University of Otago
University of Otago is a university that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Research extends length of glacier and snowline analysis
The timeline for end-of-summer-snowline measurements in New Zealand’s Southern Alps has been extended in new research by the University of Otago and Victoria University of Wellington. The findings provide a broader picture of the recession of New Zealand glaciers and snow fields during a period of considerable climate change. From 1977-2019 a continuous record of […]
Study identifies significance of atmospheric rivers for New Zealand
A University of Otago study has provided the first detailed analysis of atmospheric rivers and their impact on New Zealand weather events. Atmospheric rivers are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere. On average there are only three to five atmospheric rivers present in each hemisphere, covering just 10 per cent of the globe’s […]
New Zealand looks for the presence of COVID-19 in sewage
Detecting the presence of COVID-19 in sewage could become an important tool to monitor the virus and help uncover pockets of infection. University of Otago geneticist Professor Neil Gemmell is part of a national group led by ESR working to sample wastewater and look for presence of the coronavirus. “The aim is to monitor the […]
Could the Loch Ness monster be a giant eel?
University of Otago geneticist, Professor Neil Gemmell announced the results of investigations into the environmental DNA present in the British Isles largest and second deepest body of fresh water, Loch Ness. The results come after 250 samples of water were taken around, through the centre, and into the very depths of Loch Ness. DNA from each sample […]
Pesticides banned in Europe present in New Zealand streams, new study finds
A University of Otago study investigating chemicals in New Zealand waterways has found evidence of pesticides banned in some European countries present in agricultural streams. Among the results, the researchers confirmed the presence of up to six different pesticides at a single site in their study of 36 agricultural streams in Waikato, Southland, Otago and […]