Water Pollution

Our scientists are working with industry, regulators and the community in the search for solutions to our mounting air, land and water pollution problems.

CSIRO is committed to the challenge of using science, combined with community and industry knowledge, to make sure that our ecosystems are sustainable for the long term prosperity of Australia.

The international science community must devote more resources to research into the effects climate change is having on ocean environments, according to a paper published today in the journal Science by researchers at CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation National Research Flagship.

Fluctuations in sea-surface temperatures to the north of Australia and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns over the sub-tropical Indian Ocean have been identified as key factors leading to declining rainfalls in south-eastern Australia since 1950.

Discovery presents a public seminar from Visiting Fellow Dr Gene Likens, whose groundbreaking work led to the discovery of acid rain.

Scientists from CSIRO Land and Water will be participating in a free seminar on bioremediation.

The Water for a Healthy Country Flagship has been working in the Great Barrier Reef catchment to improve water quality, wetland integrity and fisheries while enhancing agricultural productivity.

The Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research brings together CSIRO’s extensive expertise in research into the contamination of waters, sediments and soils.

CSIRO supports sound policy and informed decision-making by understanding of the science of contaminants. Tools and models created by CSIRO assist pesticide users and regulators to make informed decisions.

CSIRO’s expertise is advancing the understanding of contaminant dynamics in landscape systems by developing and applying novel molecular and spectroscopic techniques.

Scientists from the CSIRO and the University of Queensland have called for a bigger research effort into the impact of climate change on marine species, outraged that research into the oceans has received far less Government funding than the examination of climate change on terrestrial species. (5.30)

After developing a manufacturing process for making wool blend air filters and seeing his work applied in commercial products, Dr Jürg Schütz is now investigating filters containing carbon nanotubes.

Dr Batley's expertise is in the area of the analytical and environmental chemistry of trace contaminants in natural water systems.

An overview of CSIRO Entomology’s enzymatic research on the bioremediation of contaminated soil and water, enhanced fossil fuel recovery and the development of synthetic enzymes. (2 pages)

The October 2008 issue shows how CSIRO is collaborating with research partners to maintain our scientific edge and help Australia's minerals industry maintain its competitive edge. (12 pages)

A factsheet detailing the 2007 data for the Global Carbon Project, a joint international project on the global carbon cycle.