Ecotoxicology Division Case Studies

• Enviromental issues associated with highly saline discharge: Ecotoxicological Testing
  GEOTECH performed an assessment of the discharge of a salt mine to the marine environment. This work was commissioned by a Perth-based environmental consultancy company. The highly saline discharge entered a large bay and the results were used in a model to determine the effects of the discharge on the receiving ecosystem. The bioassays used in this project consisted of: Microtox, 96 hour copepod survival LC50, 72 hour algal growth EC50, 7 day larval fish growth EC50 and a 7 day larval fish survival LC50.
  
• Acid Sulphate Soil Toxicity Assessment: Ecotoxicological Testing
  GEOTECH has performed an assessment of the toxicity of run-off from an acid sulphate site for the Department of Environment. This run-off entered the Swan River so the use of local Western Australian species was required. Tests performed on the run-off included a black bream 7 day larval growth test, a black bream 7 day survival test, a 21 day copepod reproduction test and a Microtox 15 minute bacterial growth EC50. These tests were successfully completed and the report sent to the client within a week of the completion of the tests.
  
• Kwinana Water Recycling Plant: Ecotoxicological Testing
  GEOTECH performed a suite of bioassays to determine the toxicity of the mixture of highly treated waste water and industrial effluent discharged through the Kwinana Water Recycling Plant. Tests performed included: Microtox 15 minute bacterial growth EC50, 72 hour algal growth EC50, 21 day copepod reproduction EC50 and a 7 day larval fish growth EC50. These tests were successfully completed and the report delivered to the client within two weeks of the completion of the tests.