Plankton Studies
APEM have been involved in plankton research and consultancy since our establishment. Our involvement in investigating causes and solutions to
algal bloom problems initially centred around our work in dockland redevelopment but more recently has involved extensive studies on reservoirs, rivers and canal systems covering both marine and freshwater environments. We also have an extensive research background in algology,
algal control strategies and zooplankton dynamics. Understandably such work involves a considerable volume of
monitoring and analytical work.
Our involvement in algal bloom modelling began with a series of studies investigating the potential for algal bloom development in 10 dockland systems in the UK under the National Dock Survey. These included
Salford Quays,
Liverpool South Docks, Preston Riversway Dock, The Royal Docks in London, Albert Edward Dock in Glasgow, and others including Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol and Plymouth. In addition to these waterfront development studies, some of which continue to this day, we have also undertaken numerous reservoir based studies examining algal bloom processes and developing management strategies for water companies. The most notable recent example is our detailed study of the
Upper Tamar Lake for South West Water, examining comprehensive water quality and algal databases, developing models for nutrient pathways and establishing the reasons behind the worsening algal blooms over the past 25 years. A comprehensive review of algal control strategies was also undertaken with recommendations as to appropriate long and short-term solutions.
APEM's senior scientists Dr Keith Hendry, Dr Adrian Williams and Sarah Clarke have all undertaken fundamental research into the factors influencing algal growth and control strategies. Examples of the latter include our experimental work at
Salford Quays where we investigated the use of continuous and intermittent artificial mixing to control algal blooms following on from Dr Colin Reynolds groundbreaking work at Blelham Tarn. In addition we also undertook extensive investigations into the use of Carbon Dioxide Gas as an algal control technique following laboratory work undertaken by Professor Joe Shapiro. Salford Quays also provided the testing ground for barley straw and perhaps of more note biofiltration. This technique was later successfully replicated as part of the algal control strategy with the marine mussel at Market Dock, South Shields. Biomanipulation using environmental manipulations (salinity) to switch troublesome blue-green algae blooms to macrophyte production have been successfully deployed as part of our long-term ongoing management of
Cavendish Dock, the 58 ha internationally important SPA and RAMSAR site in Barrow-in-Furness. Other research initiatives undertaken in collaboration with academic institutions include the use of protozoan grazers to control blue-green algae with Manchester University and the effectiveness of fish manipulations (top down control) to promote algae grazing zooplankters (University of Liverpool).
In addition to the desk studies and research undertaken above, APEM also offer field monitoring and laboratory analysis services for algae and zooplankton through our Biolabs service. APEM monitor zooplankton and phytoplankton populations for a variety of clients including the Environment Agency, British Waterways, water companies, water resource managers and local authorities. For more information on these services, please view our
Biolabs pages.