Ecological outcomes of wastewater discharges in contrasting receiving environments [Phase 1 study following National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub Water Quality Scoping Study]

Project Member(s): Doblin, M., Seymour, J.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Sydney Institute of Marine Science Foundation (Sydney Institute of Marine Science)
Sydney Institute of Marine Science Foundation (Sydney Institute of Marine Science)
Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (National Environmental Science Program)
Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (National Environmental Science Program)

Start year: 2022

Summary: Point source discharges introduce a range of contaminants (including nutrients, fecal coliforms, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metals, and debris/microplastics) to estuarine and coastal waters that negatively impact water quality. Given variable residence times of plumes in different receiving environments, it is likely that ecological impacts are mediated by rates of plume dispersion. This study will test the hypothesis that wastewater input to areas of lower mixing and dispersion will have greater evidence of ecological harm, potentially manifest as lower capacity for photosynthesis, changes in microbial population size, shifts in microbial community function, increased oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. This first phase of field investigation will provide key data to help prioritise discharge locations that require management intervention.

FOR Codes: Measurement and assessment of estuarine water quality , Measurement and assessment of marine water quality and condition, Rehabilitation or conservation of coastal or estuarine environments, Land use and environmental planning, Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology), Environmental biogeochemistry