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Transcript of RESEARCH PROJECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE...
RESEARCH PROJECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2012
For Honours and Postgraduate Students
North Sydney Campus (MacKillop)
Sch
ool o
f A
rts
& S
cience
s (N
SW
)
RESEARCH PROJECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2012
For Honours and Postgraduate Students
North Sydney Campus (MacKillop)
Cover photo. © Photographer, Susan Payne.
Australian Catholic University Ltd
40 Edward Street
NORTH SYDNEY 2060
ABN 15 050 192 660
CRICOS Registration 00004G, 00112C, 00873F, 00885B
Printed at the Campus Printery
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 5
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 6
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 7
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 8
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 9
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 10
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 11
ABOUT THE SUPERVISORS
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 12
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 13
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 14
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 15
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 16
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 17
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 19
MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF COMMON SCAVENGER BIRDS AND THEIR POTENTIAL
TO TRANSMIT HUMAN DISEASE
SUPERVISORS: Dr Brian Bicknell and Assoc Prof Vaughan Monamy
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 20
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).
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 21
CO2 MINERAL SEQUESTRATION BY AQUEOUS MINERAL CARBONATION
Supervisor: Dr Pre De Silva
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 22
USE OF COIR PITH IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Supervisor: Dr Pre De Silva
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 23
THE USE OF COCONUT COIR PITH IN CLEAN-UP OF HYDROCARBON SPILLS Supervisors: Dr Brian Bicknell, Dr Pre De Silva and Dr Cliff Seery
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 24
AUSTRALIAN PERCEPTIONS OF MARINE MAMMALS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
SUPERVISOR: Assoc Prof Vaughan Monamy
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 25
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/
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 26
ARE COASTAL WETLANDS A CARBON SINK?
SUPERVISORS: Adj. Prof. Neil Saintilan, OEH, Dr Kerrylee Rogers, OEH, Dr Brian Bicknell,
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 27
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 28
INVESTIGATING COMBINED EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLLUTION AT DIFFERENT SCALES OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANISATION USING THE SEA URCHIN Heliocidaris tuberculata
SUPERVISOR: Dr Cliff Seery
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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).
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 29
IMPACTS OF HERBICIDES AND SEDIMENT LOADS TO NEAR-SHORE PHOTOTROPHS
SUPERVISOR: Dr Cliff Seery
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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).
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 30
DO PLANT TRAITS INFLUENCE SUCCESS OF VEGETATION RESTORATION?
SUPERVISOR: Dr Jennifer Taylor
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 31
UNDERSTANDING FINE-SCALE DISTRIBUTION OF A DOMINANT MID-STOREY SHRUB,
WILGA (GEIJERA PARVIFLORA) IN SEMI-ARID WOODLANDS
SUPERVISORS: Dr Jennifer Taylor
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 32
WOODLAND BIRD COMMUNITIES IN RELATION TO VARIATION IN SITE AND LANDSCAPE
CHARACTERISTICS
SUPERVISORS: Dr Jennifer Taylor
School of Arts and Sciences, ACU
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.
Honours Projects/School of Arts & Sciences (NSW), Australian Catholic University - 2012 33
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