research projects in environmental science...

RESEARCH PROJECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2012

For Honours and Postgraduate Students

North Sydney Campus (MacKillop)

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RESEARCH PROJECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2012

For Honours and Postgraduate Students

North Sydney Campus (MacKillop)

Cover photo. © Photographer, Susan Payne.

Australian Catholic University Ltd

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NORTH SYDNEY 2060

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Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012

3

CONTENTS

PAGE

To all students interested in research

in Environmental Science at ACU 5-6

Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) Course 7-10

About the ACU Supervisors 11-16

PROJECTS FOR 2012 17-32

Dr Brian Bicknell

Bioremediation of high nitrogen leachate at Sydney Olympic Park 18

Dr Brian Bicknell and Assoc. Prof. Vaughan Monamy

Microbiological assessment of common scavenger birds and their potential to

transmit human disease 19

Dr Brian Bicknell and Dr Pre De Silva

Methane flux of polluted and pristine marine intertidal sediments 20

Dr Pre De Silva

CO2 mineral sequestration by aqueous mineral carbonation 21

Use of coir pith in wastewater treatment 22

Dr Pre De Silva, Dr Brian Bicknell and Dr Cliff Seery

The use of coconut coir pith in clean-up of hydrocarbon spills 23

Assoc. Prof. Vaughan Monamy

Australian perceptions of marine mammals and their management 24

Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 4

Adj Prof Neil Saintilan, Dr Kerrylee Rogers and Assoc. Prof. Vaughan Monamy PAGE

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and ACU

Surface elevation trends in SE Australian wetlands 25

Adj Prof Neil Saintilan, Dr Kerrylee Rogers and Dr Brian Bicknell

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and ACU

Are coastal wetlands a carbon sink? 26

Dr Cameron Webb and Assoc. Prof. Vaughan Monamy

University of Sydney/ Westmead Hospital and ACU

Do mosquito-control activities impact insectivorous bird populations? 27

Dr Cliff Seery

Investigating combined effects of climate change and pollution at different scales of

biological organisation using the sea urchin Heliocidaris tuberculata 28

Impacts of herbicides and sediment loads to near-shore phototrophs 29

Dr Jennifer Taylor

Do plant traits influence success of vegetation restoration? 30

Dr Jennifer Taylor and Murray Ellis

ACU and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Understanding fine-scale distribution of a dominant mid-storey shrub, Wilga

(Geijera parviflora) in semi-arid woodlands 31

Woodland bird communities in relation to variation in site and landscape

characteristics 32


TO ALL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN RESEARCH IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AT ACU

This booklet describes some of the Environmental Science research projects to be offered

at the North Sydney campus of ACU in 2012. You are invited and encouraged to approach

individual lecturers/researchers who will be delighted to discuss the projects they have

proposed (or other possible projects) with you in more detail.

Honours students

A detailed outline of the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) degree is provided

on pages 7-9 of this booklet. Students who have completed or are close to completing their

undergraduate degree in Environmental Science either at ACU or another institution are

encouraged to consider the benefits of an Honours year.

If you are interested in undertaking the Honours course in Environmental Science at ACU

the Course Co-ordinator can advise you about the requirements and how to apply.

ACU students with excellent undergraduate records are formally invited to enrol in the

Honours program. These students should submit, in order of preference, the titles of three

possible projects. Students should also include their reasons for wishing to undertake these

projects. ACU students who have not been invited into the Honours program or students

with undergraduate science degrees from other universities, who wish to be considered for

entry to the program, should apply in writing to the Head of School, giving reasons why

they wish to be considered.

They should also submit a choice of projects in the same way as students who have been

invited to join the program.

All students should endeavour to submit an Admission Application form

on-line by Friday 9 December 2011.

Late applications will be accepted until Wednesday 4 January 2012.

https://www.studentconnect2008.acu.edu.au/ban8/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon?acref=0&levl=UG


All project preferences should be submitted to the Course Co-ordinator by Friday 9

December 2011. After appropriate consultation, the Course Co-ordinator will advise all

students in writing of their topic and supervisor. For current ACU students, final enrolment

in the Honours course is dependent on Semester 2, 2011 results. Successful students will

receive a formal offer of enrolment in the Honours program by mid-January 2012.

The Course Co-ordinator will arrange a meeting of all Honours students and their

supervisors at the start of 2012 for a discussion of their roles and responsibilities. In the

case of a research project with co-supervisors, the Course Co-ordinator will ensure that the

division of supervision responsibilities is clearly understood by all parties. Students and

supervisors are reminded that, for reasons of equity, only work that is commenced in 2012

can be included as part of their Honours thesis.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences has produced a booklet entitled Information for Honours

Students that includes a variety of information that is relevant to Honours students. This

booklet will be distributed to students and supervisors by the Course Co-ordinator.

