environmental

research institute Spring 2012 erielements

River challenges convention

The River Thurso conveys im- factors all conspire to ensure that portant trace minerals to the sea. the dissolved organic material This land-ocean interaction, repli- (DOM) stays dissolved, even un- cated all along ’s north der marine conditions. The materi- coast, plays a vital role in supply- al (mostly peat-derived humic sub- ing essential minerals and nutri- stances) is comprised of suspend- ents to the myriad of microorgan- ed colloids which remain stable, isms that are at the base of the and so are able to escape the es- marine food web. However, the tuarine mixing zone and be ex- efficiency of this pump in delivering ported to the marine environment. bioavailable substances is highly In near-shore waters of north and dependent on how much of the nu- west Sutherland, about 20% of the trient load remains in solution (or initially dissolved iron is still solu- suspension)- and for how long. In ble under marine pH and salinity most coastal areas and river mouth conditions. In , north- systems of the world, these sub- ern , it is about 100% stances do not travel very far from the river mouth because they are Guided by these findings, ERI re- prone to flocculation. As a result, searchers have recently turned they are removed from the water their attention to the headwaters column to a large degree during of River Thurso in an attempt to mixing with seawater and ultimate- explain why this river has such an ly accumulate in coastal and shelf exceptionally high carrying capaci- sediments. ty for trace minerals. A key part of these efforts is the work done by Oceanographers are taught that Jenny Chang, a joint ERI-National estuaries and river mouths act as Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan filters, removing a large proportion Jenny Chang sampling surface run-off in PhD student. of land derived substances before the field it can be carried to the ocean. Re- Jenny’s work cently, there has been a growing will help us recognition that, in some river mouth systems at to identify the ingredients that least, a significant fraction of the minerals and nutri- enable this particular river wa- ents conveyed by the river are still present in a sta- ter to carry the best part of its ble form in the marine environment, although greatly dissolved load to the ocean. diluted in seawater. One such example of a river Only then can we decide how mouth system that challenges the conventional view many river catchments world- of estuaries as filters for land-derived material can wide offer similar geochemical conditions and what be found in…Thurso. this means for the global flux of minerals to the ocean, from eroded rocks via these river systems. The Flow Country comprises flat-lying, bog-pool sys- tems . It contains a multitude of small, organic-rich Contact: [email protected] rivers which link the peatland carbon stores to the marine environment. A number of poorly understood

New faces at ERI

Dr Roxane Andersen, Peatland Scientist My role within ERI will be to develop, lead and coordinate peatland research in the North of Scotland and the Islands, in collaboration with a network of partners including research- ers, stakeholders and policy makers. With the Flow Country on the doorstep, this is a dream place for a peatland ecologist and I hope to make the most of it! I completed a PhD in plant sciences in 2009. Before joining ERI, I spent three years as a post-doc at the James Hutton Institute (Aberdeen) working mainly on two projects related to peatland res- toration. While peatlands will be the main focus of my work here, I also co-supervise stu- dents on a project looking at the impact of land-use on plant diversity and ecosystem ser- vices in riparian strips in Québec. I look forward to getting to know everyone at ERI & hopefully developing new partnerships. Contact: [email protected]

Barbara Bremner, STEM Co-ordinator/Contract Research My role is split between the co-ordination of the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activity which ERI delivers, developing student placements and contributing to contract research. Every day is different and can include anything from liaising with inter- national students to sourcing information on adaptation to climate change. ERI is ideally placed to introduce young people to the possibilities of a career in environmental science. Part of my role is to build up a network of contacts and opportunities which will help con- nect schools to the working world of science. My background is in marine biology and ecology & I worked for many years as an environmental conservation adviser throughout Scotland. Contact: [email protected]

Dr Neil James, Contracts Researcher and STEM Co-ordinator My research aims to provide advice regarding renewable bio-energy to local rural areas as part of RASLRES (Regional Approaches to Stimulating Local Renewable Energy Solu- tions), and adaptation to climate change to different audiences of coastal communities as part of the CoastAdapt. I also provide support for ERI’s STEM and outreach activities. Be- fore arriving in the Highlands, my work has varied in terms of species, environments, and scales; from macroecological work on North American terrestrial birds, to amphibians on Scottish mountains, and marine zooplankton across the globe. Contact: [email protected]

