Kuwaiti researcher develops ‘Special Barcode’ to detect toxic algae in Gulf waters

Dr. Manal Al-Kandari, a marine researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, has designed a special barcode capable of detecting toxic algae in Gulf waters. The device can be deployed directly into the water to identify harmful toxins affecting marine life.

Al-Kandari, who resolved the controversy over recent fish die-offs in Kuwaiti waters, explained that DNA analysis of each algae type helps determine toxicity and prevent harmful species from proliferating. She emphasized that some algae, while non-toxic, can still reduce oxygen levels in the water, contributing to fish deaths.

“Our research identified one new species of algae in Kuwaiti waters out of three studied,” she noted, highlighting the importance of monitoring both toxic and non-toxic yet harmful algae. The barcode technology allows scientists to pinpoint algae locations and mitigate their impact on marine ecosystems.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, ensuring genetic samples were preserved and analyzed without risk of loss due to lab interruptions. Al-Kandari stressed that the findings are applicable not only in Kuwaiti waters but across the entire Gulf region.

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