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New article in One Earth by Dr Tim Sullivan and Dr Debbie Chapman!

21 Feb 2022

MESA Principal Investigator, Dr Tim Sullivan, along with Dr Debbie Chapman of the UNEP GEMS/Water Capacity Development Centre (CDC), has co-authored a new publication, published in One Earth, and entitled The role of water quality monitoring in the sustainable use of ambient waters. The article examines the current status of water monitoring programmes, and highlights gaps and shortcomings, as well as recommendations for future requirements.

The full article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2022.01.008

Abstract

It is abundantly evident among domain experts that human activities are profoundly shifting the health and functioning of freshwater ecosystems away from their natural state. Aquatic ecosystems are suffering biodiversity loss and increasingly act as a sink and conduit for anthropogenic pollution. The detailed extent and impact of this remain unclear due to major deficits in our capability, capacity, and willingness to adequately monitor ambient water quality at scale. To reverse this trend, and to understand our ability to restore and return ambient water bodies to a more sustainable baseline, we need to make a societal commitment to increase our monitoring of freshwaters globally. In this primer, we discuss the current status, gaps, and future needs for coordinated water monitoring programs. In the absence of sustained periodic monitoring, intervention, and management, the health of aquatic ecosystems and environments, and consequently our own health, prosperity, and well-being, will be permanently and irreversibly damaged.

Materials & Environmental Science Applications

Grúpa Taighde d'Ábhair & Feidhmeanna Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil

School of BEES, University College Cork, Cork Enterprise Centre, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, T23 TK30

Funding Sources

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