Dr Philippe Gleizon, Research Fellow My interests are in physical oceanography and fluid mechanics. During the past fifteen years, I worked both as researcher and consultant on environmental issues related to the quality of coastal waters and sediments, the sediment dynamics in estuaries and the envi- ronmental radioactivity. My mission at ERI is to support physical oceanographic modelling work. In particular, I am developing a wind wave model of the Scottish Seas, under the MaREE project framework. The model aims to provide waves characterisation in the area, which will be used for identifying sites of highest wave energy resource or potential maintenance risks. It is anticipated that the model can be used as a basis of more specific studies such as the wave current interaction at tidal energy sites. Beyond the specificity of this model. Contact: [email protected]

Kirsty Lees, Research Technician I began at the ERI as a MaREE Research Technician in December. Previously, I worked as a Field Ecologist for the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), mostly on mammals and birds. My main interest is in the potential ecological impacts of renewable energy. While at FERA I worked on several projects which monitored the flight paths of birds through current and proposed windfarm developments, both on and off-shore, using a specially configured Radar. I am excited to have the opportunity to be involved in the MaREE project and to focus my interest in renewables on the marine environment. I am also happy to be based back in the north of Scotland having spent 8 months living on North Ronaldsay in 2008 & 2009 working for the RSPB in Golspie. Contact: [email protected]

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ERI wins Green Energy Award

The Environmental Research Institute fought off stiff competition to win the Scottish Green Energy Award 2011 for Contribution to Skills and Training. ERI was chosen because the judging panel felt that we had made the great- est contribution to the development of today and tomorrow’s workforce. ERI was also shortlisted for the Public Sector Initiative Award. The honour was announced at the 10th Anniversary awards held at the National Museum of Scotland on 1st December 2011.

Delighted ERI Director, Stuart Gibb said ‘The award is a tribute to our fantas- tic team and the support of our colleagues and funders. Being part of Scot- land’s newest university and being situated on the shores of the Pentland Firth, it is natural that we should address education and training needs for the Scottish renewables industry. We aim to equip our students with the

knowledge and skills they need to make a real contribution to the sector’.

Diving seabirds, how deep do they go?

As the Scottish Government pledges to provide 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, renewable energy developments are becoming common features of the land and sea. The Pentland Firth, in the north of Scotland is no excep- tion, with sites recently leased for wave and tidal stream devel- opments. However, the environmental effects of marine renew- able energy devices are unknown. Diving seabirds may be at risk from direct impacts. The main concerns are over the po- tential habitat loss and collision with tidal stream turbine blades. One species known to feed in high flow environments such as the Pentland Firth and dive to depths at which tidal tur- bines are proposed to be operating is the black guillemot (locally known as the tystie). Unlike gannets and kittiwakes, little is known about this inconspicuous species of seabird, meaning that it is impossible to estimate (with confidence) the A Black Guillemot risk posed by tidal devices.

Scientists from the ERI, with the help of Simon Foster from Scottish Natural Heritage, are tagging tysties on the island of Stroma, Caithness to try and shed light on the situation. Last summer (2011), using depth re- corders and GPS loggers attached to the birds, Dr Elizabeth Masden and others from ERI investigated the behaviour of black guillemots asking questions such as ‘Where do they feed?’ and ‘How deep do they dive?’ The birds however, had a different idea and unhelpfully removed the majority of loggers before the scientists could find the answers to their questions! Tysties 1 – Scientists 0. The team will be returning to Stroma this year to try again, with a few new tricks up their sleeves. One plan is to build wooden nest boxes for the birds so that they will be more accessible and easier to catch. Nest boxes have been successful in other places, such as Bangor, Co Down where black guillemots have been studied for 25 years and have increased in number over this period due in part to the provision of these artificial nest sites.

Not all was lost in the 2011 field season however as the tags that did remain are providing interesting prelim- inary results showing that black guillemots can dive down to 40m and can stay under water for over two minutes. This suggests that they use parts of the water column within which tidal stream turbines are likely to be operating, creating the potential for negative interactions. Therefore, Dr Masden says, it is essential that black guillemots are considered when planning marine renewable energy developments and that more re- search is directed towards the under-studied tystie.

