Overview

Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are under threat worldwide from contaminants released through human activities such as mining, agriculture, and urban and industrial development.

This has led to increasing community expectation that we protect our valuable ecosystem resources through the sound management and regulation of contaminant issues.

The Contaminant Chemistry and Ecotoxicology Research Program is the largest contaminants research group in Australia and provides expert advice and leadership on contaminant issues to national and international government agencies.

Our research characterises the fate, transport and bioavailability of contaminants in landscapes and water bodies, and measures and predicts their ecotoxicological effects on biota in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

When required, we mobilise our capability in response to national emergencies and urgent government needs such as:

• characterising the threat of acid sulfate soils in the Lower Murray
• characterising major chemical spills for industry
• providing expert advice to formal inquiries.

Several national and international drivers focus our research including:

• initiatives such as the European Union’s REACH program and the Global Harmonisation System for chemicals
• UNEP’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)
• the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants
• revisions to the National Environmental Protection Measures for soil
• the National Water Quality Management Strategy
• the revision of Australia and New Zealand’s Water and Sediment Quality Guidelines.

Read more about CSIRO Land and Water.