Past Event! Note: this event has already taken place.
Science Café – Harmful Algal Blooms: Knowns and Knowledge Gaps
February 26, 2020 at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
| Location: | Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library at 1049 Bank Street (at Aylmer Ave in Old Ottawa South) |
| Cost: | Free |
Guest Speaker: David McMullin, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry
With access to upwards of 20 per 
cent of global freshwater resources, Canada is the steward for a significant amount of the planet’s freshwater. Over the last one hundred years, freshwater ecosystems (e.g., rivers, lakes and wetlands) have undergone widespread environmental change because of population growth, pollution, increased temperatures and habitat degradation.
A highly visible consequence of this environmental change is the increase in frequency and magnitude of toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms. These blooms release toxin mixtures into freshwater that negatively impact human and ecosystem health, wildlife, and local economies. In this talk, Prof. McMullin will highlight our current understanding of harmful algal blooms and discuss existing limitations for managing their natural toxins in freshwater.
Learn more about Prof. McMullin’s research by visiting his faculty page.
About the Science Café
Explore science through Carleton University’s popular Science Café series, held twice a month during the fall and winter terms at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library at 1049 Bank Street (at Aylmer Ave in Old Ottawa South). Each café begins at 6:30 p.m. with a 20-minute talk by a scientist followed by a 40-minute open question and answer period.
Come and join us for a lively discussion around a scientific issue of the day. Be prepared to be informed, engaged and even amused, as our professors share their scientific discoveries with you. All are welcome. For more information, please contact the Faculty of Science by email at odscience@carleton.ca or by telephone at 613-520-4388.