News release: A little local problem: blue-green algae in Preston Dock

Abstract

Why is a young polish student interested in Preston Dock? Is it because of its unique
historical background? Its restoration from closure to a successful commercial and
residential complex?
No, it is because the dock is home to Oscillatoria agardhii, a unique microscopic blue
green alga (a Cyanobacterium), which has caused some concern.
Magdalena Kamila Bielecka who is 24, came to the University of Central Lancashire
for six months to gain experience in microbiology, as part of a study programme
sponsored by the European Commission. During her initial stay in Preston she became
interested in the problem at the dock and returned last year determined to work in
Professor Glyn Morton's laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at the
University.
Professor Morton recently began a study into this local problem in collaboration with
the Preston Borough Council (Riversway Office), the Environment Agency and the
CEH at Windermere. He was extremely pleased to welcome Magdalena to his
laboratory.
He commented : "She is an extremely pleasant, bright, enthusiastic and hard working
young woman. We have had funding for one year to allow Magda to study for her
Master's degree, which has unfortunately come to an end. Her work has concentrated on
the organism causing the problem and on devising methods to assess the effectiveness
of potential control measures. There is still a lot more work to do,".
29 November 2002
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Note: Magda is due to return to Poland shortly, but can be contacted via Dr Glyn
Morton, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, tel:
01772 894373