Associate Professor Vaughan Monamy

Course Co-ordinator, Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) Program

5 October 2011

http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/311726/InformationforHonoursStudentBooklet_FAS2011.pdf

http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/311726/InformationforHonoursStudentBooklet_FAS2011.pdf


Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) Course

Course / Award Title: Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)

Course / Award Abbrev: BEnvSci (Hons)

Course Duration: The minimum period of study is one year full-

time or two years part-time.

Mode of Offering: The course will be offered on-campus normally in

the full-time mode.

Admission Requirements: Students shall have completed requirements for

the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Pass)

degree, (normally within the previous five years)

and have gained at least a credit average (or

equivalent) in units of the entire course. In

exceptional circumstances an individual not

fulfilling these requirements may apply in writing

to the School Committee through the relevant

Head of School for entry into the course.

2012 COURSE ENROLMENT GUIDE

http://www.acu.edu.au/courses/undergraduate/environmental_science/bachelor_of_environmental_science_honours?thecourse=Bachelor%20of%20Environmental%20Science%20(Honours)

http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/368430/Enviromental_Science_230911.pdf


Award Completion Requirements: 80 credit points comprising:

Semester 1

Research Methods (SCIT400): 10 credit points

Honours Thesis A (ENVR400): 20 credit points

One Advanced Coursework unit: * 10 credit points

Winter Term

Advanced Field Experience (ENVR405): 10 credit points

Semester 2

Honours thesis B (ENVR406): 30 credit points

TOTAL CREDIT POINT REQUIREMENT 80 credit points

* by cross-institutional study.

Semester 1 Winter Term Semester 2

Research

Methods

Advanced

Course work

Unit 1

Honours

Thesis A

Advanced

Field

Experience

Honours Thesis

B


OR

Semester 1

Research Methods (SCIT400): 10 credit points

Honours thesis A (ENVR400): 20 credit points

One Advanced Coursework unit: * 10 credit points

Semester 2

Honours thesis B (ENVR406): 30 credit points

A Second Advanced Coursework unit: * 10 credit points

TOTAL CREDIT POINT REQUIREMENT 80 credit points

* by cross-institutional study.

Semester 1 Winter Term Semester 2

Research

Methods

Advanced

Course work

Unit 1

Honours

Thesis

A

Advanced

Course

work

Unit 2

Honours Thesis

B

All students will undertake the Research Methods unit (SCIT400). The Honours thesis will be

prepared and assessed in accordance with the Honours Regulations of the Faculty of Arts

and Sciences. It is expected that most students will choose to undertake the Advanced Field

Experience unit (ENVR405) together with only one Advanced Coursework unit to complete

their program.

NB: Please note that international students are liable for all fees at other Universities

when cross-institutional units are undertaken. Other Universities’ fees may be higher

than those charged at ACU.


Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) Course Advanced Coursework unit by CROSS INSTITUTIONAL ENROLMENT

Students undertaking an Advanced Coursework unit by cross-institutional enrolment at

another University must comply with enrolment cut-off dates at that institution.

It is each student's responsibility to identify a unit of interest to them. It should be at

graduate or year 3 levels with content different to units studied at ACU. (Try searching the

web sites of UTS, UNSW, Macquarie University, etc). The unit should be HECS liable, not a

full fee paying unit. A brief unit outline, with title and course code must be submitted to the

Course Co-ordinator for approval before a student may enrol at another institution. (The

timetable for the unit should also be provided as soon as it is available).

In order to enrol in a single subject at another university a student must check the

enrolment procedure at that institution. The student must obtain a letter from the ACU

Environmental Science Course Co-ordinator confirming that they are enrolled at ACU, and

requesting enrolment in the particular subject at the other university. The student may

also have to fill in an application form from the other university. That institution will then

request confirmation that the student is enrolled at ACU.

If a student is enrolled at ACU, it means that any voluntary student service fees are paid

here and the student is not liable for any student service fees at the other University.

However, students are liable for the single subject HECS fee at the University in which they

enrol.

Students must provide the Course Co-ordinator with a copy of their confirmation of

enrolment at the other university as soon as it is available. It is also each student's

responsibility to provide an original copy of their semester results to ACU Student

Administration as soon as they are available.


ABOUT THE SUPERVISORS


Dr Brian Bicknell is a microbiologist whose field of interest is microbial ecology. Specifically

his research interests encompass two main areas:

A major area of interest is bioremediation, which is the use of microorganisms to

degrade pollutants. He has recently been working with the Sydney Olympic Park

Authority to investigate the bioremediation of hydrocarbons (specifically BTEX and

PAHs) at an old gasworks site that is part of the Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush

Bay.

