Potential for Transmission of Antarctic Station Wastewater Derived Microorganisms to Indigenous Macrofauna

Overview

Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.

This project will study the potential for Antarctic station wastewater-derived microorganisms to colonise marine sediments and the gastrointestinal tract of indigenous marine avians and pinnipeds.

Aims

  • Assess and compare occurrence of a spectrum of microorganisms in Antarctic station wastewater, sediments and gastrointestinal tracts of indigenous pinnipeds (seals) and avians (penguins, gulls).
  • Assess and compare efficacy of detection techniques, i.e. direct analysis versus pre-extraction.

Due to operational logistics constraints, wastewater is often discharged un-, or partially-treated into the Antarctic marine environment. As such, wastewater contains microorganisms associated with human sewage, food wastes and other station operations. The Madrid Protocol to the Antarctic treaty specifically prohibits introduction of non-native organisms into Antarctica. Such regulation is designed to minimise risk of negative environmental impact(s) associated with such introductions. Risks include changes to indigenous biotic communities and colonisation of indigenous fauna with microorganisms potentially-pathogenic to indigenous organisms such as avians (penguins, skuas), pinnipeds (seals) and marine macro-invertebrates (molluscs, sponges, etc.)

This project will assess such risk through critical comparison of station-proximal and control sediment, indigenous biota-associated gastrointestinal, and wastewater microbial communities using advanced, targeted community molecular biological techniques. Outcomes will be used to assess colonisation and infection risk, and guide potential associated mitigation strategies, as part of Australian Antarctic Program ISO14001 environmental management system. This applied research will assist Australian and other Antarctic Treaty signatories to assess and comply with international treaty obligations.

References

  • Smith, J.J. and Riddle, M. (2009) Sewage disposal and wildlife health in Antarctica. In: Kerry, K., Riddle, M. (eds.) Health of Antarctic wildlife: A challenge for science and policy. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg. pp. 271-316. (copy available).
Study level
Honours
Supervisors
QUT
Organisational unit

Science and Engineering Faculty

Research area

Biogeoscience

Contact
Please contact the supervisor.