Challenges in applying scientific evidence to width recommendations for riparian management in agricultural Australia
- Authors: Hansen, Birgita , Reich, Paul , Cavagnaro, Timothy , Lake, Philip
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ecological Management and Restoration Vol. 16, no. 1 (2015), p. 50-57
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Intact riparian zones maintain aquatic-terrestrial ecosystem function and ultimately, waterway health. Effective riparian management is a major step towards improving the condition of waterways and usually involves the creation of a 'buffer' by fencing off the stream and planting vegetation. Determination of buffer widths often reflects logistical constraints (e.g. private land ownership, existing infrastructure) of riparian and adjacent areas, rather than relying on rigorous science. We used published information to support riparian width recommendations for waterways in agricultural Victoria, Australia. We focused on different ecological management objectives (e.g. nutrient reduction or erosion control) and scrutinised the applicability of data across different environmental contexts (e.g. adjacent land use or geomorphology). Not surprisingly, the evidence supported variable 'effective' riparian widths, depending on the objective and environmental context. We used this information to develop a framework for determining riparian buffer widths to meet a variety of ecological objectives in south-east Australia. Widths for reducing nutrient inputs to waterways were most strongly supported with quantitative evidence and varied between 20 and 38 m depending on environmental context. The environmental context was inconsistently reported, making it difficult to recommend appropriate widths, under different land-use and physiographic scenarios. The evidence to guide width determination generally had high levels of uncertainty. Despite the considerable amount of published riparian research, there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that implemented widths achieved ecological objectives. We emphasise the need for managers to clearly articulate the objectives of proposed riparian management and carefully consider the environmental context. Monitoring ecological responses associated with different riparian buffer widths is essential to support future management decisions.
Soluble organic components of winery wastewater and implications for reuse
- Authors: Mosse, Kim , Verheyen, Vincent , Cruickshank, Alicia , Patti, Antonio , Cavagnaro, Timothy
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agricultural Water Management Vol. 120, no. (2013), p. 5-10
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sustainable reuse of winery wastewaters (WWW) via land application is of interest given the increasing industrialization of wine production. However, before WWW reuse can become widespread, its chemical composition and consequently its potential long-term impact need to be investigated. In this study, soluble materials in influent and effluent waters from different WWW treatment plants were analyzed at the molecular level using Solid Phase Micro Extraction Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME GC–MS). The analytical focus was on key compound classes with potential for environmental harm, the majority of which were reduced by all treatments considered here. The effluents retained considerable quantities of recalcitrant phenolic compounds, which is of concern due to their potential phytotoxicity and proven resistance to aerobic degradation. This research highlights the importance of understanding the nature of organic material in WWW to ensure sustainable reuse.
Thermochemolysis of winery wastewater particulates-molecular structural implications for water reuse
- Authors: Mosse, Kim , Verheyen, Vincent , Cruickshank, Alicia , Patti, Antonio , Cavagnaro, Timothy
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis Vol. 97, no. 164-170 (2012), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Environmental concerns have increased the interest in winery wastewater remediation and reuse. These practices require more detailed understanding of wastewater composition to ensure optimum usage, and to minimize the risk of long term soil degradation and grape contamination. Particulate organic matter is an important contributor to the carbon burden in winery wastewaters. This article investigates the molecular structure of particulates from the most common winery wastewater treatment processes via infrared spectroscopic and thermochemolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. Study of the organic composition of both influent and effluent particles enabled further insight into which compounds could prove problematic during treatment and on discharge. The yield and molecular structure of desorbed or “guest” compounds were found to strongly correlate with those produced during pyrolytic cracking. These “guest” compounds and macromolecular fragments form a continuum whose separation is based on molecular size. Polyphenolic and lignin derived compounds tended to survive the water treatment processes within assemblages of microbial detritus. No evidence was found for particles adsorbing and concentrating other unrelated organics such as anthropogenic chemicals from winery wastewaters. Any release of particulates will require careful management to prevent localized accumulation of recalcitrant compounds to toxic levels.