What's really damaging the Reef? Tracing the origin and fate of the environmentally detrimental sediment and associated bioavailable nutrients (Old ID 26391)
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
Recent research has shown that only a portion of the fine sediment fraction delivered from rivers draining into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon (GBRL) reaches coral reefs and seagrass meadows. The specific sources of this sediment, which affects the health of corals and seagrasses, are as yet unresolved. This project will, for the first time characterise and trace the origin(s), fate and nutrient bioavailability of this environmentally detrimental sediment using samples collected in flood plumes and during resuspension events. This will enable direct spatial targeting of the sources of this material to achieve maximum benefits to GBR health from catchment management actions.
Date
01 Jan 2019 - 10 Dec 2020
Project Type
GRANT
Keywords
sediment flocs;sediment resuspension;Sediment Tracing;sediment transport and fate;Turbidity;Great Barrier Reef
Funding Body
Department of the Environment and Energy, Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (QDESI)
Amount
754466
Project Team
Thomas C Stevens;Zoe Bainbridge;Scott Smithers