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Environmental Water Quality

LWSC3005

The unit of study will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the main water quality problems in Australia, related limnological issues and the underlying causes and processes. The unit builds on knowledge gained in LWSC2002, AGCH2003 and GEOG2321. The study program commences with a field trip module to the productive Macquarie and Namoi Valleys, where irrigated agriculture has been developed. Environmental impacts of agricultural enterprises such as irrigation farming and human settlements on water environments will be assessed. Field observations on pH, nutrient level, salt content, pesticide contamination, and microbial content in aquatic environments will be made with samples returned for more detailed laboratory analysis at the University. The unit will also investigate sources and dynamic of pollutants in receiving water, sediment-nutrient interaction and pollution control strategies. The unit will cover aspects of freshwater ecology with particular emphasis on wetlands ecosystem, riparian vegetation, phytoplankton communities and cyanobacteria.

Unit of study details

Unit of study level: Senior

Credit points: 6

Commencing semesters: 2

Further unit of study information

Unit of study handbook: LWSC3005

Costs and scholarships information: Costs and Scholarships

Final dates to withdraw from units of study: Census Dates

Available for study abroad and exchange: Yes

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