Testing the biodiversity-function paradigm for the provision of clean water in aquifers [ 2010-07-31 - 2015-06-30 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Adam Stow (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr David Nipperess (Chief Investigator) ,  Grant Hose (Chief Investigator) ,  John Ellis (Chief Investigator) ,  Prof Hartmut Arndt (Partner Investigator)

Brief description Testing the biodiversity-function paradigm for the provision of clean water in aquifers. The ability of groundwater microbes to purify groundwater is an incredibly valuable service. All Australians benefit from this natural service either directly by having clean drinking water, or indirectly through the economic benefits of groundwater-reliant agriculture or industries. Clearly, managing aquifers to maintain this process is vital. This project will identify whether the biodiversity of the groundwater ecosystem is important for this process to occur and, consequently, whether management should focus on biodiversity conservation (with its accompanying benefits) or forego biodiversity as a priority and manage the environment to maximise the beneficial ecosystem goods and services it provides.

Funding Amount $169,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal