Molecular and Isotopic Characterisation of Leachates in Water

In the present project we are investigating the stable carbon isotopic compositions of the leachable organic material from elements (i.e., leaves, bark, wood) typical of plants which are abundant in the water catchment of Mundaring Weir. This research project aims to investigate whether compound specific carbon isotope analysis technology will be useful for distinguising the contribution to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of different plant precursors. Diagnostic features identified from the separate leaching of elements of a eucalyptus (indigenous hardwood) and a pine tree will then be used to characterise the significance of these inputs to natural organic matter (NOM) in the Mundaring water.

Personnel

K. Grice, P.F. Greenwood, M. Heryanto Langsa

Funding

Australian Agency for International Development-AusAID

Collaborators

University of Western Australia