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Student awarded for water risks study
If you spent a summer researching potential hazards in recycled water, would you still drink it?
“Absolutely, I’d drink it,” said University of the Sunshine Coast Honours student Jane-Louise Lampard, who has achieved national recognition after her scholarship project on water quality was reviewed by a panel of experts in Melbourne.
Ms Lampard, 37, of Dicky Beach, was the only Queenslander selected for one of ten $5000 summer scholarships from Water Quality Research Australia. It is a national research organisation that focuses on urban water issues related to public health.
She came second at the recent Melbourne presentations, receiving a Highly Commended award, and has already landed a part-time job as research assistant with government-funded group Smart Water Research Facility.
“I looked at emerging contaminants of concern in wastewater recycling and how people might be exposed to these contaminants through sources other than water,” she said.
The five contaminants were a fragrance used in personal care products, a pharmaceutical (active ingredient in contraceptive pill), a by-product of the disinfection/chlorination process used in water treatment, a phthalate (chemical in PVC and food packaging), and a herbicide (atrazine - used for example on roadways).
“I found that the concentrations we could be exposed to from drinking recycled water were considerably lower than what we’re exposed to from other sources such as food intake and lifestyle choices,” she said.
“With the phthalate, for example, we’re exposed to a much higher concentration in our everyday work environments, through floor and wall coverings, plastic things on our desks and furniture. In addition, the estimated concentrations were lower in recycled water than we’d expect in the current drinking water.”
Ms Lampard, who is preparing a follow-up report and testing, said communities should note that recycled water went through three extra stages of treatment compared to current drinking supplies.
Her part-time job is at Griffith University, which collaborates with USC and Central Queensland University through the Smart Water Research Facility.
“I can fit that in with doing Honours at USC on the risk assessment of human health hazards associated with constructed lakes in urban areas.”
Ms Lampard already has a combined Bachelor of Business/Science.
She said the scholarship was a great opportunity to network at a high level in the industry and with potential employers.
She praised the mentoring of three supervisors, including USC Senior Lecturer in Health and Environment Dr Anne Roiko.
Dr Roiko said Jane-Louise’s enthusiasm stood out.
“She volunteered for an exchange in 2006 with Kuopio University in Finland, where I have links, and she often puts up her hand to help academics on their research projects.
“Her voluntary work is a great message for other students – she’s had scholarships and held tutoring positions and now she’s got an excellent part-time job at Smart Water related to her own research.”
– Julie Gatehouse