Denitrification bioreactor trial in the Russell catchment of the Wet Tropics (Old ID 23408)

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Role

Chief Investigator

Description

This project will establish the effectiveness of denitrification bioreactors as an on-farm technology for removing dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in waters draining the Babinda Swamp Drainage Area. The region has been identified as a hotspot for DIN in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. This will be the first trial of denitrification bioreactors in the Wet Tropics. Denitrifying bioreactors route water through a high-carbon substrate under anaerobic conditions to encourage denitrification (the conversion of DIN to atmospheric N2). Two bioreactor configurations will be tested at two sites, and the potential for broader adoption will be assessed.

Date

01 Nov 2017 - 30 May 2020

Project Type

RESEARCH_TENDER

Keywords

sugarcane;Water quality;nitrate;runoff;Wet Tropics;Great Barrier Reef

Funding Body

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

Amount

235087

Project Team

Alex Cheesman;HanShe Lim;Bithin Datta;Nathan Waltham;Colin MacGregor