Arid aquatic refugia

Study freshwater ecology

Professor Justin Brookes leads a research group that conducts research in two main areas: water quality for human consumptions and water for the environment.

Change to land-use and modified hydrology has changed nutrient loading and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, including estuaries, lakes, rivers and wetlands. We study how plant and animal physiology; populations and community assemblages respond to changes in flow and biogeochemistry.

We are particularly interested in productivity and the transfer of material from one trophic level to another.

We conduct a lot of research in partnership with the water industry. This is particularly focussed on cyanobacteria and water quality in drinking water reservoirs.