Project Title
Factors affecting germination, growth and toxicity of Nodularia species in the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
The focus of this PhD research is on the physiology of the blue-green algal species Nodularia spumigena that forms blooms within the Gippsland Lakes. There has been a long history of algal blooms within the lakes system, however of late there has been an apparent increase in the frequency, intensity and geographical distribution of these algal blooms within the lakes.
Algal blooms, although a natural phenomenon, pose significant threats to public health and economic well being of the Gippsland region as they produce potent toxins and unsightly and smelly scums. The occurrence of large algal blooms in the lakes has led to deleterious impacts upon the tourism industry of the Gippsland Lakes, closure of water supplies and contamination of commercially fished shellfish.
A key component to this research is to try to understand the processes leading to the germination and growth of these toxic algal blooms. Specifically effects of salinity, nutrients and light to germination, growth, toxicity, photosynthesis, macromolecular composition and akinete formation will be investigated This research is of major importance to aquaculture and would provide resource managers with valuable information regarding health risks posed by algal blooms.
Supervisors
Professor John Beardall, Dr Leanne Gunthorpe (PIRVIC Queenscliff) and Dr Graeme Allinson (PIRVIC Queenscliff)
See also
Beardall Lab
St Kilda Penguins
Phillip Island Nature Park
