Statistical analysis of temporal trends in nutrient and sediment concentrations and loads

Theme: Environmental Management

Description: 

The Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program (GBRCLMP) has been collecting pesticide concentration data between 2009 and 2021 and nutrient concentration data since 2006. To date, temporal trends have been estimated using very complex source catchment models. But with so much monitoring data it is possible to use this data to determine whether concentrations have changed over time.

To date, analysis for changes in concentration over time (temporal trend analysis) has only been conducted for pesticides. Despite significant investments targeted at reducing sediment and nitrogen in runoff from agriculture, no trend analyses have been conducted using the monitoring data. This project will determine whether the efforts/investments of the Australian and Queensland governments to improve land management practices and hence water quality have been successful.

Additional Information: 

The Michael St John Warne (1962 – 2024) Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Reef Catchments Science Partnership in the School of the Environment. The purpose of the scholarship is to support UQ honours students. Up to three (3) scholarships will be awarded. Each scholarship is worth $5,000 (half paid in February 2026 and half paid on submission of thesis). A top up writing scholarship of $1,000 is available to publish one (1) journal paper from your thesis research after submission.
See https://environment.uq.edu.au/michael-st-john-warne-memorial-scholarship for more information or email rcsp.info@uq.edu.au

Contact: Assoc. Prof. Ryan Turner