ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7788-579X
Current Organisation
University of Tasmania Launceston Campus
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Environmental Chemistry (Incl. Atmospheric Chemistry) | Physical Geography | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Spectrometry | Geology | Sedimentology | Chemical Oceanography
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Physical and chemical conditions | Physical and chemical conditions | Estuarine and lagoon areas | Other | Chemical sciences |
Related Links
Publications
The application of lead isotope ratios in the Antarctic macroalga Iridaea cordata as a contaminant monitoring tool
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2009.03.010
Abstract: Lead (Pb) isotope ratios were measured in the marine macroalga Iridaea cordata collected from four locations in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica. Based on the masses of thalli collected, s les analysed in this study were likely to be a mixture of one and two year old thalli. For a s le of thalli of various ages (<12 months to 2 years old) from the same site there was no apparent variation in Pb concentration or Pb isotope ratio with thallus mass/age, indicating that contaminant sources had been constant over the lifetime of the thalli s led. I.cordata s les close to the Thala Valley waste disposal site (Brown Bay Inner) near the Australian Station, Casey, displayed isotopic signatures ((208)Pb/(204)Pb 35.99 (206)Pb/(207)Pb 1.066 n=3 average values shown) trending towards that possessed by major Australian Pb sources (Broken Hill and Mt Isa, (208)Pb/(204)Pb 35.60 (206)Pb/(207)Pb 1.041) suggesting that these s les had been exposed to anthropogenic Pb originating from the Thala Valley waste disposal site. Material collected hundreds of metres from the tip location at Brown Bay Outer had isotopic values ((208)Pb/(204)Pb 36.32 (206)Pb/(207)Pb 1.088 n=10) intermediate between Brown Bay Inner and sites further from the contaminant source at Sparkes Bay and Wilkes ((208)Pb/(204)Pb 36.46 (206)Pb/(207)Pb 1.094 n=4) showing that contaminant transport was predominantly restricted to Brown Bay Inner. This study demonstrates that the isotope ratios of Pb in marine macroalgae can provide valuable information as to the origin and extent of heavy metal flux in a marine environment.
Determining the history and sources of contaminants in the Tamar Estuary, Tasmania, Australia, using 210Pb dating and stable Pb isotope analyses
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1071/EN04011
Abstract: Environmental Context.Dating estuary sediments provides insights into the materials entering the estuary and can pinpoint when the contamination occurred. Heavy metal contamination is a known health risk but attributing it to a source can be contentious. For a s le sourced downstream of a city and a mining region, lead-210 dating and stable lead isotope analyses uncovered the sources of lead inputs. These methods quantified the extent that upstream mining activities and, for the first time, the extent that non-mining inputs (vehicles, industry) contributed to the estuary’s pollution. Abstract.210Pb dating and heavy metal analyses (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) have been combined to establish an historical profile of pollutant levels in sediments in the Tamar Estuary (Tasmania, Australia) over the past century. Heavy metal profiles through the core show a strong correlation with mining activities and industrialization during the past century, reflecting catchment disturbance in one of Australia’s earliest settled areas. A source apportionment of Pb in the sediment core using stable Pb isotope ratios (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb) shows that mine pollution has been contributing 10–25 mg kg–1 to Tamar Estuary sediments since the start of mining in the early 1890s, whilst non-mining inputs were not significant until post-1930 and became increasingly significant post-World War II. Since the 1950s–1960s, non-mining anthropogenic Pb inputs have become as significant as Pb from mining activities, although there does appear to be a decline in non-mining inputs during the past 20 years, which is consistent with findings elsewhere where reductions in atmospheric Pb levels have been observed and are attributed to the phasing-out of leaded gasoline. The source apportionment does, however, suggest that Pb from mine pollution at Storys and Aberfoyle Creeks continues to impact upon upper Tamar Estuary sediment quality.
Marketing an Alternate Model for Science and Mathematics Initial Teacher Education
Publisher: Edith Cowan University
Date: 11-2016
A comparison of an optimised sequential extraction procedure and dilute acid leaching of elements in anoxic sediments, including the effects of oxidation on sediment metal partitioning
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2007.12.016
Abstract: The effect of oxidation of anoxic sediment upon the extraction of 13 elements (Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As) using the optimised Community Bureau of Reference of the European Commission (BCR) sequential extraction procedure and a dilute acid partial extraction procedure (4h, 1 molL(-1) HCl) was investigated. Elements commonly associated with the sulfidic phase, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe exhibited the most significant changes under the BCR sequential extraction procedure. Cd, Cu, Zn, and to a lesser extent Pb, were redistributed into the weak acid extractable fraction upon oxidation of the anoxic sediment and Fe was redistributed into the reducible fraction as expected, but an increase was also observed in the residual Fe. For the HCl partial extraction, sediments with moderate acid volatile sulfide (AVS) levels (1-100 micromolg(-1)) showed no significant difference in element partitioning following oxidation, whilst sediments containing high AVS levels (>100 micromolg(-1)) were significantly different with elevated concentrations of Cu and Sn noted in the partial extract following oxidation of the sediment. Comparison of the labile metals released using the BCR sequential extraction procedure (SigmaSteps 1-3) to labile metals extracted using the dilute HCl partial extraction showed that no method was consistently more aggressive than the other, with the HCl partial extraction extracting more Sn and Sb from the anoxic sediment than the BCR procedure, whilst the BCR procedure extracted more Cr, Co, Cu and As than the HCl extraction.
