Water, which is a key necessity, is facing a global threat as environmental problems are causing estuaries and freshwater aquatic systems to be full of harmful substances. Not only does pollution of water by human and chemical waste itself contaminate the water sources, but also encourages the growth of algal blooms. Not all algal blooms are harmful, but some blooms containing cyanobacteria, like blue-green algae are extremely harmful, and can release many harmful chemicals such as hepatotoxins, dermatoxins, and neurotoxins. Limiting nutrients in water sources are causing these algae to flourish and they are currently destroying much useable and drinkable water for humans on a global scale. Recently this summer, toxic algal blooms were found in Loughbrickland Lake in County Down and Moor Lough in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. Although they were not used for drinking water for the locals, they were popular for fishing and leisure activities, which can be devastating since these lethal toxins could be ingested by fish, and then consumed by those who caught them. Not only them but also people could have easily drank water while engaging in leisure activities.
Blue-green algal bloom
Image from Wikipedia
Scientists from University of Ulster are working to develop clean technology to clear the pollutants by titanium dioxide, which is a common chemical found in sunscreen. When applied to skin and under light intensity of sunlight, it protects the skin by refracting the light and efficiently transforming the UV light into heat. When under high intensity of UV light, however, “it turns into a very strong catalyst, capable of destroying pollutants in the water,” says Tony Byrne, a leading scientist of the research team. By doing so, Tony and his team are promoting clean technology, using little energy for good results, allowing this excited titanium dioxide to efficiently clean the water.
Using titanium dioxide and UV light to destroy the pollutants in the water seemed to be a very good idea. Many water sources including metro Vancouver’s tap water, which the majority of the people drink, is also disinfected with UV light before being transferred to each household; therefore, using this new technology and method sounds like a great way to prevent any pollutant and algae-bloom matters.
Mokhan Kim
