On the occasion of World Water Day in Stockholm, the winner of the Stockholm Water Prize, popularly known as the Water Nobel prize, was announced on Monday. It was prof. Rita Colwell from the US, for research into preventing cholera and other water-borne diseases.
An American scientist discovered in the 60s that the bacteria that causes cholera, a serious intestinal disease that affects 3-5 million people annually and 120 die, can survive by attaching to zooplankton. This means that in a latent state, these germs accumulate in water bodies, lakes, rivers and oceans, and under appropriate conditions become the focus of the disease.
Prof. Colwell found that climate change, ocean circulation and adverse weather conditions contribute to the development of cholera. She proved, among other things, that the warming of the ocean waters had an impact on the increase in cholera incidence in Bangladesh.
The researcher also created a model that can be used to predict cholera epidemics using satellite images. She was one of the first scientists to combine knowledge in several areas: biology, genetics, computer science and mathematics to fight deadly bacteria.
Colwell’s findings laid the groundwork for assessing environmental and infection risk worldwide, and their relevance is crucial, the jury explained in the explanatory memorandum.
The Water Nobel Prize – USD 150 and a glass statuette – has been awarded since 1991 to individuals, institutions or organizations that work to protect water resources.
76-year-old researcher from the universities of Maryland and John Hopkins will receive the award from King Charles XVI Gustav of Sweden on September 9 during World Water Week in Stockholm.
Daniel Zyśk (PAP)