A diatom-based Holocene record of human impact from a coastal environment: Tuckean Swamp, eastern Australia |
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| Authors: | Kathryn H Taffs Luc J Farago Hendrik Heijnis Geraldine Jacobsen |
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| Institution: | (1) Centre for Geoarchaeological and Palaeoenvironmental Research, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 157, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia;(2) Sydney Catchment Authority, Penrith, Australia;(3) Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Menai, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Diatom-based paleolimnological studies are being increasingly used to track anthropogenic change in estuaries. Little is known,
however, about the direction and nature of long-term environmental changes in Australian estuaries. In this study, shifts
in diatom assemblages preserved in a 210Pb and C14 AMS dated sediment core from Tuckean Swamp were analysed to determine environmental changes that had taken place as a result
of changing land-use practices. Prior to European impact, the diatom assemblage remained relatively stable and was dominated
by Actinocyclus normanii and Diploneis smithii. An increasing dominance of Cyclotella meneghiniana correlates well with changed land use activities in the catchment area and indicates an increase of freshwater influence
in the swamp’s environment. A major shift in species composition began ∼1970, Eunotia flexuosa becoming dominant. The assemblage shifts recorded at this site appear to be consistent with environmental changes triggered
by human activities such as vegetation clearance, drainage and the construction of a barrage. This study demonstrates the
use of paleolimnoology in an estuarine environment to provide pre-impact data necessary for management of the aquatic environment. |
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| Keywords: | Estuary Palaeolimnology Diatoms Australia Human impact Acidification |
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