The latest research has discovered a large percentage of the odorous, so-to-speak algal mats, piled up around Lough Neagh’s shoreline, are composed of bacteria that are commonly associated with animal waste and human sewage. The study, conducted by Queen’s University Belfast, emphasises the necessity for all parties involved, including the government, to prioritise the reduction of agricultural waste and human sewage treatment discharge.
The fresh study sheds light on the severe ecological damage and substantial environmental and public health hazards associated with the blue-green algae present in Lough Neagh. The research team hypothesises that during the summer of 2023, the toxic composition of the lough may have contributed to the death of certain animals like dogs who entered the water.
Last summer, harmful eruptions of blue-green algae enveloped extensive areas of Lough Neagh, impacting other local waterways and beaches. This year, the algae has reappeared. The largest freshwater lake in Ireland provides over 40% of Northern Ireland’s potable water and is home to the biggest commercial eel fishery in Europe. It also drains roughly 40% of Northern Ireland’s terrain, three-quarters of which is farmland.
Dr Neil Reid, the principal author of the study from Queen’s School of Biological Sciences at the Institute of Global Food Security, confirmed Lough Neagh’s status as ‘hypertrophic’, referring to the most severe category of nutrient pollution in waterways, symptomatic of decades-long agricultural, industrial, and home waste runoff. He added, “Our findings correlate with allegations of faecal pollution in Lough Neagh and its feeder streams, mainly sourced from farm livestock and human sewage treatment plants.”
The researchers applied a blend of satellite imagery, nutrient examination, gene sequencing, and toxin profiling to classify the exceptional harmful algal bloom from the previous year. The rise of toxic aquatic microalgae outbreaks worldwide in recent years has been facilitated by factors such as nutrient enrichment, industrial waste, changes in surface waters, climate shifts, and invasive species.
A recent research published in Environment International has unveiled that over 80% of extracted bacterial DNA from algal mats in Lough Neagh were linked to potentially harmful bacteria including E.coli, Salmonella and 11 other harmful bacteria. The boom was triggered by a common freshwater cyanobacteria, which under certain conditions, can release toxins.
The water’s high phosphorus levels were closely tied to the proliferation of toxic algal, boosting their reproduction. The researchers at Queen’s observed a vast range of toxins, including a specific one that hadn’t been previously detected in Ireland. All sample sites recorded harmful levels of Microcystin-LR, a toxin that could cause damage to the liver, nerves and brain, and even death when exposed in high doses.
Toxic algal are once again a major concern in Lough Neagh. Dr Reid commented: “Our priority should be the restoration and recovery of our ecosystem in an effort to reduce harmful bacteria and toxins in our environment. Farmers play a critical role in this process. Technological advancements like anaerobic biodigestion for efficient slurry use and improved farm wastewater management are urgently required.
The adoption of ‘nature-based solutions’, such as planting flora, establishing buffer strips next to water bodies or initiating drainage swales, willow plantations and reed beds, could notably decrease the environmental impact of farming without jeopardising agricultural productivity and profitability.
Steps like these will demand state backing to aid a fair transition to sustainable agriculture through, for instance, agri-environment scheme aid. The recent change in both local and national politicians brings hope for change and progress in preserving our environment.”
In recent developments, a plan of action to counter the environmental crisis at Lough Neagh was endorsed by the Stormont Executive last month. Moreover, a £450,000 initiative has been started to facilitate the search for solutions to this crisis.
The first phase of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) will see five applicants chosen to form ideas to combat the algal issue. In the subsequent phase, a selection of two to three ideas will be developed into potential pilot solutions.