He has been working for a number of years in the field of geomicrobiology, that is,

the effect that bacteria have in geochemical cycles. In particular he has

concentrated on sulfur transformations in evaporative lakes (Coorong, South

Australia) and the fractionation of stable isotopes by bacteria. He has also

conducted research into acid mine drainage and heavy metal transformation at

historical mine sites (Captains Flat near Canberra).

Dr Bicknell is also happy to discuss any potential research projects that involve or

incorporate microbial ecology or microbiology generally.

(02) 9739 2322

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Dr Pre De Silva has extensive research experience in wider areas of chemistry and these include:

Utilisation of industrial wastes in the development of eco-friendly, low-carbon binders

Development of inorganic polymer systems suitable to immobilise radioactive wastes

Carbon dioxide mineral sequestration Development of cleaning up technologies for wastewater and industrial

spillage The effect of various aggressive environments on the service life of building

and structures The effect of environmental pollutants (ozone) on the growth and physiology

of plants.

(02) 9739 2346

[email protected]



Assoc. Prof. Vaughan Monamy is a wildlife ecologist and senior lecturer in environmental

science and environmental ethics. He has research interests in urban ecology, community

ecology, heterospecific vertebrate interactions, attitudes to animals and animal welfare. His

principal fields of study involve Australian vertebrates and the threatening processes that

impinge on the healthy functioning of their ecosystems.

A/Prof Monamy also has scholarly interests in the welfare of laboratory animals, transgenic

animals and vertebrate pests. There are fundamental inconsistencies in the ways in which

these groups of animals are afforded ethical concern and/or accorded legislative

protection. He is seeking an ethic of animal use that reconciles differences in treatment and

brings all animals into our sphere of moral concern.

Note: The Honours projects he has offered represent some of A/Prof Monamy's interests.

He is happy to discuss other project proposals of mutual interest with individual students.

(02) 9739 2848

[email protected]



Dr Cliff Seery is an ecotoxicologist and lecturer in environmental science with experience in

research, teaching and consulting. His research in aquatic toxicology has focused on the

development of rapid bioassay protocols using novel endpoints for marine macroalgae. His

broader research and consulting experience has included work with plant, algal and animal

systems in both marine and freshwater environments.

Cliff’s research interests lie primarily in the field of aquatic toxicology. His work is driven by

a concern that anthropogenic pollution is continuing to harm aquatic systems. As such, Cliff

is passionate about developing new means with which we are able to assess and monitor

the impacts of pollution. He also undertakes research that aids our understanding of the

environmental harm caused by contaminants.

Dr Seery is happy to discuss other potential projects that fall within this scope, or within

marine ecology.

9739 2844

[email protected]



Dr Jennifer Taylor is an ecologist and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science. Her

research interests are predominantly in the area of effects of natural and human-induced

disturbances (e.g., fire, mining, altered flood regimes and habitat fragmentation) on plant

and animal populations and communities (especially birds and higher plants). Her research

has included studies of the ecological processes structuring plant communities dominated

by invasive weeds and studies of the mechanisms underlying responses of vertebrates and

plants to disturbance by fire, mining and habitat fragmentation.

She is currently involved in collaborative research with the Biodiversity Conservation

Science Section of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. This project is examining

the response of population and community dynamics of birds to habitat fragmentation and

climatic variation in semi-arid woodlands. This research is combining field-data collection

with modelling to evaluate effects on bird populations of changes in vegetation cover

across the landscape, such as may occur with restoration and rehabilitation. She is also

involved in research examining longer-term effects of mineral sandmining on vegetation

regeneration on coastal dune systems in New South Wales.

The projects offered by Dr Taylor are subject to availability of resources. Dr Taylor is happy

to discuss other potential projects related to her areas of research interest.

(02) 9739 2874

[email protected]



PROJECTS FOR 2012

Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012

18

BIOREMEDIATION OF HIGH NITROGEN LEACHATE AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

Supervisor: Dr Brian Bicknell

School of Arts and Sciences, ACU

One of the lasting legacies of the Sydney 2000 Olympics (besides being the best games ever) is the environmentally friendly environs of Sydney Olympic Park. This includes the network of wetlands, water recycling and groundwater leachate treatment. ACU has played a role in the development of the treatment systems in use at Sydney Olympic Park (in particular the Wilson Park precinct). The project described here will form part of a new stage in the on-site treatment of contaminated leachate. The leachate in question contains high levels of inorganic nitrogen (mainly as ammonium) as well as hydrocarbons (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, mixed xylenes and low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). This combination of hydrocarbons and nitrogen makes the leachate a challenge for bioremediation, since the breakdown of each relies on totally separate microbial processes. The project will involve the bench-scale (laboratory) investigation of the separate processes of the oxidation of hydrocarbons and the nitrification and subsequent denitrification of ammonium, using sequential batch microcosms. This will lead to the design and set-up of trial bioremediation ponds on site in Sydney Olympic Park and their subsequent monitoring. Techniques used in this study will include:

measurement of hydrocarbon and inorganic nitrogen pollutants

monitoring of microbial populations using both culture and molecular methods

demonstration of bioremediation using stable and radioactive isotope methods

Note: This study is subject to the provision of financial assistance from Sydney Olympic Park Authority


MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF COMMON SCAVENGER BIRDS AND THEIR POTENTIAL

TO TRANSMIT HUMAN DISEASE

SUPERVISORS: Dr Brian Bicknell and Assoc Prof Vaughan Monamy


Many birds in Australia have adapted to urban conditions and appear to be flourishing. The

nuisance value of some birds is also increasing, especially birds that scavenge food from

outdoor congregations of humans, in particular pigeons, seagulls and ibises. Part of the

nuisance of these birds is the faecal contamination they cause. It is also known that birds

can carry disease bacteria, in particular Salmonella (Kirk et al. 2002) and Campylobacter

(Pacha et al. 1988) and some birds have been implicated in the spread of viruses (Rappole

et al. 2000). In addition, in certain parts of the world, bird flu is a constant threat. Birds

such as gulls and ibises are known to scavenge in rubbish, at landfill sites and in effluent

discharge. It is entirely possible that bacteria and other human disease agents could be

picked up at these points, transported to close proximity to people and deposited with the

faeces. The aim of this project is to investigate the microbial population present in faecal

deposits and to determine if there is an associated health risk. Bacteria will be isolated

from faeces and possibly carcasses of birds to give a general population profile. Indicators

of disease will be specifically targeted (thermophilic Campylobacter, Salmonella, faecal

coliforms and faecal Streptococci) using both traditional microbiological techniques and

molecular biology methods.

References

Kirk J.H., Holmberg C.A. & Jeffrey J.S. (2002) Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in selected birds

captured on California dairies. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 220: 359-362.

Pacha R.E., Clark G.W., Williams E.A. & Carter A.M. (1988) Migratory birds of central

Washington as reservoirs of Campylobacter jejuni. Can. J. Microbiol. 34: 80-82.

Rappole, J.H., Derrickson, S.R. & Hubálek, Z. (2000) Migratory birds and spread of West Nile

virus in the western Hemisphere Emerging Infectious Disease 6: 319-328.

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Pacha_RE

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Kirk_JH

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Holmberg_CA

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Jeffrey_JS

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Pacha_RE

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Clark_GW

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Williams_EA

http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/search/results?keyword_field=au&keywords=%09%09Carter_AM


METHANE FLUX OF POLLUTED AND PRISTINE MARINE INTERTIDAL SEDIMENTS

Supervisors: Dr Brian Bicknell and Dr Pre De Silva School of Arts and Sciences, ACU

This project will continue investigations into the role of coastal marine sediments (mangroves, salt-marshes, mudflats) and brackish sediments in the production and re-cycling of methane. Methane is an important greenhouse gas, most of which is microbial in origin. Although methane generation from marine sediments is assumed to be insignificant and is ignored in the Australian National Greenhouse Inventory, there have been few Australian studies upon which to base this. Recent international research has shown methane release from coastal marine sediments and most known methanogens are marine. Preliminary results from this laboratory suggest that there is significant potential for methane generation from these environments. This project will examine methane flux from a variety of coastal marine sediments, in particular the potential of polluted or degraded intertidal sediments to add to methane release. The following techniques will be used in this study:

GCMS measurement of methane flux using static chambers

physico-chemical parameters of sediment from intact sediment cores (temperature, oxygen concentration, pH, Eh)

measurement of chloride, sulfide and sulfate ion and methane concentrations in pore water

measurement of organic and inorganic indicators of pollution, such as total organic carbon, nitrogen, , hydrocarbons and other organic compounds.

extraction of DNA and PCR, cloning and sequencing to construct clone libraries and phylogenetic trees, in order to determine microbial population composition.

real-time quantitative PCR (to determine gene copy number) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP – to analyse variation in microbial communities).


CO2 MINERAL SEQUESTRATION BY AQUEOUS MINERAL CARBONATION

Supervisor: Dr Pre De Silva


Carbon dioxide sequestration is a process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored indefinitely. Among many, mineral sequestration is one of the ways that CO2 can be stored. Sequestration of CO2 by minerals involves incorporation of CO2, chemically, into magnesium and/or calcium containing minerals and converting them to carbonates. As the resulting products are geologically stable mineral carbonates, the mineral sequestration has the benefit of storing CO2 permanently. However, this process occurs very slowly at ambient conditions and finding methods to accelerate the process is one of the major tasks researchers are faced with. Brucite (magnesium hydroxide), Serpentine (magnesium silicate) are few of widely available naturally occurring minerals that can be used as starting materials. This project will investigate the kinetics of reaction between aqueous solutions of these minerals with CO2 gas at a wide range of experimental conditions.


