Amie Anastasi

Research Organisation: Centre for Environmental Management
Field of Research: Environmental Sciences
Supervisor(s): Dr Scott Wilson, Dr Leonie Andersen, Dr Simon Apte
Student Type: Doctor of Philosophy

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Research Details

Thesis Name: Manganese Dynamics and Toxicity in Port Curtis, Queensland

Thesis Abstract:

Port Curtis is the largest multi-cargo port in Queensland and the fifth largest port in Australia. Although a major industrial area, it also supports substantial social/recreational and other commercial values including fishing, boating and tourism activities, being in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. The Port is also home to a variety of marine creatures such as dugongs, turtles and dolphins and has an extensive supporting seagrass and mangrove habitat. Dissolved metals can pose a problem in industrial harbours; however concentrations in Port Curtis are currently below the Australian Water Quality Guidelines (AWQG) for most metals. Elevations of some metals, including manganese, exist in the inner harbour and estuarine areas. The elevations are occasionally coupled with anomalous accumulation of metals in biota.

Why my research is important/Impacts:

Via extensive laboratory testing into manganese toxicity and oxidation rates, my research will ultimately culminate in the determination of an accurate, regionally relevant water quality guideline trigger value for Port Curtis and similar subtropical ecosystems. Manganese toxicity testing studies will be conducted using organisms endemic to the Port Curtis region. A number of endemic organisms representative of different trophic levels across the food chain are required to conform to Australian water quality guidelines and authorities (EPA). Currently in the Port Curtis region and other similar subtropical ecosystems, there is no accurate water quality trigger value for manganese. Water quality trigger values provide a specific level of water quality that, if reached, may adversely affect human health or aquatic life. Due to increasing anthropogenic influences, an accurate trigger value for manganese in the Port Curtis region is required. The data gained from my research will provide us with information to determine a safe manganese concentration for our waterways. The information gathered will contribute to filling knowledge gaps in water quality guidelines (ANZECC/ARMCANZ) in the estuarine subtropics and obtain crucial information used for decision making, government policy and industrial licensing requirements.

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