Scientists from the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), along with QAEHS researchers A/Prof Sarit Kaserzon and PhD candidate Carly Beggs, have published a new study highlighting pesticide risks to coastal wetlands.
While previous research has focused on pesticide impacts within Great Barrier Reef catchments, little attention has been given to surrounding wetlands—ecosystems vital to the Reef’s protection. This study is the first comprehensive investigation into pesticide contamination in these wetlands, offering critical insights into their water quality.
With permission from five landholders in the Herbert River Floodplain, the team monitored 55 pesticides over two years. Findings reveal that pesticide risks persist across both wet and dry seasons, challenging the prevailing view that risks are confined to the early wet season. The study also shows that risk patterns in wetlands differ from those in nearby rivers and creeks, underscoring the need for tailored monitoring and management strategies. The research is already informing stakeholders on wetland management and guiding future projects and funding applications.
