Study finds 80 toxic algae species in Australian wetland

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 04:38 · Archive

Scientists have identified more than 80 phytoplankton species capable of producing toxins in South Australia's Coorong wetland.

A study drawing on 16 years of water quality data has identified more than 80 phytoplankton species capable of producing toxins in South Australia's Coorong wetland. While samples showed current levels of these species are low overall, researchers warned that poor water management in the Murray Darling Basin could tip the balance and trigger harmful algal blooms.

The Coorong, spanning 140km, is the final destination for Murray River waters and serves as a key indicator of the Murray Darling Basin's health. Changes to natural water flows have put significant pressure on the protected wetland. Barrages built in the 1930s have replaced regular freshwater pulses into the lagoon system, instead controlling nearby lake levels and preventing high salinity moving upstream during low river flows.

Marine biologist Sophie Leterme, who led the study, said major changes in salinity and water level were the primary drivers of abundant phytoplankton communities. Flinders University academic Daniel Chilton noted that 'it's important to document what's actually there because maybe there are some conditions that we haven't seen yet that mean that maybe they could bloom'. He added that the right conditions are needed for certain species to bloom. Scientists warned that more monitoring is needed to predict the next toxic algal bloom.

How it is being reported

• Canary in the Coorong: shedding light on toxic algaeA study into the disruptions to fresh water shoring up in a globally protected wetlands has revealed hidden algae threats looming on the surface.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 04:00
• Canary in the Coorong: shedding light on toxic algaeA study into the disruptions to fresh water shoring up in a globally protected wetlands has revealed hidden algae threats looming on the surface.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 04:00

In this story: Coorong · Murray River · Murray Darling Basin · South Australia · Sophie Leterme · Daniel Chilton · Flinders University

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