USE OF COIR PITH IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Supervisor: Dr Pre De Silva


Coir pith, also known as coir dust or coco peat, is a natural and renewable resource that is

generally free of any chemicals and toxins. It is produced as a by-product when coconut

husks are processed for the extraction of the long fibres. It is relatively cheap and abundant

in coconut producing countries. The main chemical components of coir pith are lignin and

cellulose. The complex structures of these components make coir pith to have both

hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. In addition, coir pith particles are light weight and

have a very large surface area created by the hollow channel structure. According to some

estimates, the surface area of a single litre of coir pith is approximately 0.6ha (6000 square

meters). This unique physical feature together with its chemical nature makes it a very

strong absorbent/adsorbent material especially in aquatic systems.

Modern industrial waste waters contain high levels of heavy metals. Unlike organic wastes,

heavy metals are non-biodegradable and they can potentially be accumulated in living

tissues, causing various diseases and disorders; therefore they must be removed before

discharge. Research interest into the production of cheaper adsorbents to replace costly

wastewater treatment methods such as chemical precipitation, ion-exchange,

electroflotation, membrane separation, reverse osmosis, solvent extraction, etc. are

attracting attention of scientists.

Biosorption is an emerging technology for water treatment utilising abundantly available

biomaterials especially agricultural wastes. Coconut-based agricultural wastes have been

extensively studied as a biosorbent for the removal of diverse type of pollutants from water

and, found to be the most effective absorbent among several agricultural wastes. This

work will investigate the absorption/adsorption capacity of coir pith towards several heavy

metal cations and anions found in various industrial wastewater samples.


THE USE OF COCONUT COIR PITH IN CLEAN-UP OF HYDROCARBON SPILLS Supervisors: Dr Brian Bicknell, Dr Pre De Silva and Dr Cliff Seery


Environmental clean-up in the aftermath of hydrocarbon spills is a major problem, as demonstrated by events in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Hydrocarbon spills are not limited to large scale disasters. Fuels spills in water bodies (sea, lakes, streams) and on land (roads, pavements, industrial areas etc.) are common occurrences. Small to medium-scale oil spills can, however, have major environmental impacts. The challenge is to implement economically viable and environmentally sustainable clean-up methods in response to these hydrocarbon spills. The most commonly used clean-up method is to use one or more of a variety of chemicals, such as surfactants, to breakdown and disperse the hydrocarbon. The application of these chemicals is limited due to their cost, chemical specificity, toxicity and slow degradation. A cheap, effective, readily available and environmentally sustainable hydrocarbon absorbent is coir pith, a waste produced during the extraction of coir fibre from coconut husk. The chemical and physical properties of this material make it is suitable for absorbing a range of hydrocarbons and it is effective on both aqueous and hard surfaces. Unlike chemical agents, coir pith is organic (biological origin) and non-toxic. It is currently being used as a cleanup material at service stations and other industrial situations on a small scale. However, widespread use of coir pith is hindered by the problem of disposal of the coir pith/hydrocarbon mass. Current research at ACU is establishing a better knowledge of the chemistry behind the absorption ability of coir pith and the potential for bioremediation of the hydrocarbon adsorbed to the coir pith. The project offered in 2012 will build on this research. The main objectives of this project are to:

1. use composting methods to accelerate degradation of hydrocarbons adsorbed to

coir pith

2. evaluate the recycling potential of the used product

3. evaluate the ecotoxicological impact of biodegraded products

Methods used in this project will include:

establishment of small-scale composting piles and monitoring of physico-

chemical parameters during composting

tracking biodegradation of hydrocarbons using GCMS

monitoring of microbial populations and biodegradation genes, using molecular

methods such as DNA/RNA extraction; PCR; cloning; sequencing; phylogenetic

analysis; qPCR; TRFLP

ecotoxicological studies of products of composting


AUSTRALIAN PERCEPTIONS OF MARINE MAMMALS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

SUPERVISOR: Assoc Prof Vaughan Monamy


Australia has a diverse marine mammal fauna with responsibility for the management of

species from three Orders; the Cetaceans, the Pinnipeds and Sirenia. Marine mammals

appear to have strong popular support but their on-going management remains

problematical. Recent controversies involving coastal development and habitat use by

Dugongs in north Queensland, and the issue of effectively marking Elephant Seals for long-

term scientific studies on Macquarie island are examples where the interests of human and

non-human beings conflict. Similarly, a growing whale and dolphin-watching industry may

have its own problems associated with directly interfering with the behaviours of free-

living Cetaceans. Such examples of economic and ethical conflict together with continuing

to cater for a perceived public need all serve to emphasise the importance of

understanding Australian attitudes to marine mammals.

