Turbidity regimes over fringing coral reefs near a mining site at Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea.
An extensive sediment transport survey took place at Lihir Island (Papua New Guinea), where mining operations involve disposal of waste rocks and soil in nearshore waters. To investigate the potential impact of these practices over neighbouring fringing reefs, turbidity and sediment accumulation were measured continuously for extended periods. Turbidity records provided a map of observed impact zones based on turbidity thresholds. The main zoning features were (a) that an extreme turbidity gradient persists between the inner harbour (turbidity levels of 100-1000 mg l(-1)) and the adjacent reefs (turbidity levels in the order of 10 mg l(-1)), and (b) that observed zones conform with pre-operations impact predictions. Accumulation measurements unveiled no significant sediment accumulation over fringing coral reefs. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential impact of sediment discharge to nearshore waters.
Thomas
Séverine
S
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia. severine.thomas@jcu.edu.au
Ridd
Peter V
PV
Day
Geoff
G
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D008906:Mining; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D010316:Particle Size; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014872:Water Movements; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
D014873:Water Pollutants; D014867:Water