Speciation, bioavailability and toxicity of contaminants
It
is now commonly accepted that total contaminant concentration is a poor
indicator of toxicity.
CERAR has a range of research projects that study the bioavailability,
speciation and toxicity of contaminants in soil, food and water.
- Contaminant speciation in soil, water and food
- Terrestrial ecotoxicity
- Plant contaminant uptake and phytotoxicity
Contaminant speciation in soil, water and food
The project focuses on development of sensitive methods of analysis
for soil, water and food where the current methods are inadequate to
measure the concentrations of contaminants at which adverse effects have
been observed.
Current projects include separation and speciation of the common and
more toxic inorganic contaminants (arsenic, cadmium, chromium,
selenium), and recalcitrant organic (PAHs, organochlorines) contaminants
and the bioavailability of the different contaminant species.
Researchers
Dr Zuliang Chen, Kazi Akter (PhD fellow), Professor Ravi Naidu
For further information on
this research project contact Dr Zuliang
Chen
Terrestrial ecotoxicity
The major focus of this project is development of innovative ecotoxicological tests that provide reliable, rapid and cost-effective tool for obtaining information on soil toxicity and the risk to biological organisms. Interpretation of data from these tests is an important aspect of the work, with the objective being to provide guidance as to the toxicity level of the contaminants present and the need for remediation of the contaminated site.
Researchers
Dr Megharaj Mallavarapu, Dr Zuliang Chen, Professor Ravi Naidu
For further information on
this research project contact Dr
Megharaj Mallavarapu
Plant contaminant uptake and phytotoxicity
This research project addresses current difficulties with the phytotoxicity guidelines, implications to contaminated site assessment and rehabilitation. In collaboration with regulators and industry participants the project aims to develop more reliable indices for metal phytotoxicity to native vegetation and back yard gardens commonly grown in Australia.
Researchers
Dr Megharaj Mallavarapu, Professor Ravi Naidu, Dr Euan Smith, Dr Gary Owens
For further information on
this research project contact Dr
Megharaj Mallavarapu