England (Commonwealth Union) – Water security is an essential requirement which is currently taking center stage across the world. While countries with less rainfall and drier weather are likely to be most affected, industrial pollution and water wasting can impact water security in all nations.
University of Glasgow researchers are providing their backing to a new project led by the University of Stirling to evaluate how pollution and climate change are impacting freshwater ecosystems for the first time. The study, was funded with £2 million from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is set to evaluate ways pollutants engage with rivers and ecosystems, and devise a procedure to track and measure pollution.
“Our rivers and freshwater species are being challenged by a bewildering combination of pollutant cocktails including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, illicit drugs and micro plastics – the effects of which are poorly understood,” said Project lead, Professor Andrew Tyler, the Scotland Hydro Nation Chair. According to Professor Tyler the research is expected to change our knowledge in this area and utilize innovative technologies together with transformative data analytics enhancing our knowledge of ways climate and evolving mixtures of pollutants interact and ultimately effect freshwater ecosystems.
Applying next generation sensors and satellite observing, experts are set to analyze water pathways, follow pollutants and track contaminant effects on freshwater environments. Researchers will also utilize existing national data to evaluate the impacts of longer-term exposure to pollutant cocktails all over the UK on water quality and ecosystems health while also coming up with effective solutions.
The results of the research are set to be released in mid-2025, with the research team optimistic the results will indicate priorities for policy, regulation and investment in measures to advance sustainable freshwater ecosystems with a changing climate. “The stresses that are placed on our rivers are many and complex, from growing urban development to farming practices, increased diversity of chemicals and pharmaceuticals used by society, and pollution pressure from transport,” said Water Minister Rebecca Pow.