Contact: [email protected] 3

All the small things….

Scotland holds a significant proportion of the European peatland habi- tat. Peatlands support a range of biodiverse ecosystems which perform important functions such as carbon capture and storage. There have been many studies on the response of species diversity to habitat frag- mentation and climatic change, but knowledge of the response of mi- crobial groups which underpin the food web in these ecosystems is lacking. PhD student, Emma Goodyer (based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh), has been studying the ecology of a taxonomically challenging but beautiful group of green algae –the desmids. These organisms have been sampled from microhabitats within blanket bogs in relation to a climatic gradient. Hyalotheca dissiliens -a filamentous desmid species widespread in Scotland Field sites sampled from across Scotland have revealed remarkable desmid species richness with over 230 species encountered and around 250,000 individuals recorded. Desmids are known to be species rich in the nutrient poor acidic envi- ronment that the blanket bog offers, and are thought to be extremely sensitive to physical disturbance, changes in the chemical balance of the water as well as particular species showing a marked national and global distribution in relation to climate. It is these characters which suggest desmids could be used as a successful biomonitoring tool for a range of environmental characteristics. Emma has also worked at the RSPB Forsinard reserve in Sutherland, investigating the effects of historical land management (drainage) and the recovery of the algal community in sites which have been restored by drain blocking. Recovery of Sphagnum moss and other bog vegetation is usually observed several years after land drains have been blocked, but damage within the structure of the peat and presumed long term imbalance in the surrounding water chemistry, means sensitive desmid communities may take much longer to recover full diversity. The project, ‘Quantifying the Climate Change Response of Micro-organism (Desmid) Diversity in Scotland’s Blanket Mires’ is jointly funded by Scottish Natural Heritage & Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Contact: [email protected]

ERI Around the World

FRANCE Professor Stuart Gibb and PhD student Manos Paraskevas attended the Environmental Meeting for Environmental Chemistry (EMEC 12) in France 7-10th December, Clermont -Ferrand. During the confer- ence, I gave a presentation on the multivariate optimisation of HPLC-TOF/MS protocol for determination of human pharmaceuticals in the environment and a poster was presented on experimental mixture design in biosorption. Globally, the use of human pharmaceuticals is increasing each year. However, studies conduct- ed in countries including Germany, USA, UK and France have demonstrated the presence of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater effluents, rivers, lakes and seawaters. Conventional methods for removal of xenobiot- ics such as pharmaceuticals from water are generally expensive and there is need for development of alter- native approaches. Biosorption has been shown to have potential as a low-cost effective alternative for the removal of some contaminants from aqueous media, but has not been extensively evaluated for pharmaceuti- cals. The application of mixed biosorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals has not been reported.

EMEC gathers professors and students from European countries to exchange opinions on the problem of en- vironmental contamination from xenobiotic compounds such as pharmaceuticals. The conference was very interesting and will help us to develop a network of collaborations with other universities from France, Spain and Italy for our next project, which is the ecotoxic effect of human pharmaceuticals. On a personal level, it was a good experience to practice my presentation skills and develop my own network for future collaborations.

Contact:[email protected] 4 HOLLAND Helen Wade was invited to attend a work- shop at Amsterdam University on the 1st February 2012. The invitation came from the group at the univer- sity that created the tracking system currently being used by ERI to increase our understanding of great skua movements at sea in relation to marine renewable energy developments. The project involved attaching GPS data loggers to great skuas on Hoy, Orkney and Foula, Shetland during the summer of 2011. The data showing the movements at sea of the individual birds were downloaded to a computer located in the colony throughout the breeding season, until the birds left to migrate to warmer climes for the winter. We are now awaiting the great skuas return in April, after which we hope to attach more data loggers to birds in the coming breeding season.

Presentations by researchers in the morning provided Great skua tracks logged 11-16th June 2011 ideas on how to use our data from the last breeding season and how to develop the research project in fu- ture. Seeing the success of similar projects using the same technology was very motivating. The afternoon was a hands-on session, allowing us to explore the online capabilities of the technology and to gain new skills in using the online database and resources. This is now proving extremely useful in analysing the data from last year. Throughout the day, fruitful discussions regarding plans for the coming field season were had with new contacts and with collaborators from the Brit- ish Trust for Ornithology (BTO). It was an extremely useful and enjoyable trip, which has led to the develop- ment of new ideas and directions for the great skua project for the coming year.

