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영어

Wetland rehabilitation and the development of man-made wetlands are techniques employed on the Gold Coast of Southeast Queensland in Australia to provide, or re-establish, a stable habitat for native species. In addition to the benefits to wildlife, these wetlands provide a means of flood mitigation and water purification. This investigation attempted to determine if the man-made wetlands at All Saints Anglican School (ASAS) have developed to a point where water quality is like that of a natural wetland, and could sustain the introduction of native wildlife by way of a fauna breeding program conducted by the School. In 2010, several locations within the ASAS Wetlands were analysed to determine the level of dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, pH and total phosphates. Winkler Titration was used to determine DO, conductivity and pH levels were measured using a mobile PASPort probe, and phosphate levels were determined using colorimetric analysis. It was found that the DO levels had stabilized at a suitable level of 6.85ppm, by November of 2010. It was also determined that phosphate levels were minimal (<0.02mg/L) despite frequent nearby turf and garden fertilization, and that the pH was relatively stable (between pH 6.2 -7.4) and suitable for the introduction of wildlife, such as amphibians and fish. Conductivity readings, while suitable in theory (average of 3659S/cm), merit further investigation to determine if specific dissolved solids are at appropriate levels. Overall, it was concluded that the ASAS wetlands have matured to a point where the major parameters of wetland health mirror natural (not man-made) wetlands in the area, and are stable and suitable for breeding programs.