Phytoplankton ecology of the Tweed River catchment with special reference to toxin-producining cyanoprokaryotes

"The management of human health risks in drinking water supplies is a global challenge, particularly in the context of urban population growth, increased water demands and climate change. Cyanoprokaryotes and their toxins may present a serious risk to the quality of drinking water supplies. Understanding the ecology of algal assemblages and their accompanying risks is therefore critically important for effective management of those water bodies that experience problematic cyanoprokaryote blooms. This project was conducted within the Tweed River catchment, a coastal subtropical area under pressure from population growth, ongoing development and climate change. The three study sites chosen in the catchment were: (1) a small artificial lake with a maximum depth of 19 m and covering an area of 2.5 hectares (Cobaki Lake); (2) a water storage facility with a maximum depth of 20 m, a destratification unit installed, and an area of 340 hectares (Clarrie Hall Dam); and (3) a flowing river with a maximum depth of 4 m (Tweed River at Bray Park). Water column dynamics, water chemistry and algal assemblages were investigated. Vertical depth profile data were logged and samples collected at one metre intervals each month over a twenty month period (January 2007 to August 2008). Detailed multivariate statistical analyses of both environmental and biological data were carried out using PRIMER V6 statistical software, and the data was then discussed in relation to the relevant Australian Drinking Water and Recreational Water Guidelines (National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC). Physical and chemical data recorded during this study were also discussed in relation to the relevant Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC)."--page iv.