Sediment source identification and residence times in the Maroochy River estuary, southeast Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Identification of sediment sources and associated nutrients and contaminants is crucial to the ecological management of aquatic systems. A combination of geochemical and radionuclide tracing techniques and geostatistical modelling have been used to determine the primary source areas of fine sediment delivered to the Maroochy River estuary. The application of radionuclide (137Cs and 210Pb) techniques indicate that approximately 70% of the sediment in the Maroochy River estuary originates from subsoil erosion. An average of 60% of sediment in the lower estuary originates from soils developed on the Landsborough Sandstone, with 35% coming from soils developed on granitoids. In the mid-Maroochy River estuary major contributions of fine sediment come from soils developed on Landsborough Sandstone (38%) and granitoids (36%). Estimated sediment residence times in the Maroochy River estuary are generally less than 30 years, however, one sample site near the estuary mouth had an estimated residence time of at least 30 years. This indicates that sediment accumulation rates in mangroves along the estuary margins are relatively low. Results from this study will be used by catchment managers to better target remedial action to reduce fine sediment delivery to the Maroochy River estuary.