Thesis
The past and present of metal, nutrient, and pesticide pollution in rapidly changing coastal catchments
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.192
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Abstract
This thesis assessed geomorphological processes responsible for environmental contamination in peri-urban catchments of the NSW North Coast. Sediment cores, surface, ground, and irrigation waters were analysed for trace metal(loid)s, pesticides, and radioisotope contents.
210Pb dating of sediments identified expansion of peri-urban land use caused increased sedimentation in and contamination of estuary sediments throughout the region. Flood events and irrigation runoff were the drivers of surface water pollution. Groundwaters of an intensely cultivated catchment were highly contaminated.
The emerging pollution trends revealed in this thesis require urgent intervention, given the ecologically invaluable Solitary Islands Marine Park downstream of some investigated catchments.
Details
- Title
- The past and present of metal, nutrient, and pesticide pollution in rapidly changing coastal catchments
- Creators
- Stephen R Conrad
- Contributors
- Christian Sanders (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityIsaac R Santos (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 211
- Identifiers
- 991012999498802368
- Copyright
- © SR Conrad 2022
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Resource Type
- Thesis