Living organisms tell a lot about the quality of our surface waters. Water managers are coming to the conclusion that not only knowledge about the substances is important, but also the effects of these substances on the population of plants and animals. One of these important organisms, are the cyanobacteria, also known as blue green algae. Cyanobacteria are ancient, one of the oldest organisms alive, and they support photosynthesis, the air we breathe in. Despite that fact, blue green algae can become toxic over time. Toxic blue green algae can cause skin irritation and bowel problems in swimmers. They mostly bloom during warm periods in nutrient-rich still waters.
Therefore, monitoring and testing surface waters is essential. From March 2011 up till the end of August (later on extended to December), I will work for the Gemeenschappelijk Waterschapslaboratorium, in short GWL, for the blue green algae project as laboratory assistant. GWL is a subsidiary of the water board Aa & Maas and De Dommel in Boxtel, the Netherlands. GWL supports customers with water-related environmental research and advice for monitoring and enforcement tasks. GWL is a solid team of 40 skilled and highly motivated people. Quality, responsiveness and knowledge are key.
I will start with screening samples of cyanobacteria in the laboratory, possibly completing it with fieldwork for the hydrobiology department (including small invertebrates). Phytoplankton will be the scope for development as well. For more information http://www.gwlboxtel.nl/ (only available in Dutch).
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| Woronichinia negliana - a toxic cyanobacterium Photograph: Marta Demarteau/GWL Olympus IX 70, DP72 and cellSens Standard at 300x magnification oil |
