The Fitzroy River Aqua-Eco Health Project is a collaborative research project between the Central Queensland University, the University of Queensland and BMA. It is designed to assess the aquatic ecology and health of the streams within the Fitzroy catchment located adjacent to mine sites. The universities are conducting an independent sampling program expected to yield the most comprehensive monitoring to date. The project design incorporates in situ testing of water quality variables including temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, pH and turbidity. Water and sediment chemistry incorporate testing for sulfate, suspended solids, nutrients and metals. This sampling is complemented by quantifying changes in the abundance and diversity of a wide range of biota, including microbial, macro invertebrates and fish. This paper will detail the program and highlight some of the particular difficulties in conducting this type of research in ephemeral stream systems. Case study examples will be used to illustrate insights being gained from the program.
Funding
Category 3 - Industry and Other Research Income
History
Start Page
117
End Page
120
Number of Pages
4
Start Date
2013-01-01
Finish Date
2013-01-01
ISBN-13
9781925100006
Location
Brisbane, Queensland
Publisher
The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Place of Publication
Carlton, Victoria
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Open Access
No
External Author Affiliations
Institute for Resource Industries and Sustainability (IRIS); School of Medical and Applied Sciences (2013- ); University of Queensland;