Filipina Scientist Presents Nuclear Techniques for Harmful Algal Blooms Management

Left photo: Dr. Lucille V. Abad, a scientist at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), (center) presents her work at an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Conference in Vienna, Austria on 13 November 2019. Right photo: a slide from Dr. Abad’s presentation summarizes the various nuclear techniques used in her laboratory. (Vienna PE photo)

VIENNA 13 December 2019 — Dr. Lucille V. Abad, a scientist at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), presented her work on the use of nuclear techniques to manage harmful algal blooms (HABs), in a conference organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 13 November 2019.

HABs, which include red tide, occur when sudden environmental changes trigger population explosion in algae, which then release toxins into marine or freshwater environments.  These toxins may then be ingested by aquatic animals, including seafood, thereby threatening food safety and human health. 

Dr. Abad’s laboratory researches on and develops several nuclear techniques to understand HABs, monitor toxin levels, toxicity and dispersal, and to characterize causative organism metabolism and toxin production.  Some of the techniques developed by Dr. Abad is already being utilized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to monitor toxins in shellfish.

Because of her expertise and exemplary work, Dr. Abad’s laboratory has been designated as an IAEA Collaborating Center on HABs research.

Dr. Abad’s research is a clear example of the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for sustainable development. END

For more information, visit https://www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.at or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinAustria/ or https://www.twitter.com/PHLinAustria.