University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor İpek Kurtböke was horrified to see footage of people playing in thick, sticky sea foam following recent cyclonic activity off the coast of South-East Queensland. She warns that these “bacteria smoothies” may have more harmful pathogens than a sewage treatment plant.
İpek’s research involves near-shore marine water pollution and her talk at Friday Environment Forum on May 9 will address the presence and sources of Nocardia bacteria in sea foam and its dangers to humans and other living things including the health risks of its harmful by-products.
While working in the field of Biodiscovery since 1982, İpek has contributed to important international research. Since joining USC in 2001, she has developed teaching programs in the field of applied microbiology and biotechnology, as well as conducting research in environmental, biomedical, agricultural, and food microbiology.
Come along to Friday Forum on May 9 to find out more about İpek’s message to people and their pet dogs: “stay out of the sea foam if you don’t want to risk harming your health.”
Everyone is welcome at the forum at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville which starts at 10:30am with morning tea available from 10-10.25am. Entry is $5 by ‘tap & go’ at the door which includes morning tea/coffee.
Join the bird observers at 8.30am in the carpark for interpretive birding.
