SAFEGUARDING LOUGH NEAGH

Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, is facing a severe environmental crisis due to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), driven primarily by nutrient pollution from agricultural and industrial activities. The contamination poses significant risks to public health, wildlife, and the local economy, including the vital commercial eel fishery. Researchers at Queen’s are at the forefront of efforts to address these challenges through interdisciplinary research and collaborative approaches that aim to develop practical, sustainable solutions. 

A FRESHWATER CRISIS: THREATS TO HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, AND ECONOMY

Lough Neagh's ecosystem has become increasingly fragile due to the growth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These algae produce harmful toxins that can threaten the safety of drinking water, endanger wildlife, and lead to the death of domestic animals. The lake, which supplies over 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water, has been classified as "hypertrophic," the worst level of nutrient pollution.

The primary culprits include runoff from agricultural lands, discharges from wastewater treatment plants, and the modification of the lake’s surface water due to human activity. The situation has been exacerbated by invasive species and climate change, resulting in unprecedented algal blooms that peaked in 2023, sparking widespread concern. 

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY BATTLE AGAINST ALGAL BLOOMS

Queen’s University Belfast has adopted a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the Lough Neagh crisis. The research spans several departments, including the School of Biological Sciences and the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS). Their work focuses on understanding the causes of the algal blooms, detecting harmful toxins, and identifying sustainable solutions to restore the lake's health. 

1. Monitoring and surveillance: Dr. Neil Reid flagged the emerging environmental disaster of harmful algal blooms in Lough Neagh with the international community publishing a Correspondence in Nature in 2023. Since he has published a paper describing the algal blooms holistically a using an combination of techniques from satellite imagery to cyanotoxin profiling (by Dr Brett Greer and Prof Chris Elliot) identifying toxins, such as Microcystin-LR, that exceeded World Health Organization safety limits for recreational water creating an environmental and public health risk. This work included a catchment-level model of the drivers of recent algal blooms and those aspects of the ecosystem most impacted.
2. Diagnostics: Researchers such as Professor Katrina Campbell are developing rapid diagnostic tests for early detection of cyanobacteria and their toxins in water. This technology will enable real-time monitoring and alert systems to ensure water safety. Additionally, Professor Lisa Connolly is leading efforts to integrate electronic systems with environmental monitoring, working alongside the Institute for Electronics, Communication & Information Technology (ECIT) to develop pilot projects that can detect the presence of harmful algae and warn authorities in advance  
3. Ecology: Ecologists such as Professor Mark Emmerson is examining the Lough's ecosystem using a "food web" approach. He is also Director of the Climate+ CoCentre at Queen’s which is heling shape the research landscape with respect to Lough Neagh organising workshops, the first of which is at Stormont including the DAERA Minister, to discuss implementing nature-based solutions.  
   Genomic and biogeochemical studies:  Prof John McGrath's team apply DNA sequencing technologies to identify strains of cyanobacteria responsible.  This work also seeks to determine the type, source and abundance of other pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes or bacteria present.  His team also investigate how phosphorus - the nutrient largely responsible for the algal blooms - is cycled within the Lough. In association with Prof Panagiotis Manesiotis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering they are developing technologies to remove and recover phosphorus from waste preventing its discharge into the environment.  McGrath sat on DAERA’s Scientific Advisory Committee producing the Lough Neagh Action Plan and sits on the Science Oversight Group for its implementation.  
4. Remediation: Dr Tim Skvortsov, School of Pharmacy is leading a project developing bacteriophages as a potential biocontrol agent to remediate the impacts of the algal blooms in the interim as longer-term nature-based solutions are implemented.  
   Green finance: Prof Paul Brereton is using Lough Neagh as a case study site in which to try and develop green financial instruments to provide mechanisms for private finance investment in agri-food nature-based solutions to the problem of agricultural runoff polluting the lough.
5. Green Political Psychology: Prof John Barry, Co-Director, Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action leads research on the necessary societal change needed to address pressing environmental issues such as those around Lough Neagh including a Just Transition to a low carbon, low environmental footprint future.  

"By integrating cutting-edge science with collaborative expertise, we are not just studying the crisis at Lough Neagh—we are developing real-world solutions to safeguard its future for generations to come." 

- Dr Neil Reid, Queen’s University Belfast

TURNING THE TIDE: FROM TOXIC BLOOMS TO HEALTHIER WATERS

The research at Queen’s University Belfast is critical not only for addressing the environmental health of Lough Neagh but also for safeguarding public health and preserving the region’s economy. Key findings from Queen’s researchers have confirmed that the toxic blooms are likely a result of decades of nutrient pollution, calling for immediate action to restore the lake's health.

The rapid detection technologies being developed will have widespread applicability, helping water authorities and environmental agencies monitor water quality more effectively. By identifying solutions such as better wastewater management and nature-based filtration systems, Queen’s research offers practical measures that can reduce agricultural pollution without harming the productivity of farms. These solutions will also have a significant role in influencing policy, as governments will need to support sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term ecological balance.

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Queen’s University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.