Sources of phosphorus promoting cyanobacteria in subtropical reservoirs (ARC LP0776375 administered through Griffith University) (2008-2011)
Abstract
Blooms of algae, particularly toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are a major water quality problem in Australia. Phosphorus is the nutrient typically responsible for promoting blooms in freshwater reservoirs. This project will provide new knowledge about how changes in reservoir depth and nutrients loads in inflows affect the source and relative magnitude of P in subtropical reservoirs. This knowledge will be used here to predict how key management and environmental changes (eg catchment rehabilitation, increased water offtake, input of nutrient-laden recycled waters, longer droughts, and more extreme rainfall events) will affect phosphorus available for cyanobacteria growth.
