Scientist from Kuwait invents novel 'Toxic Algae Barcode' for monitoring harmful algae presence in the Gulf's waters
Dr. Manal Al-Kandari, a marine researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, has made a significant breakthrough in environmental monitoring with the development of a "special barcode" technology to detect toxic and harmful algae in Gulf waters[1]. This innovative method aims to improve monitoring and early detection of dangerous algal blooms that threaten marine ecosystems and public health in the Gulf region.
The barcode technology allows scientists to pinpoint the locations of both toxic and non-toxic yet harmful algae in Kuwaiti waters. DNA analysis of each algae type helps determine its toxicity, providing crucial information for preventing fish deaths and protecting marine life.
Dr. Al-Kandari's research has helped resolve a controversy over recent fish die-offs in Kuwaiti waters. The barcode device can be deployed directly into the water to identify harmful toxins affecting marine life.
The study conducted by Dr. Al-Kandari was carried out in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen. The collaboration ensured the preservation and analysis of genetic samples, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the research findings.
In the course of her research, Dr. Al-Kandari identified one new species of algae in Kuwaiti waters out of three studied. The findings of her research have potential applications not only in Kuwaiti waters but across the entire Gulf region.
Dr. Al-Kandari's approach aims to prevent harmful species from proliferating in Kuwaiti waters. The latest information from August 2025 indicates that this technology has the potential to revolutionise marine research and conservation efforts in the Gulf region.
[1] Source: Gulf Times, 2025.
The barcode technology developed by Dr. Manal Al-Kandari in Kuwait's environmental science field, aimed at detecting toxic and harmful algae in Gulf waters, is instrumental in identifying and locating both toxic and non-toxic algae species that could potentially impact marine life and public health, thereby contributing to health-and-wellness and medical-conditions studies. Furthermore, this novel approach tackles environmental-science issues in the Gulf region by facilitating the prevention of harmful species proliferation and opening opportunities for marine research and conservation.
