal com-plexation processes involved. Elucidation of metal binding within the seaweed species will be determined using techniques such as FPLC, Gas Chromatography � Mass Spectromerty (GC�MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Infra Red spectroscopy.
A key objective of this project is to further enhance the metal binding capacities of seaweed species by using chemical and genetic techniques. These enhanced metal biosorption capacities can then be exploited in an on-line filtration/absorption prototype bioremediation system. The feasibility for separation and recovery of the metals can then be examined.
To develop and expand the operations of the ERG we are looking for new collaborative opportunities. To avail of this invitation please find contact details below.
Contact: Dr Peter McLoughlin; Tel: 00353 (0)51 302056; E-mail: [email protected] ;
Dr Eddy Fitzgerald; E-mail: [email protected] ;
Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford.