The Contaminant Dynamics Research Group investigates the processes affecting contaminant fluxes into shallow waterbodies, the subsequent distribution of the contaminants through the water column and sediments, and the impact of those contaminants on ecosystem health.

We aim to use our knowledge of the fate and transport of contaminants to develop remediation tools, both physical and chemical, for contaminated waterbodies. We also aim to use our knowledge of aquatic chemical processes and their interactions with physical and biological processes to collaboratively develop numerical tools for future planning and management of waterbodies.

The Contaminant Dynamics Research Group was established in 1994 on the appointment of Professor Carolyn Oldham as a lecturer at the Centre for Water Research (CWR). Professor Oldham has a strong interdisciplinary background covering chemical, physical and biological processes in aquatic systems. Since 1995, 18 honours students, two master's students, two PhD students and one postdoctoral fellow have contributed to contaminant research at CWR.

Field investigations undertaken by our group have revealed two key issues that appear to have a fundamental impact on contaminant dynamics at all sites: firstly, the added complexity caused by high concentrations of dissolved organic matter; secondly, the ambiguity of transport mechanisms across the sediment-water interface.

Our recognition of both issues has led to laboratory investigations of the relevant chemical and physical processes. We anticipate that such laboratory-based research will ultimately lead to improved numerical models of chemical cycling in waterbodies.

1. Future plans
2. Current projects
3. Catchment
4. Estuaries and coastal seas
5. Lakes and wetlands

Future plans

Over the next 10 years, specific research objectives include:

1. investigation of the physical and chemical mechanisms controlling contaminant exchange across the sediment-water interface
2. investigation of the processes controlling the impact of contaminants on ecological function.

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Current projects

• Turbulent mixing in flows over submerged vegetation.
• Groundwater nitrogen inputs to Cockburn Sound – KICQuantifying the groundwater inputs to Cockburn Sound using radioisotope techniques.
• SRFMe Scholarship and project – A. Loveless.
• The application of inverse methods for resolving velocity, density and mixing fields in lakes and estuaries.

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Catchment

Objective

• To investigate the relative importance of transport versus biogeochemical cycling in controlling nutrient and contaminant export from catchments.
• To investigate biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and contaminants in the near stream zones of catchments.

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Estuaries and coastal seas

Objective

• To investgiate the relative importance of transport versus biogeochemical cycling in controlling nutrient and contaminant fate in estuaries and coastal waters.
• To investigate the interactions between groundwater and seawater and how this impacts on groundwater nutrient discharge to coastal waters.

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Lakes and wetlands

Objective

• To investgiate the relative importance of transport versus biogeochemical cycling in controlling nutrient and contaminant fate in lakes and wetlands.
• To investigate the interactions between groundwater and freshwater systems and how this impacts on nutrient and contaminant cycling.

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