As part of the CLLMM Recovery Project acid sulfate soils research is being undertaken to better understand acid sulfate soils and their impacts to inform management of the CLLMM site for variable lake levels and if low inflows return.

Research questions include:

  • What are the major processes related to the formation of acid sulfate soils in the CLLMM region?
  • How does acidification affect key aquatic organisms?
  • What are the rates of recovery of acidic sediments and what is driving recovery?
  • What are the minimum water levels required to protect key species?

Several long term research projects that include field work, laboratory work and computer-driven modelling have been instigated to address these and other related questions.

During 2013/14, research was undertaken in the Lower Lakes to further fill critical knowledge gaps about acid sulfate soils to inform management. This research focused on:

  • the toxicological and synergistic effects of acidification on key aquatic organisms, focusing on metal bioaccumulation
  • determining the rates of recovery of acidic sediments and what is driving recovery in different sediment types and locations
  • the medium and longer term consequences of different bioremediation techniques/processes.

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

2009/10

For more information about acid sulfate soils in the Coorong and Lower Lakes, download the report 'Ecological consequences of managing water levels to prevent acidification in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert':

Further resources