New technologies, policies, and initiatives towards preventing and reducing marine pollution and its consequences: improving the sustainability of life below water

 
 
 

PIs

Karin Rengefors, Lund University

Javiera Cornejo, Universidad de Chile

Jurij Wacyk, Universidad de Chile

 
 

Participants

Luca Brandt, KTH

Jing Li, Lund University

Frank Lipnizki, Lund University

Helena Filipsson, Lund University

Alyssa Joyce, University of Gothenburg

Victor Lobanov, University of Gothenburg

Cristian Escauriaza, P. Universidad Católica

Matías Contreras, P. Universidad Católica

Jose Manuel Yáñez, Universidad de Chile

Joseph Govan, Universidad de Chile

Lina Trincado, Universidad de Chile

Pablo Salgado, Universidad de Chile

Raimund Bürger, Universidad de Concepción

Claudia Andrade, Universidad de Magallanes

Max Frangopulos, Universidad de Magallanes

 

Results

The main purpose of this workshop was to bring together marine and freshwater scientists, veterinary scientists, and engineers dealing with water, on the joint theme of pollution of aquatic environments for promoting sustainable life under water. The primary aim was to learn about each other’s research and water-related sustainability issues in each of our countries. The workshop was set up to promote an environment favorable to brainstorming and sharing ideas and methodology, as well as an environment to build up trust among the members. The ultimate goal was to initiate potential future collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects.

The overall results were as follows:

Human activities result in changes in marine ecosystems, water flow, nutrients, pH, oxygen, altering water conditions to sustain life. From the discussion, the group would like to explore these changes from two angles. The study the dynamics of different pollutants and technologies to reduce the impact of water pollution via filtration and recovery of valuable compounds, as for example antimicrobials, contaminants, nutrients or any pollutant coming or natural or anthropogenic origin. Also, understanding water pollutants dynamics via mathematical modelling using an engineer approach, will allow a better prediction of the organic and inorganic particles movement. This assessment can be used for further mitigation of particles concrescences, as well as to monitor suspended materials, different kind of pollutants, and planktonic cells.