Effect of Airflow Setting on the Organic Composition of Woodheater Emissions
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-04-2005
DOI: 10.1021/ES0487628
Abstract: Fine particle emissions from woodheaters are large contributors to ambient atmospheric pollution in a number of regional centers in Australia. The health impact of woodsmoke is not limited to the particle loading alone, and a wide range of toxic inorganic and organic compounds are also emitted as gases or adsorbed onto particles. The organic composition of woodsmoke was determined from two heater models operated using different airflow settings. Particle emission factors varied between 3 and 36 g per kg dry wood burned, with higher burn rates (open airflow) producing significantly less particle mass per kg wood burned than the low burn rates (closed airflow). Over 90 organic compounds were quantified from the vapor- and particle-phases, including furans, methoxyphenols, and other substituted aromatics, PAHs, maltols, and the sugar levoglucosan. Emission factors for the majority of the particle-phase compounds increased as the airflow was progressively closed, but decreased for some PAHs and other compounds found predominantly in the vapor-phase. Levoglucosan was the single most abundant compound, contributing 5-16% of the total particle mass. Although there was some variation in levoglucosan emissions between heater models, the fact that levoglucosan emissions vary relatively little between airflow conditions for a given heater provides the potential to use it as a general tracer for woodsmoke. In contrast, the mass fractions of many other particle-phase compounds were considerably higher when operated with a closed airflow.
Lead isotopic signatures in Antarctic marine sediment cores: A comparison between 1 M HCl partial extraction and HF total digestion pre-treatments for discerning anthropogenic inputs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2009.10.014
Abstract: Sensitive analytical techniques are typically required when dealing with s les from Antarctica as even low concentrations of contaminants can have detrimental environmental effects. Magnetic Sector ICP-MS is an ideal technique for environmental assessment as it offers high sensitivity, multi-element capability and the opportunity to determine isotope ratios. Here we consider the Pb isotope record of five marine sediment cores collected from three sites in the Windmill Islands area of East Antarctica: Brown Bay adjacent to the current Australian station Casey, Wilkes near the abandoned US/Australian Station and McGrady Cove lying midway between the two. Two sediment pre-treatment approaches were considered, namely partial extraction with 1M HCl and total dissolution involving HF. Lead isotope ratio measurements made following sediment partial extraction provided a more sensitive indication of Pb contamination than either Pb concentrations alone (irrespective of s le pre-treatment method) or isotope ratios made after HF digestion, offering greater opportunity for discrimination between impacted and natural/geogenic s les and sites. Over 90% of the easily extractable Pb from sediments near Casey was anthropogenic in origin, consisting of Pb from major Australian deposits. At Wilkes impact from discarded batteries with a unique isotopic signature was found to be a key source of Pb contamination to the marine environment with ~70-80% of Pb being anthropogenic in origin. The country and source of origin of these batteries remain unknown. Little evidence was found suggesting contamination at Wilkes by Pb originating from the major US source, Missouri. No definitive assessment could be made regarding Pb impact at McGrady Cove as the collected sediment core was of insufficient depth. Although Pb isotope ratio signatures may indicate anthropogenic input, spatial concentration gradients at nearby Brown Bay suggest contamination at McGrady Cove is unlikely. We recommend Pb isotopic analysis following 1M HCl partial extraction pre-treatment as a powerful and sensitive method for tracing Pb contamination in marine sediments.
Cross Faculty Collaboration in the Development of an Integrated Mathematics and Science Initial Teacher Education Program
Publisher: Edith Cowan University
Date: 07-2019
Fe3+ as a reoxidant for Nafion immobilised palladium(II) catalysts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2000
Levoglucosan as an atmospheric tracer for woodsmoke
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2006
Increased catalytic activity of cationic palladium(II) complexes on immobilisation in Nafion-H+
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1999
A study of metal and metalloid contaminant availability in Antarctic marine sediments
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2006.11.059
Abstract: Previous studies of impacted sites near Casey Station, Antarctica, have revealed elevated concentrations of metals and metalloids, particularly Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sn and Zn in marine sediments. However, attempts to understand the availability and mobility of contaminant elements have not provided a true understanding of speciation. The current work shows, for the first time, that sediments in Brown Bay, an embayment adjacent to the Thala Valley waste disposal site, have elevated concentrations of sulfide, well in excess of that required to bind contaminant metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Furthermore, sediment characterisation using the BCR sequential extraction scheme has shown metal partitioning consistent with sulfides being the controlling factor in metal availability, thus explaining the low porewater concentrations of these metals. The speciation of Sn in Brown Bay, however, is still unclear with the BCR sequential extraction scheme partitioning Sn predominantly into the residual fraction despite Sn being readily extracted by dilute HCl.
