Ecotoxicology and Industrial Waters Programme

Aims

The Ecotoxicology and Industrial Waters Programme aims to support the mission of the Centre for Environmental Management, in particular to understand the sources, fate, and impacts of key pollutants (eg algal toxins, metals, petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides) on the health of ecosystems; to develop strategic partnerships and collaborations in the field of ecotoxicology; and to provide scientific expertise to industry and the general community relating to the sustainable management of the environment.

Specific Objectives

The Program's objectives include:

• To identify key areas for investigation through continuing dialogue with the government, industry and community stakeholders;
• To develop collaborative projects which address ecotoxicological research questions emerging from consultations with stakeholders;
• To undertake basic research and other activities to support and strengthen the program, including:
• Developing assay techniques for application to site-specific studies in freshwaters, marine waters and sediments;
• Culturing local species suitable for bioassays and related studies;
• Developing biomonitoring and bio-analytical techniques for rapid toxicity screening, determination of bioavailability and pollutant speciation;
• Investigating the suitability of biomarkers to assess organism health in order to detect environmental harm
• To offer technical services in these areas;
• To undertake projects which support postgraduate and Honours research;
• To disseminate research findings through publication in internationally recognised journals, conference presentations, news reports and the like;
• To conduct training programs and symposia to develop and enhance skills and expertise of researchers, staff, and other interested members of the general community;
• To develop strategic linkages with other Australian and international ecotox groups, and collaborative projects to help enhance the reputation of the Centre.

Principal members of this programme are Dr Vicky Vicente-Beckett, Associate Professor Steve McKillup, Associate Professor Larelle Fabbro and Professor Rob Reed who operate from the Centre's laboratories in Rockhampton and Dr Scott Wilson who maintains ecotoxicology laboratories at the Environmental Management Building in Gladstone.

Contact

Programme Leader - Associate Professor Larelle Fabbro,  l.fabbro@cqu.edu.au