Publications by Year
Genotypic and morphological variation between Galaxiella nigrostriata (Galaxiidae) populations: implications for conservation
Upper and lower concentration thresholds for bioremediation of Acid Mine Drainage using bulk organic substrates.
Evaluating the factors limiting algal biomass in acidic pit lakes of the Collie Lake District, Western Australia.
Acidic pit lakes often have elevated metal concentrations, very low nutrient concentrations and very low algal primary productivity. A microcosm experiment was performed to identify the main limiting factor(s) for algal biomass.…
Acidic pit lakes often have elevated metal concentrations, very low nutrient concentrations and very low algal primary productivity. A microcosm experiment was performed to identify the main limiting factor(s) for algal biomass. Nutrients (N, P and C) were added in all possible combinations to pit lake water in the presence or absence of pit lake sediment. Microcosms without sediment showed higher chlorophyll a concentrations compared to the treatments with sediment. Microcosms where nitrogen and phosphorus were added showed highest chlorophyll a concentrations. Results suggest that algal biomass in pit lakes may be primarily limited by low nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.
Limiting factors for crayfish and finfish in acidic coal pit lakes
World-wide, open-cut mining operations often leave pit lakes at closure. The Collie Lake District in south-west Australia has 13 pit lakes from open-cut coal extraction, with more expected. Many lakes may offer…
World-wide, open-cut mining operations often leave pit lakes at closure. The Collie Lake District in south-west Australia has 13 pit lakes from open-cut coal extraction, with more expected. Many lakes may offer beneficial end uses as fisheries habitat for biodiversity or for recreational species. However, pit lakes may have degraded water quality due to Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD). A literature review and survey for marron (endemic crayfish of biodiversity and recreational value) and fin-fish (of only biodiversity value) found that crayfish were likely more limited by habitat and food availability, and fin-fish by water quality. Management of these mild acidic water bodies must address both issues if sustainable fisheries and aquatic biodiversity are desired beneficial end uses.