Direct colorimetric detection of copper(II) ions in sampling using diffusive gradients in thin-films
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2009.12.041
Abstract: A novel binding phase was developed for use in diffusive gradients in thin-film (DGT) s ling for Cu(II) by employing methylthymol blue as a chelating and chromogenic agent. Methylthymol blue was adsorbed onto beads of Dowex 1 x 8 resin (200-400 mesh) and the resin beads were then immobilised onto an adhesive disc. Analysis of exposed binding discs by either UV-vis spectrophotometry or computer imaging densitometry provided robust quantification of adsorbed Cu(II) in the 0.2-1 microg cm(-2) range, allowing detection at microg L(-1) concentrations in the test solution (ca. 17 microg L(-1) for a 24 h deployment), and in good agreement with established DGT theory. The method was shown to be a potential replacement for binding phases based on Chelex 100 where a colorimetric response to a specific metal is desired.
Radiocarbon determination of woodsmoke contribution to air particulate matter in Launceston, Tasmania
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
Alkene Isomerization Using a Solid Acid as Activator and Support for a Homogeneous Catalyst
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-2004
DOI: 10.1021/ED081P383
Increased catalytic activity of cationic palladium(II) complexes on immobilisation in Nafion-H+
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1999
Historical lead isotope record of a sediment core from the Derwent River (Tasmania, Australia): A multiple source environment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2012.02.011
Abstract: A 105 cm sediment core from the Derwent River (Tasmania, Australia) was collected in 2004 and was characterised considering both physical (loss on ignition at 550 °C and grain size) and chemical (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations, Pb isotope ratios and (210)Pb dating) properties. The core was analysed to (i) investigate the historical profiles of some important elements associated with the Risdon zinc refinery adjacent to the Derwent River, (ii) determine Pb isotopic signatures of sediment s les, and (iii) assess the veracity of Pb isotope ratios as indicators of contaminant Pb input. Extractable metal concentrations were (all values as mgkg(-1), non-normalised for grain size) Fe: 20,000-35,000, Zn: 42-4500, Pb: 5-1090, Cu: 13-141, and Cd: 1-31 with a close correlation between Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. Metal enrichment factors (normalised to Al) were Pb: 0.9-144, Zn: 0.8-93, Cd: 0.8-30, Cu: 0.8-8.9 and Fe: 0.9-1.3, confirming anthropogenic contributions of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd to the sediments. The onset of metal contamination above background levels occurred at a depth between 43 and 49 cm, with maximum concentrations noted near 20 cm for Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. Lead isotope ratios were determined in sediments using sector field ICP-MS, and were found to be 36.5-38.8, 16.5-18.7 and 1.07-1.20 for (208)Pb/(204)Pb, (206)Pb/(204)Pb and (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios, respectively. Major Australian ores processed at the refinery over the previous ~90 years include those from Broken Hill, Rosebery, Mt Isa, Elura, Hellyer and Century deposits. Anthropogenic impact by Pb with Broken Hill type isotopic ratio was initially evident in the core at 43-49 cm. The introduction of Rosebery and Elura ores to the refinery was also clearly noted. Pb isotope ratios further highlight that the Derwent River has been exposed to a greater impact by anthropogenic Pb in comparison to other major Tasmanian rivers, namely the Huon and Tamar.
Nafion: an excellent support for metal-complex catalysts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
Evaluation of paper-based diffusive gradients in thin film samplers for trace metal sampling
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2005
Comparative study of optimised BCR sequential extraction scheme and acid leaching of elements in the certified reference material NIST 2711
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
Nafion: an excellent support for metal-complex catalysts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
Evaluation of diffusive gradients in thin film (DGT) samplers for measuring contaminants in the Antarctic marine environment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2006.03.028
Abstract: This work has been the first application of DGT s lers for measuring metals in water and sediment porewater in the Antarctic environment, and whilst DGT water s ling was restricted to quantification of Cd, Fe and Ni, preconcentration using Empore chelating disks provided results for an additional nine elements (Sn, Pb, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As). Although higher concentrations were measured for some metals (Cd, Ni, Pb) using the Empore technique, most likely due to particulate-bound or colloidal species becoming entrapped in the Empore chelating disks, heavy metal concentrations in the impacted Brown Bay were found to be comparable with the non-impacted O'Brien Bay. Sediment porewater s ling using DGT also indicated little difference between Brown Bay and O'Brien Bay for many metals (Cd, Al, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu), however, greater amounts of Pb, Mn, Fe and As were accumulated in DGT probes deployed in Brown Bay compared with O'Brien Bay, and a higher accumulation of Sn was observed in Brown Bay inner than any of the other three sites s led. Comparison of DGT derived porewater concentrations with actual porewater concentrations showed limited resupply of Cd, Pb, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and As from the solid phase to porewater, with these metals appearing to be strongly bound to the sediment, however, resupply of Fe and Sn was apparent. Based upon our observations here, we suggest that Sn, and to a lesser extent Pb, are critical contaminants.
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View Funded ActivityThe Use Of Pb Isotope Ratios For Tracing Anthropogenic Pb In Benthic Macroalgae Near Casey Station
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