Dr Jane Chambers

Room: PhSc/3.040

Research

Wetland ecology and rehabilitation: aquatic plants, wetland creation, nutrient dynamics, wetland management

Projects

Project funded by the Water Corporation:
1. Utilising wastewater to develop functional wetland ecosytems at Capel Wetlands Centre.

Development of wetland ecosystems at the Capel Wetlands Centre has been limited by the availability of phosphorus. It is proposed that addition of effluent from the Capel Wastewater Treatment Plant be used to rectify this imbalance. Water Corporation are proposing to add wastewater to the Capel Wetlands System to tertiary treat the water before release to the natural environment. Prior to addition of the wastewater it is necessary to characterise the wetlands to ascertain their suitability for wastewater introduction. The project may encompass assessment of current nutrient status and limitations in water, sediment and plants, identification of potential acid sulphate soils, sediment nutrient uptake and macrophyte distribution.

Project funded by Geocatch:
2. Restoration of submerged macrophytes in the Vasse River, Busselton

A selection submerged aquatic plant species have been established over the spring and summer growing season of 2006/07 to demonstrate which species might be suitable for restoration in the Lower Vasse River. This project would ascertain the rate of growth of these species and and identify any barriers to establishment success (excess nutrients, lack of light, competition by algae), with an aim to provide management recommendations for restoration of the Vasse River.

3. Techniques for restoration of submerged macrophytes.

This project will assess the feasibility of using matting (carpet underlay or coir) in which propagules of submerged aquatic plants have been embedded to promote successful establishment. This is of interest to the Water Corporation (at Capel Wetlands Centre - see project above), Geocatch and the Department of Environment and Conservation in the Vasse River near Busselton. Frequently eutrophic systems have a soft flocculent sediment which does not allow plants to obtain attachment. This is true also at Capel Wetlands Centre which is underlain by a soft slurry following mining operations.  In rivers, flow often uproots juvenile plants before they become established. This technique could be a boon to many restoration projects.

Project funded by Swan River Trust, Department of Water and Geocatch:
4. The importance of the interactions of fish, macroinvertebrates and aquatic plants in the occurrence of algal blooms in the lower Vasse and Canning Rivers.

This project is designed to investigate the relationship between fish and herbivorous macro-invertebrates (Daphnia) on macrophyte and algal biomass. Apart from their competitive utilisation of nutrients, macrophytes control algal blooms by providing a habitat for herbivorous macroinvertebrates, sheltering them from predators. This trial will investigate the relative impact of the presence of Daphnia and Gambusia on the biomass and productivity of algae (measured as the chlorophyll a concentration of the water column) and the macrophyte, Vallisneria americana.

5. The role of aquatic plants in the nutrient dynamics and oxygenation of Liege St wetland.

Aquatic plants play a vital role in the functioning of this stormwater treatment wetland. However after a year of operation there are some queries as to its effectiveness and whether this might be improved. This project seeks to identify the functionality of macrophyte component and its role and nutrient uptake eg How long do the plants need to establish before the plants achieve nutrient stripping functionality? Are some species better than others? Can oxygenation of the system be improved using different plants? Should some plants be harvested?

Project funded by the Avon Catchment Council and the Department of Water:
6. Control of the noxious weed Juncus acutus

Spiny rush (Juncus acutus) is a noxious weed in some areas of the wheatbelt. It is able to tolerate low nutrient environments and its rapid, dense growth can eliminate all other vegetation and create impenetrable stands preventing human and stock access to water. The rush is not readily eaten by grazing animals so areas covered in the plant represent a loss of grazing area. This project will assess potential control methods and make recommendatiosn on the most effective method(s) for the wheatbelt.

Other projects may become available by the end of the year please contact Dr Jane Chambers for details.

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