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Home | Achievements | Partners | Publications Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research Download our brochure (PDF, 2.5 MB) Research News newsletter Dec 2008 13th Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology Conference: 19-23 September 2009 Adelaide, South Australia Director: Simon Apte Our goalThe goal of the Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research Centre (CECR) is to underpin the maintenance and protection of Australia’s land and water resources from contamination, leading to improved national regulations and guidelines which protect human and ecosystem health and allow safe use of chemicals and disposal of wastes. BackgroundEnvironmental contaminants typically comprise trace metals and a cocktail of literally thousands of anthropogenic organic compounds. It is essential for Australia to protect valuable biological resources and the general population against the potential adverse effects of these substances. A multidisciplinary approach to contaminant research is essential if we are to fully evaluate potential risks to the health of the environment and the subsequent impacts on humans – and provide cost-effective management options.
Contaminant issues cost Australian industry billions of dollars per year. For example, the cost of managing acid sulphate soil issues in Queensland alone is approximately $189 million per annum. CECR seeks to characterise the fate and transport of contaminants in landscapes and water bodies, and to measure and predict ecotoxicological effects of contaminants on biota in complex terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Our research assists in responding to national emergencies and urgent government needs such as characterising the threat of acid sulphate soils in the Lower Murray, characterising major chemical spills for industry and providing expert advice to formal government enquiries. Research capabilitiesCECR's research projects are based on capabilities within the following research groups:
Delivering outcomesEnvironmental contaminants research aims to deliver new or improved assessment tools, risk assessment procedures and regulatory frameworks for contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic systems. CECR projects are developing:
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