Project Description
Mass transfer across the sediment water interface (SWI) can exert a controlling influence on the water quality of aquatic ecosystems (such as the Swan River Estuary) as sediment interstitial fluid can contain high levels of dissolved nutrients, contaminants and oxygen demand. The purpose of this research project is to determine the influence of the sediment composition on mass flux from Swan River sediments. This research project will utilise a novel methodology to characterise the near-bed flow, quantify rates of hyporheic exchange, and understand the sensitivity of both to ambient flow and sediment characteristics.
Dr Marco Ghisalberti, Oceans Graduate School