This project seeks to document attitudes to Australian marine mammals across age,

gender, ethnic background and educational opportunities using accepted public survey

techniques.

Specifically, attitudes to the following will be assessed:

Consumptive uses of marine mammals by Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders,

Non-consumptive uses (in aquaria and whale/dolphin watching)

Conflicts between marine mammals and commercial fishing operations,

Social and economic development impacts on marine mammals,

Government programs, including scientific research,

International obligations and marine sanctuaries.

References

Anderson, P. (2001) Marine mammals in the next one hundred years: Twilight for a

Pleistocene megafauna? Journal of Mammalogy 82: 623-629.

Kellert, S. R. (1999) American Perceptions of Marine Mammals and their Management.

(Yale University, USA.) 293 pp.

Monamy, V. (2007) Editorial: Hot iron branding of seals and sea lions: why the ban will

remain. Australian Veterinary Journal 85: 485-486.


SURFACE ELEVATION TRENDS IN SE AUSTRALIAN WETLANDS

SUPERVISORS: Adj. Prof. Neil Saintilan, OEH Dr Kerrylee Rogers, OEH and Assoc.

Prof. Vaughan Monamy, School of Arts and Sciences, ACU

The distribution of tidal saline wetlands (e.g., saltmarsh and mangroves) is increasingly

impacted by global environmental change, including human alteration of the world’s coasts

and sea-level rise. Rates of saltmarsh and mangrove loss appear to be accelerating. A

better understanding of wetland accretionary dynamics, controls, constraints and, in

particular, responses to sea-level rise is required to inform the maintenance and

restoration of these systems.

Over the past century, rates of sea-level rise on the Australian east coast have been low to

moderate by global standards, with the longest data-set (Fort Dennison) indicating an

average rise of 0.86mm yr-1. Even so, this sea-level rise has been implicated in a

widespread, regional incursion of mangroves into adjacent saltmarsh, reversing the longer-

term successional trend of saltmarsh replacing mangrove. The rate of sea-level rise is

predicted to accelerate over the coming century, with coastal wetlands being particularly

impacted due to their sensitivity to levels of tidal inundation.

The project will take measurements of surface elevation and accretion rates from 92

Surface Elevation Tables installed from the Tweed River to Westernport Bay in Victoria. This

will allow an analysis of elevation and accretion trends over a 10-year period since the

installation of these monitoring stations, and the assessment of the extent to which

wetlands have responded to sea-level rise over this period. The data can also be used to

calculate the rate at which carbon sequestered by coastal ecosystems.

References

Rogers K., Saintilan N. and Heijnis H. 2005.Mangrove encroachment of saltmarsh in Westernport

Bay; the role of sedimentation, subsidence and sea-level rise. Estuaries. 28(4)-551-559

Rogers K., Saintilan N. and Cahoon D. 2005. Surface elevation dynamics in a regenerating

mangrove forest, Homebush Bay, Australia. Wetlands Ecology and Management. 13(5)

587-598

Rogers K., Saintilan N. and Wilton K. 2006. Vegetation change and surface elevation dynamics of

the estuarine wetlands of southeast Australia. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science. 66.

559-569.

Relevant Website: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/set/


ARE COASTAL WETLANDS A CARBON SINK?

SUPERVISORS: Adj. Prof. Neil Saintilan, OEH, Dr Kerrylee Rogers, OEH, Dr Brian Bicknell,


Background

Mangrove and saltmarsh are important components of the intertidal zone within the

estuaries of NSW. They provide habitat for fish, crustaceans, insects, waterbirds, bats,

macropods and other fauna; they act to dampen flood waters; and enhance estuarine

water quality. More recently, the role of coastal wetlands in sequestering carbon has come

to the attention of scientists and policy specialists. Mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrasses

are now thought to be amongst the most efficient ecosystems in the world in the capture

and storage of carbon dioxide.

Quantifying the carbon budget in mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass has the potential to

promote the conservation and wise use of these ecosystems, particularly if carbon

sequestration is accounted and renumerated. This project will be the first in Australia to

seek, though a targeted case study, to determine the rate of carbon capture and carbon

loss (through gaseous emissions) in a mangrove/saltmarsh ecosystem in Australia.

The project will use a combination of gas exchange measurements and carbon

accumulation rate data derived from long-term monitoring plots established in the Sydney

region. Surface elevation tables, established in 2001 in Homebush Bay, the Hawkesbury

River and several other estuaries provide a natural field experiment for the assessment of

rates of carbon accumulation in mangrove and saltmarshes.

