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The University of Galway, in collaboration with esteemed institutions including the School of Engineering, Ryan Institute, MaREI Research Centre, Eco-HydroInformatics Research Group (EHIRG), and international partners from Charles Sturt University, the Marine Institute, and Cardiff University, has recently completed a groundbreaking study on the effects of pathogenic hazards, specifically COVID-19, on water quality. This extensive research leverages the innovative Irish Water Quality Index (IEWQI) model to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on surface water quality in Cork Harbour, Ireland.

The IEWQI model that is recently developed by Dr Md Galal Uddin based form university of Galway, Ireland, a significant advancement in water quality assessment, addresses the limitations of traditional Water Quality Index (WQI) models by significantly reducing uncertainty and improving accuracy. Details of the IEWQI can be found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161614. This study marks the first initiative in Ireland to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on surface water quality, contributing critical insights into water resource management during global pathogenic events.

Key Findings

• Model Validation: The IEWQI model demonstrated exceptional performance, with less than 1% uncertainty, compared to nearly 12% in other models. It effectively computed water quality index scores, underscoring its reliability for such assessments​​.
• Impact of COVID-19: The study tested two main hypotheses to determine the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on water quality. It concluded that while there were no significant overall changes in water quality due to the lockdown, certain indicators showed variability, reflecting the complex dynamics of anthropogenic pressures and natural processes​​.
• Long-term Trends: Analysis over a six-year period, including the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed no substantial long-term trends in water quality indicators, although specific parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) showed significant post-lockdown increases, highlighting areas for ongoing monitoring and management​​.

Research Implications

This research emphasizes the necessity of incorporating advanced models like the IEWQI in water quality monitoring programs. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how major events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, influence water ecosystems. The study also underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and the integration of additional indicators, including chemical substances and biological components, for a more holistic view of water quality dynamics.

Collaborative Efforts

This study was made possible through the collaboration of multiple institutions:

• University of Galway: School of Engineering, Ryan Institute, MaREI Research Centre, Eco-HydroInformatics Research Group.
• Charles Sturt University, Australia: School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, and The Gulbali Institute of Agriculture, Water and Environment.
• Marine Institute,
• Cardiff University, UK: School of Engineering.

Future Directions

The research team calls for further studies to evaluate long-term impacts and to expand the scope of indicators used in water quality assessment. Such efforts will enhance our understanding and management of water resources in the face of both natural and anthropogenic challenges.

Details of the research findings can be found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122456

For more information on the study and ongoing research initiatives, please contact:

Dr Md Galal Uddin, Lead Researcher, Eco-HydroInformatics Research Group (EHIRG), Civil Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland. Email: mdgalal.uddin@universityofgalway.ie