Bioaccumulation is the sub-lethal accumulation of toxic substances in the tissue of aquatic organisms over time. The use of bioaccumulators is a well recognised approach to monitoring aquatic environments and has been used extensively internationally, including programs run by government agencies. In Australia the technique is underutilised, probably because a lack of suitably skilled practitioners results in the use of more conservative techniques.

 

Measuring toxin concentrations in bioaccumulators has the advantage that it picks up short-term “pulses” in pollutant loads, or long-term low level contamination. These are missed by water quality programs other than those that utilise very expensive automated sampling equipment. Bioaccumulation studies also address another shortcoming of water quality programs – they tell us for certain how pollutant loads are impacting on aquatic organisms and whether there is a human health risk associated with eating aquatic organisms from a particular site.

 

Aquateco boasts significant experience in the field of environmental chemistry and bioaccumulation.

 

We have either led or significantly contributed to the following projects:

 

• Metal Retention Efficiency Following Maturation of Aquatic Vegetation: Tasmania.

• Shellfish Bioaccumulation  near Industrial Facilities: Northern Tasmanian estuary system.

• Ongoing Monitoring of Acid Sulphate Soil Impacts on Shellfish and Estuarine Ecology: Northern NSW Estuary system.  

• Impacts of Industrial Runoff on Marine Ecosystems: Botany Bay, Sydney.

 

Interpretation of the results of bioaccumulation studies requires an excellent understanding of ecological statistics and significant specialist expertise. Underpinning a successful project is thorough statistical design. Professionally designed and implemented bioaccumulation studies are a very powerful tool for aquatic ecosystem managers.