OEH contribution

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage maintains the SET data set and the network

of SET monitoring sites throughout Southeastern Australia. OEH will provide access to the

SET data set and sites for Homebush Bay and the Hawkesbury River. OEH will also make a

contribution to additional costs associated with fieldwork and provide access to laboratory

facilities at Lidcombe when required.


DO MOSQUITO-CONTROL ACTIVITIES IMPACT INSECTIVOROUS BIRD POPULATIONS?

SUPERVISORS: Dr Cameron Webb (University of Sydney & Westmead Hospital) and

Assoc Prof Vaughan Monamy, School of Arts and Sciences, ACU

Annual activity of mosquito-borne disease in coastal Australia is a public health concern

(Russell & Kay 2004). Current mosquito control activities in coastal NSW and SE QLD target

the saltmarsh mosquito Aedes vigilax, a species closely associated with estuarine wetlands.

Current mosquito control activities in Australia rely on the application of biologically based

larvicides to mosquito habitats to reduce adult population increases and these products

have been shown to have minimal direct non-target impacts when applied at registered

application rates (Russell & Kay 2008). However, there is growing concern regarding the

potential ecological impacts of broadscale mosquito control on those animals that consume

mosquitoes (Poulin et al. 2010). Sydney Olympic Park contains one of the largest estuarine

wetlands in the Sydney region and a mosquito control program is currently in place

targeting Aedes vigilax through the judicious use of the biological larvicide Bacillus

thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) (Webb & Russell 2001). The aim of this study will be to

determine what influence the mosquito control program has had on the relationships

between populations of mosquitoes and insectivorous bird populations using previously

collected mosquito and bird data from the Sydney Olympic Park Authority. The

methodology will involve statistical analysis of mosquito and bird population data as well as

meteorological data from the study site over the past 5-10 years. In addition, there may be

opportunities to undertake specific mosquito and bird sampling to better understand the

relationships between mosquitoes and birds, as well as their management, at Sydney

Olympic Park.

References

Poulin B., Lefebvre G. & Paz L. (2010) Red flag for green spray: adverse trophic effects of Bti

on breeding birds. Journal of Applied Ecology 47: 884–889.

Russell R.C. & Kay B.H. (2004) Medical Entomology: changes in the spectrum of mosquito-

borne disease in Australia and other vector threats and risks, 1972-2004. Australian

Journal of Entomology 43: 271-282.

Russell T. & Kay B.H. (2008) Biologically based insecticides for the control of immature

Australian mosquitoes: a review. Australian Journal of Entomology 47: 232–242.

Webb C.E. & Russell R.C. (2001) Do we spray? Did it work? Indices for control of Aedes

vigilax larvae in Homebush Bay. Arbovirus Research in Australia 8: 387-390.


INVESTIGATING COMBINED EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLLUTION AT DIFFERENT SCALES OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANISATION USING THE SEA URCHIN Heliocidaris tuberculata

SUPERVISOR: Dr Cliff Seery


Global climate change is predicted to result in warmer and more acidified oceans. Recent

work in Dr Seery’s lab has shown that such changes in coastal waters can synergistically

interact with copper pollution to greatly reduce the germination success of the sea urchin

Heliocidaris tuberculata.

Further research is required to:

1/ evaluate the significance of this finding with regard to higher-level effects, such as

population dynamics of Heliocidaris tuberculata. That is, will decreased germination levels

lead to reduced recruitment? And,

2/ investigate the mechanisms by which increased temperature and copper pollution

interact to synergistically reduce germination success. That is, what is the physiological

explanation of higher temperatures and copper pollution inhibiting germination?

The project will involve high-level chemistry and ecotoxicology concepts/techniques, as

well as the use of multivariate statistics and complex analyses. All work will be completed in

the lab under strict OHS standards and the student should anticipate frequent out-of-hours

work (such as early morning collections and weekend lab sessions).


IMPACTS OF HERBICIDES AND SEDIMENT LOADS TO NEAR-SHORE PHOTOTROPHS

SUPERVISOR: Dr Cliff Seery


Near-shore phototrophs, such as seagrass and macroalgae, hold significance both

ecologically and economically. These important habitats are frequently exposed to

herbicides and sediment loads entering aquatic systems as a result of land management

practices. This project will address the following questions:

Are current land management practices, which lead to high sediment and herbicide

loads entering estuarine systems via rivers, affecting near-shore communities of

seagrass and macroalgae?

Given that herbicides are only effective under actinic conditions, is the shading

afforded by high sediment loads in fact protecting seagrass and macroalgae from

herbicide impacts?

Methods for the project will include use of established, standardised laboratory bioassays

to assess the impacts of herbicides to seagrass and macroalgae, respectively. These

bioassays will then be performed under different levels of shading (to mimic that provided

by sediment loads) to determine whether shading does in fact offer protection from

herbicides.

