Canadian Annabelle M. Rayson Wins Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Stockholm Junior Water Prize – Annabelle M. Rayson of Canada will be awarded the esteemed Stockholm Junior Water Prize in 2022 for her work on the treatment and mitigation of dangerous algae blooms. The winner was revealed by HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at a ceremony held during Stockholm’s World Water Week. 
 
All around the world, aquatic environments are plagued by harmful algae blooms. They damage ecosystem variety and water quality, result in dead zones, and cost the fishing and tourism sectors millions of dollars. 
 
Due to dangerous algae blooms, Rayson’s father, a commercial fisherman, was unable to fish in some locations, so she started researching ways to treat and avoid them. 
 
Rayson gained knowledge about biomanipulation and which zooplankton species are most effective in controlling and preventing algae blooms. She was named the winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for this, a worldwide contest where teenagers between the ages of 15 and 20 offer answers to significant water problems. 
 
“It’s an unbelievable honour to be here with so many other brilliant young individuals, representing all the small-town little girls out there who dream of her own microscope and lab coat,” Rayson said in response to receiving the award. Hey ladies, we can still succeed.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize

“The top contribution presents a potential solution for a multifaceted worldwide problem,” the jury stated. Not only is it a problem for human health, but it also has an impact on waterways. 
 
“The top contribution presents a potential solution for a multifaceted worldwide problem,” the jury stated. It impacts not only human health but also the wildlife that inhabits waterways and the species that dwell there. Many of the public health issues we face are closely related to water quality, and the winner, who is committed, enthusiastic, and creative, has carried out in-depth, bio-inspired research to solve this major problem. 
 
During a presentation at World Water Week, the recipient received her award from HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who serves as the prize’s official patron. 
 
“Every participant in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize has a passion and inventiveness that is extremely inspiring and makes a significant contribution to a better future and a more water-wise world. This opportunity to recognize these contributions is provided by the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, according to Torgny Holmgren, executive director of the Stockholm International Water Institute. 
 
Patrick Decker, President and CEO of Xylem, added: “I commend all Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2022 participants for bringing their passion and their creativity to solve the world’s greatest water concerns. On behalf of more than 17,000 Xylem employees worldwide. These students serve as role models for what is possible when global innovators come together to address the water crisis with bold ideas and commitment.