carlos chique

2012 - Present: PhD Candidate 2008 - 2009: MSc Lancaster University 2007 - 2008: MSc Loughborough University 2004 - 2007: BSc (Hons) UCLAN
Room:	114, Geography Department
Phone:	091 493829 Ext: 3829
Email:	c.chique1nuigalway.ie

Working Title

Reconstructing Trends in Organic Pollution and Anthropogenic Impacts with an Emphasis on the Recent Past in an Irish Lentic System

Supervisor

Dr Aaron Potito

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Research Description

Title: Reconstructing Eutrophication Dynamics with an Emphasis on the Recent Past in an Irish Lentic System

Our main objective is to analyse the sediment record of a eutrophic system and infer the dynamics of the nutrient over-enrichment process since early human activity in the catchment area with emphasis in the expected and more pronounced 19th and 20th century enrichment. As manifestations of eutrophication have become more conspicuous, much emphasis is being placed on monitoring/restoration by water quality regulating entities. However, aquatic systems have been influenced by anthropogenic activity for prolonged periods while monitoring schemes have been implemented relatively recently. In Ireland, monitoring of freshwater systems dates back to the 1970s with only a handful of lentic systems having been subject to regular monitoring since then. As Indicated by the EPA and EU WFD, eutrophication is the most important threat to the water quality of freshwater systems in an Irish context. Paleoecological tools have the potential to infer baseline (pre- and early-human) conditions in order to establish realistic water quality goals while making efficient use of available resources for mitigation in addition to increase our understanding on the effects of over-enrichment in physico-chemical and biological parameters. We aim to employ a range of paleoindicators (proxies) which may include chironomid (non-biting midge) sub-fossils, stable isotopes, pollen, and more.

Research Cluster:

Publications

• Diaz, R., Selman, M. and C, Chique. 2011. Global Eutrophic and Hypoxic Coastal Systems. Eutrophication and Hypoxia: Nutrient Pollution in Coastal Waters. World Resources Institute (WRI) 10 G Street NE Suite 800, Washington, DC 20002, USA. Available at: http://www.wri.org/project/eutrophication/map.

Awards

• Hardiman Research Scholarship (2012-2016)

Work Experience

• 2010-2011: Water Quality Team Intern – Eutrophication & Hypoxia Project. World Resources Institute (WRI)