The project will involve high-level chemistry and ecotoxicology concepts/techniques, as

well as the use of multivariate statistics and complex analyses. All work will be completed in

the lab under strict OHS standards and the student should anticipate frequent out-of-hours

work (such as early morning collections and weekend lab sessions).


DO PLANT TRAITS INFLUENCE SUCCESS OF VEGETATION RESTORATION?

SUPERVISOR: Dr Jennifer Taylor


Wildlife conservation in many areas is now dependent on restoration or regeneration of

native vegetation following anthropogenic disturbances such as mining, agriculture and

urban encroachment. However, studies show that restored areas differ in plant species

composition to the original vegetation with some plant species failing to re-establish even

with the most sophisticated restoration.

There are few long-term studies of restored areas in Australia as large-scale restoration

attempts are relatively recent. Thus, it is not known whether differences in species

composition persist. There is also very little information about the characteristics of species

that do not re-establish. If species that fail to re-establish share common traits then we

may be able to predict which species in a given area may not re-establish. Being able to

predict which plant species will not re-colonise would allow these species to be targeted

during restoration or allow us to explore management techniques to assist in their re-

establishment.

This project will use areas that have been regenerating for >30 years after mining to examine some or all of the following:

1. Determine how species composition differs from original vegetation after a long period

of regeneration.

2. Determine whether species that have failed to re-establish share life-history traits that

might allow us to predict whether a plant species will establish or not following

vegetation restoration in other areas.

3. Examine whether a subsequent, more natural disturbance by fire facilitates re-

colonisation by the plants that failed to establish with active restoration and long-term

regeneration.


UNDERSTANDING FINE-SCALE DISTRIBUTION OF A DOMINANT MID-STOREY SHRUB,

WILGA (GEIJERA PARVIFLORA) IN SEMI-ARID WOODLANDS

SUPERVISORS: Dr Jennifer Taylor


and

Murray Ellis

Population Analysis and Modelling Unit,

Biodiversity Conservation Science Section,

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

The semi-arid woodlands of central-western New South Wales have been extensively

cleared for agriculture. The remaining woodlands are highly fragmented and home to many

threatened species of flora and fauna. Many aspects of the ecology of these woodlands are

poorly understood, even for common and widespread species, and this greatly limits

conservation management.

Wilga (Geijera parviflora) is one of the most common shrub species of these woodlands. It

is important for wildlife habitat and as a shelter and fodder plant for livestock. It is also

likely to influence woodland stand structure. Despite this, little is known of its ecology.

A common observation is that the wilga plants are usually clustered closely around larger

trees. This raises interesting questions about how wilga seeds are dispersed and what

influences germination and plant survival.

This project may involve field work in central-western NSW and could also include a

component of laboratory work. The distribution of wilgas and tree species (eucalypts,

cypress pines and Casuarinas) would be mapped at a fine scale at a number of woodland

sites. The degree of clustering of wilgas with trees generally and with different tree species

in particular, would then be investigated with spatial statistical analysis. The work could

also include some laboratory tests of germination cues and germination success of wilga

seeds.

Wilga are thought to be bird dispersed. The second part of this project might include a

literature search to determine which species have been recorded feeding on wilga seeds

that may act as seed dispersers. The project could also include collecting new field

observations of birds feeding on wilga.

Depending on the initial results and the interests of the student, there could also be scope

to develop and apply simple simulation models of wilga dynamics in a woodland stand and

test the predictions of these models against the field data.


WOODLAND BIRD COMMUNITIES IN RELATION TO VARIATION IN SITE AND LANDSCAPE

CHARACTERISTICS

SUPERVISORS: Dr Jennifer Taylor


and

Murray Ellis

Population Analysis and Modelling Unit,

Biodiversity Conservation Science Section,

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Across Australia many species of woodland bird have declined in abundance over the last

few decades. The reasons for these declines are poorly understood but are linked to

extensive clearing of woodland vegetation for agriculture. Remaining woodlands are highly

fragmented and may fail to meet food, shelter or breeding requirements for many bird

species.

This project aims to explore the relationships between site occupancy by birds and the

characteristics of the sites and the surrounding landscape. The project would be based on

analysis of bird survey data that has been collected over the last six years.

The direction of the project would depend somewhat on the interests of the student but

might include analysis of one or more of the following:

bird species dependent on hollows for breeding

particular bird species listed as threatened under state or federal legislation

bird species recorded as in decline but not listed as threatened

nectar-feeding bird species

co-operative breeding bird species

The project will use a range of analytical techniques and will require use of various

statistical software and GIS software. The project may involve fieldwork in central-western

NSW.


END OF BOOKLET

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