Dr Simpson’s primary research areas include the analytical and environmental chemistry of contaminants in aquatic environments.
Current activities
Dr Stuart Simpson is a Principal Research Scientist within the Environmental Biogeochemistry Program, CSIRO Land and Water. His research on the speciation, bioavailability and effects of contaminants in aquatic systems, formerly within the Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, is currently delivered through two flagships - Water for a Healthy Country and Wealth from Oceans.
Dr Simpson’s research is largely in the area of sediment quality assessment, focussing on the quantification of the form (speciation), behaviour (bioavailability), ecotoxicological effects and the development of guidelines for regulating contaminants in sediments.
His primary interest has been the analytical and environmental chemistry, reactivity, fate and processes controlling speciation, bioavailability and effects of metals in sediments.
He has applied his knowledge to environmental assessments encompassing waters (surface and ground water), soils, sediment and biota, particularly in relation to the impacts of proposed or existing industries and mining activities in both fresh water and marine environments.
Research topics of special interest have included:
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sediment quality assessment
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the application and validity of sediment quality criteria used in contaminated site assessment
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development of cause-effect relationships between contaminants on benthic organisms
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development and application of benthic organisms for ecotoxicology tests in sediment quality assessment
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impact of metals from mining operations on aquatic systems
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speciation and bioavailability of heavy metal contaminants in waters and sediments
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mobility and fate of metals in acidic ground waters from industrial and mine-derived sources
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techniques for sampling and ultratrace analysis of metal contaminants in aquatic environments
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speciation and mechanistic modelling of processes relating to metal speciation and bioavailability.
Background
Dr Simpson has more than 15 years research experience in the field of analytical and environment chemistry, sediment and ecotoxicology and environmental effects assessment.
His research on the effects of contaminants in aquatic systems underpins water and sediment quality guidelines and environmental regulation. He has extensive experience in chemistry and ecotoxicology of contaminants in sediments and the application of this knowledge for sediment quality.
Academic qualifications
Dr Simpson is an expert in chemical and ecotoxicological methods and concepts for solving complex environmental assessment issues.
Dr Simpson has been awarded a:
- Bachelor of Science with first class honours from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand in 1993
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, also from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand in 1996.
Achievements
Dr Simpson is the author of more than 45 peer-reviewed research papers in international journals, one handbook, and more than 60 scientific reports on water and sediment quality assessment issues.
In the period 1996-2009, the research papers have been cited over 500 times (according to Science Citation Index 2009).
He has co-supervised seven Doctoral, two Masters and 13 Honours students on sediment and water quality assessment projects.
Dr Simpson has won several awards including:
- Land & Water Australia's Eureka Prize for Water Research, 2006. 'For research towards the development of new guidelines for the responsible management of contaminated sediments in our harbours, estuaries and rivers.'
- CSIRO Medals for Research Achievement Winner, 2006. 'For research advancing the assessment and regulation of contaminants in aquatic sediments, involving revised assessment protocols, new toxicity tests, and improved frameworks, underpinning revised sediment quality guidelines and defensible management actions that are appropriately protective of Australia’s benthic and aquatic ecosystems.'
Professional activities
Dr Simpson is a member of the:
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
- Society of Australian Society of Ecotoxicology (ASE)
- University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Ecotoxicology Course Advisory Committee.
He has also participated as in organisations as:
- Editorial Board Member (Hazard/Risk Assessment), SETAC journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2007-2010
- Steering committee, SETAC Sediment Advisory Group (SEDAG), 2007-2010
- Platform Local Chairperson, Organising Committee, SETAC World Congress Sydney, 2008.
Find out more about Aquatic chemistry and ecotoxicology: assessing risks posed by contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.
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