Algal blooms can cause major problems in waterbodies, and their formation is driven by environmental processes that vary across both space and time. In this project, you'll get the chance to track algal blooms by combining hands‑on fieldwork with environmental data and satellite images.
On field days, you'll work with the research team to collect water quality measurements, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and algal populations. You'll learn how to safely operate field equipment, take reliable samples, and understand what the measurements tell us about what's happening in the water.
Back on campus, you'll use long‑term monitoring data and satellite imagery to investigate how changes in weather and water colour relate to algal bloom formation. You'll learn how to process data, interpret trends, and compare what satellites see from above with what you measured in the field.
By the end of this project, you'll have built practical skills in field techniques, environmental analysis, and satellite remote sensing, while contributing to ongoing research that helps water managers better detect and understand algal blooms.
School
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Research Area
Environmental engineering | Water engineering | Water quality
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
Yes
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
Bojan's research group in the UNSW Water Research Centre investigates the processes that shape water quality, especially nutrient loading and algal dynamics, and develops practical, science‑based solutions for monitoring, managing, and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems.
- Build practical fieldwork skills by collecting and analysing water samples
- Gain hands‑on experience using satellite remote‑sensing to investigate water quality
- Develop a deeper understanding of harmful algal blooms and how they are monitored and managed
