B Science Land and Water Management (Hons)
Contact details for Mr Ben Woodward b.woodward@griffith.edu.au
Thesis
Organic carbon dynamics in wetted terrestrial environments, transformations and delivery to the Gwydir and Namoi lowland rivers and implications of microbial communities.
Description
This study focuses on the role of wetting and transportation of organic matter may play in changing microbial community growth and structure. It proposes that flow rules that increase the frequency and magnitude of high flows will increase the wetting and transportation of terrestrial organic matter. Dissolved organic carbon is needed in aquatic and terrestrial systems as it supports the food chain through stimulating bacterial growth. Bacterial play a large role in the biogeochemical functioning of rivers, thus changes to their community structure thought the mobilisation of Dissolved organic carbon may have consequences for downstream aquatic environments. This study aims to quantify the mobilisation of Dissolved organic carbon from the wetting of terrestrial environments and monitor its effects upon the microbial community.
Supervisors
- Dr Fran Sheldon
- Asso. Professor Michele Buford
Research expertise
- Nutrient cycling
- Riparian zones
- Biogeochemical cycling