DCU Masters student, Martin Nolan, submits his MSc Thesis based on MONITOOL acquired knowledge

Martin Nolan (Dublin City University, DCU) presented in May his MSc Thesis under the Title "Evaluation of Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films for Trace Metal Monitoring of Coastal and Transitional Waterways", supervised by Dr. Blánaid White and Prof. Fiona Regan, based on works carried out during MONITOOL Project.

This work contains chapters rooted in different phases of MONITOOL Project, as monitoring methods, biofouling studies or voltammetry analysis of the samples. Specifically, the following chapters:

- A review of trace metal monitoring methods including biomonitoring and passive sampling methods and a summary of studies performed linking DGT performance to biomonitor organisms (Title: "Monitoring Trace Metals as Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Towards the Use of Passive Sampling Devices").

- The biofouling study, examining the extent of fouling at the studied sites, the speciation of the organisms, and some correlation studies with other water parameters, such as temperature and trace metals (Title: "Impact of Biofouling on Passive Sampling Devices and Examination of Fouling Environments of Atlantic and Mediterranean Waterways").

- Voltammetry chapter documenting the use of the ASV and cathodic CSV methods for the analysis of trace Ni, Cd and Pb (Title: "Stripping Voltammetry for Trace Analysis of Priority Metals in Coastal and Transitional Waters").

This is the first MSc Thesis that comes from MONITOOL. Martin Nolan has been involved in the project from its beginning, participating with DCU (project leader institution) in all the steps of the investigation.