Personal profile
Biography
PhD Freshwater Science, Ulster University, 1997
MSc Applied Environmental Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 1994
BSc Biological Sciences, Ulster University, 1993
Research Interests
Richard is a freshwater scientist, interested in the movement and toxicity of contaminants in freshwater systems. His research has focused on the distribution of heavy metals in lakes and the effect of metals on the aquatic ecosystem. The risks of heavy metals from long-range transboundary pollution has been recognised as an important factor affecting ecosystems and the human population. A clear understanding of metal biogeochemical cycles is vital to help implement cuts in global emissions.
Teaching Interests
Richard teaches on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules on the geography and environmental science degree programme. He is Course Director for the MSc in Environmental Toxicology & Pollution Monitoring.
Keywords
- GB Physical geography
- freshwater
- resuspension
- lakes
- rivers
- sediments
- GE Environmental Sciences
- biogeochemical
- toxicology
- metals
- pesticides
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water -
SDG 15 Life on Land
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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The Applicability of the Distribution Coefficient, KD, Based on Non-Aggregated Particulate Samples from Lakes with Low Suspended Solids Concentrations
Gormley-Gallagher, A. M., Douglas, R. W. & Rippey, B., 22 Jul 2015, In: PLoS ONE. 10, 7, p. 1-15 e0133069.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access12 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Metal to phosphorus stoichiometries for freshwater phytoplankton in three remote lakes
Douglas, R., 20 Dec 2016, (Published online) In: PeerJ. 4Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)89 Downloads (Pure) -
Comparative chemical sensitivity between marine Australian and Northern Hemisphere ecosystems: Is an uncertainty factor warranted for water‐quality–guideline setting?
Hagen, T. & Douglas, R., 6 Feb 2014, In: Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry. 33, 5, p. 1187-1192Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access11 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Determination of aluminum in fish tissue to assess the safety of phosphorus fixing chemicals: the case of two Irish lakes
Bennett, J. F., Campbell, J., Rippey, B. & Douglas, R., 8 Jan 2026, (Published online) In: Lake and Reservoir Management. 42, 1, p. 52-60 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile11 Downloads (Pure) -
Climate factors increasing in importance for internal P dynamics in a large eutrophic lake
Thompson, J., McElarney, Y., Rippey, B., Douglas, R., Walker, B. & Prentice, S., 20 Aug 2025, In: The Science of the total environment. 991, 179911.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (Scopus)
Thesis
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Sedimentation Patterns and Mechanisms of Contaminant Transport in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland
Douglas, R. (Author), Rippey, B. (Supervisor), 1997Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
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Profiles
Projects
- 6 Finished
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ADR (Wave 3) 2021-2022
O'Neill, S. (CoI), Rosato, M. (CoI), Leavey, G. (PI), Bucholc, M. (CoI), Douglas, R. (CoI) & McKenzie, P. (CoI)
1/04/21 → 31/03/22
Project: Research
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Sediment Coring on Lough Macneans
Rippey, B. (CoI), Jordan, P. (PI) & Douglas, R. (CoI)
1/01/20 → 31/01/22
Project: Research
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Inshore Survey Vessel
Quinn, R. (CoI), Douglas, R. (CoI), Breen, C. (CoI), Jordan, P. (CoI), Arnscheidt, J. (CoI), Loureiro, C. (CoI), Hunter, W. R. (CoI), Jackson, D. (CoI), Benetti, S. (CoI), Plets, R. (CoI), McGonigle, C. (PI), Dunlop, P. (CoI), Forsythe, W. (CoI) & Westley, K. (CoI)
1/11/18 → 31/07/20
Project: Research
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Inshore Survey Vessel - Additional Funding
Jackson, D. (CoI), Benetti, S. (CoI), Plets, R. (CoI), Loureiro, C. (CoI), McGonigle, C. (PI), Dunlop, P. (CoI), Arnscheidt, J. (CoI), Forsythe, W. (CoI), Jordan, P. (CoI), Breen, C. (CoI), Douglas, R. (CoI), Quinn, R. (CoI), Hunter, W. R. (CoI) & Westley, K. (CoI)
1/11/18 → 29/01/22
Project: Research
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Catchment CARE: Catchment Community Action for Resilient Ecosystems
Rippey, B. (CoI), McKenzie, P. (CoI), Jordan, P. (PI), Douglas, R. (CoI) & Arnscheidt, J. (CoI)
1/10/17 → 30/06/23
Project: Research