B Science in Ecology and Conservation Biology, M Environmental Management (Hons)
Contact details for Ms Iris Tsoi i.tsoi@griffith.edu.au
Thesis
The structure and functions of benthic algae in subtropical Australian riverine systems
Description
Benthic algae are important primary producers providing both structural (ie community structure, richness, diversity, biomass and chemical contents) and functional (ie metabolism and nutrient cycling) roles in riverine ecosystems. The overall objective of this study is to examine the structure and functions of benthic algae community across a range of sites with different hydrological and physicochemical conditions in South-eastern Queensland. In particular, this study seeks 1) to understand the relative importance of enviromental drivers (ie flow, ambient nutrient concentration and light) on the benthic algal community, and to examine the sensitivity of different structural and functional responses to those drivers; and 2) to establish links between structural and functional attributes of benthic algae communities.
Supervisors
- Dr Fran Sheldon
- Dr Wade Hadwen
Research Expertise
- River ecology
- Ecological stoichiometry
- Benthic algae ecology
Publications
- Tsoi, W. Y., Hadwen, L.L., Fellows, C.S. (2011) Spatial and temporal variation in the ecological stoichiometry of aquatic organisms in an urben catchment. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 30(2): 533-545.