Environmental Biogeochemistry

Research Program Leader: Simon Apte

Our research capability

The Environmental Biogeochemistry program brings together into a single unit CSIRO’s extensive expertise in research into the contamination of water, sediments and soils.

The Environmental Biogeochemistry program implements a multi-disciplinary approach to researching contaminants in aquatic, terrestrial and sediment environments.

Our expertise in the contaminant assessment and mitigation field include:

• environmental analysis
• inorganic, organic and environmental chemistry
• biogeochemistry
• ecotoxicology
• ecology
• microbiology
• hydrology
• hydrogeology
• soil science
• numerical modeling
• envirometrics.

Research areas

Our research capability is organised into three distinct areas:

Soil biogeochemistry - Rob Fitzpatrick

The main areas of expertise in this group are:

• Detect and quantify contaminants in the environment
• Anticipate contaminant release
• Predict contaminant transformations

Trace organics and risk assessment - Rai Kookana

The main areas of expertise in this group are:

• Understand the effects of contaminants on biota
• Predict the transport and fate of contaminants
• Assess and control risk

Aquatic Chemistry and Ecotoxicology - Stuart Simpson

The main areas of expertise in this group are:

• Contaminant (metal) speciation and bioavailability in natural waters
• Sediment quality assessment
• Ecotoxicology and microbiology

Who uses our capability?

The program provides research capability primarily to the Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, as well as to projects in other CSIRO divisions and flagships.

Our facilities are located in Lucas Heights, Sydney, New South Wales and Urrbrae, Adelaide, South Australia.

Also read about the Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research.

Related Links

• Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research
• Acid sulfate soils
• Pesticide impact rating index software (PIRI) software
• National Biosolids Research Program
• Fluid Fertilisers in Australia
• Water Quality Research Australia Limited (WQRA) - national research centre established to succeed the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
• Centre for Forensic Soil Science (CAFSS)
• Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship Wealth from Waste
• CRC LEME Geochemical controls of water quality [The CRC finished in 2008 but website resources still relevant]
• Selection of publications, brochures and refereed publications