Contact: [email protected]

Marine Renewable Energy Conference

The potential impact of marine renewable energy technology on the environment will come under the micro- scope when three Scottish Universities come together to host an international conference in Orkney in the Spring. The International Conference on the Environmental Interactions of Marine Renewable Energy Tech- nologies (EIMR) 2012, will bring together leading international specialists, hosted by scientists from the Uni- versity of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre for Island Technolo- gy (ICIT) and The University of Aberdeen. The aim of the conference is to review leading research from around the world and come to an understanding on whether and how emerging technolo- gies might affect coastlines and the seabed, as well as marine animals and seabirds and the human communities living in the areas where development is expected to take place.

UHI Energy Research Group Head, Dr Mike Weston said, “We are delighted that the ex- pertise which has been built up over recent years will be recognised by the international research community, and are relishing the chance to welcome some of the leading scien- tists from all over the world to Orkney for this ground-breaking conference. The research community across the Highlands and Islands, associated with the Marine Renewable Energy Sector is rapidly emerging as an important econom- ic driver across the and Islands’ economy, and has attracted some very accomplished and highly-skilled people to live and work here.”

The conference will be held in Kirkwall, on the Orkney Islands from Tuesday May 1, to Thursday May 3 2012, with an additional pro- gramme of special interest sessions, field trips and other activities ex- pected to take place from Monday April 30 until Friday May 4. More

information can be found on the conference website: www.eimr.org

5 erieducation

ASPIRENorth ‘Try it out Day’

Wick High School pupils had a taste of scientific research and re- ceived help with their future career options when they came to the ERI in January. The visit was organised through ASPIRENorth, which is supported by the Scottish Funding Coun- cil , and aims to enhance pupils’ awareness of career opportunities and increase progression rates to higher education.

The “Try It Out Day” allowed the 3rd year pupils the opportunity to talk to ERI staff members about what they do whilst getting hands- on with a science experience. The pupils played the role of “ecological detective” when they investigated the diet of great sku- as by dissecting regurgitated pellets, from the Island of Stroma. They were able to identify the species of fish eaten from otoliths Wick Students studying the samples (ear bones) found in the pellets, and estimate fish size. They were also given an insight into the microscopic world by examining specimens under light microscopes and through a live demonstration of the scanning electron microscope.

The event was extremely well received with pupils said to be delighted with the visit, and the ASPIRENorth team highly appreciative of the effort and presence of ERI staff. The ERI taster session was coordinated by Neil James with help from Soeren Hoejlund, Elizabeth Masden, Andrew Guerin, Hester Jackson, Kirsty Lees, Barbara Bremner, and Jacqueline Black. For more information about AS- PIRENorth please visit: http://www.scotland-aspirenorth.ac.uk

A new kind of work experience

Entering the world of work, even for just one week, provides an opportunity for school pupils to find out a little bit more about their chosen profession. ERI reg- ularly hosts secondary pupils and provides opportunities via Nuffield Founda- tion projects. However, sometimes the day to day work routine of a scientist is quite different from what pupils imagine and the experience of spending a whole week away from school and friends can be quite daunting. So, when ERI was approached to see if we could provide an alternative work experience for- mat as part of comparative study, we were delighted to help. The study is be- ing undertaken as part of a Masters in Special Educational Needs, through the University of Birmingham.

Our student for the six weeks was Harwyn Geddes, a third year pupil from Thurso High School. The task – Water: No Dirt No Germs! - was to compare the quality of drinking water in three very different countries (Scotland, Russia Harwyn in the lab and India). Harwyn undertook a literature search, collected local water sam- ples, analysed these for salinity, acidity and suspended solids and produced a log book of his activities. This work experience format will be used to tailor future opportunities for school pupils at the ERI. Harwyn said "I really enjoyed my work experience at the ERI. I learned many new things and I got to see what it was like in the real world of work. I loved wearing my lab coat, as I felt like a real scientist! Contact: [email protected]

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Making Scotland Greener

Three Primary Schools in the North of Scotland have risen to a renewable energy challenge with the help of the Envi- ronmental Research Institute. The Junior Saltire Prize, fund- ed by Skills Development Scotland, is designed to help raise awareness of the opportunities that Scotland has to exploit its marine renewables potential.

