Publication (Media): Burrinjuck study to focus on algal triggers

Publication Type:	Media Release
Publication Name:	Burrinjuck study to focus on algal triggers

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Lawrence, I and Markwort, K (1997) Burrinjuck study to focus on algal triggers - Jul 29 1997, CRCFE, Canberra - Media Release.

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July 29, 1997

CRCFE

Burrinjuck study to focus on algal triggers

A $250,000 on Burrinjuck Reservoir near Canberra is likely to shed light on algal control options that could save communities across the upper Murrumbidgee River Catchment millions of dollars as well as improving the local environment.

The algal study is also likely to generate knowledge that will benefit water agencies and catchment management groups nationwide.

The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Freshwater Ecology, established in 1994 to promote collaborative research in algal and other freshwater-related issues, is undertaking the study in association with CSIRO Division of Land and Water. The study is jointly funded by the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation under its National Eutrophication Management Program and the CRC for Freshwater Ecology.

The study aims to determine what triggers algal blooms, and in particular, the role of nitrogen in influencing algal growth and composition.

Project leader, Mr Ian Lawrence, said that understanding the role of nitrogen in promoting algal growth could help water managers decide whether nitrogen removal from sewage was really necessary.

'If, for example, the study finds that removing nitrogen from sewage effluent will not affect the growth of toxic blue-green algal, but may in fact promote it, then millions of dollars may be saved on avoiding unnecessary and ineffective sewage treatment.'

Mr Lawrence added that the study would draw on one of the most comprehensive and long term records of stream flow, water quality and algal monitoring in Australia.

The monitoring was undertaken by Commonwealth, ACT and NSW government agencies from 1976 to 1997, a period taking in the upgrading of Canberra sewage treatment to tertiary treatment, including nutrient removal. As a result, the monitoring records provide a rare opportunity to undertake research on a ‘whole system’ response to changing levels of nutrient discharge, as well as providing a report on the effectiveness of a scheme implemented in the late 1970s to resolve a major algal problem.

The results of the study will provide water agencies, catchment managers, regulators and community groups nationally with valuable information about catchment management of nutrients, wastewater treatment (particularly related to the need for removal of nitrogen), and stream flow management.

Media contact
Ian Lawrence
(CRC for Freshwater Ecology)
201 5371
or
Karen Markwort
(06) 201 5369.

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