2005 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Waterford Institute of Technology
Peter Mc Loughlin
Estuarine Research Group

Dr Peter McLoughlin, Dr Helen Hughes, Dr Eddy Fitzgerald, Dr Catherine O'Reilly, Dr Orla O'Donovan, Mr James Cusack, Ms Vanessa Murphy and Mr Richard Walsh.

The ERG is a multi-disciplinary team 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. Team members have a range of scientific expertise from molecular biology and bioremediation to inorganic chemistry and biological separations.

Establishment of this research team was facilitated through funding under the Technological Sector Research Strand III (Core research strengths enhancement 2000-2006) initiative.

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.


A number of parallel research strands involving genetic, biochemical, ecological and chemical studies are currently ongoing in the group. The combined output from these research elements is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of metal uptake by seaweed species. Elucidation of metal binding within the seaweed species is examined utilising potentiometric and conductivity titration techniques as well as FPLC, SEM/EDX, GC-MS, NMR and IR spectroscopy.

Although the ERG is actively involved in a specific project, the development of a state of the art dedicated estuarine research laboratory at WIT facilitates the participation of this team in a wide range of estuarine/environmental based research projects. Facilities include two walk-in growth chambers that are temperature and light controlled to allow for replication of seaweed habitat conditions.

To develop and expand the operations of the ERG we are always looking for new collaborative opportunities. To avail of this invitation please find contact details below.

Contact: Dr Peter McLoughlin, E-mail: [email protected] Tel: + 00353 (0)51 302056;
Dr Eddy Fitzgerald, E-mail: [email protected] (Ph: +00353 (0)51 845514)
Estuarine Research Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Life Sciences,
Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road, Waterford.