Pupils from Castletown, Melvich and Farr Primary Schools took up the challenge to design and build a sim- ple wave powered generator model. In creating their designs pupils look at how wave powered machines generate electricity and the best place to install such devices. They are also expected to consider how to install the device at sea, and with the help of Barbara Bremner from ERI, take into account potential envi- ronmental impacts.

Pupils were given the opportunity to explain their plans to Dan Pearson, Chief Executive Officer of MeyGen Ltd. Utilising vid- eo conference facilities at ERI, thirty seven children presented 6 different designs for converting wave motion into electricity. The pupils’ ideas were diverse and incorporated concepts of energy storage, protecting sea life and ease of maintenance.

Three primary schools from across Scotland will be invited to test their models at the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering wave tank and attend a Celebration of Engineering and Science at the Glas- gow Science Centre in June. Castletown PS explaining their entry Contact: [email protected]

Career Speed Dating

Four days, four venues across Caithness and Sutherland and 240 in- spired pupils! – that was our aim when seven staff from the Environment Research Institute took part in the Career Speed Dating challenge dur- ing the week of 20th February 2012.

Organised by STEM North of Scotland, these events are designed to give second year pupils an opportunity to find out what Scientists, Tech- nology workers, Engineers and Mathematicians do for a living. How did we get to where we are now? What did we study? What do we like about our work and why study science subjects?

A series of rapid fire question and answer sessions provided an opportunity for pupils to meet apprentices, talk to researchers and quiz engineers about their working world. Using video ma- terial showing the ROV in operation and a road map outlining the route from school to research, we managed to interest pu- pils in our work at ERI and to consider a career in a science re- lated field. Now in its second year, Career Speed Dating pro- vides a great opportunity for ERI to promote science at an early stage in the school curriculum and hopefully persuade more pu- pils that Environmental Science is fun!

Golspie High School pupils talk to ERI http://www.stemnorthofscotland.com

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Climate Week at the ERI

The importance of decarbonising modern society was highlighted during two public seminars at the Environmental Research Insti- tute (ERI). The events were organised as part of Climate Week, a national campaign designed to involve all parts of society in events related to climate change. Taking place annually, Climate Week enables research institutions, businesses and schools to highlight the importance and extent of climate change and pro- vide examples of successful mitigation measures.

The first talk on 13th March was given by ERI climatologist Prof John McClatchey, and entitled “Is the cli- mate really changing and is it important?” John highlighted the large body of evidence for climate change, citing global and local examples specific to Scotland such as the long term decline in suitable skiing days. The extent to which climate change will impinge on local communities was emphasised, as well as the need for adaptation to rising sea levels and changes in patterns of precipitation.

For the second event on 15th March the public were invited to the ERI’s Centre for Energy and the Envi- ronment (CfEE) which holds the highest sustainability rating for a new Higher Education building in the UK as determined through the Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Model (BREEAM). Here Cath Waller from the Universi- ty of Hull presented her talk on "The impact of climate change on Antarctic invertebrates". Cath detailed scientific research examining how cli- mate changes in polar environments might af- fect the biology of marine organisms. The semi- nar was a well rounded summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the effect of cli- mate change in extreme environments, includ- ing the effect of increasing temperature and ocean acidification, to the predicted changes in the species composition and colonisation of invasive species.

Dr Cath Waller in discussion after her seminar Contact: [email protected]

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Robbie Mutton on successfully defending his PhD thesis ‘’The Bioactivity and Natural Products of Scottish Sea- weeds at his viva in March. Pictured here with Robbie (left) are Dr Melanie Smith from College UHI, Dr Ruangelie Edrada- Ebel from University of Strathclyde and Director of Studies, Kenny Boyd of ERI.

Environmental Research Institute Centre for Energy & Environment, Castle Street, Thurso, North Highland College UHI, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7JD, Scotland Caithness, KW14 7EE, Scotland

Tel: +44 (0) 1847 889589 Tel: +44 (0) 1847 889000 Fax: +44 (0) 1847 890014 Fax: +44 (0) 1847 889001 Email: [email protected] Web: www.eri.ac.uk