This month environmental science students from the School of Chemical Sciences and researchers form the DCU Water Institute successfully retrieved a marine mesocosm deployed in Dublin Bay as part of a long-term monitoring project investigating contaminants in marine organisms. The effort, led by final-year students under the supervision of DCU Water researchers, is part of a broader initiative to understand the presence and impact of emerging contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other micropollutants in marine biota.
The mesocosm, anchored offshore for two years, provided a controlled environment for observing the accumulation of contaminants in key indicator species, including mussels, barnacles, algae, crabs and other marine organisms. This data helps to assess the health of Dublin Bay’s ecosystem and to support national and international efforts to address pollution and contamination in coastal waters.
“This project allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world marine setting,” said Prof. Fiona Regan, Director of the DCU Water Institute. “It also supports critical research on contaminants of emerging concern, like PFAS, which have been detected globally in water and marine organisms.”
The samples collected will now be analysed at DCU’s laboratories to measure contaminant loads and better understand their distribution and potential risks to marine ecosystems and public health. In addition to supporting scientific research, this initiative helps build capacity in the next generation of environmental scientists, giving students hands-on experience in fieldwork, sampling, and environmental monitoring in a real world setting.
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