Impacts of Climate Change and Non-Point-Source Pollution on Water Quality and Algal Blooms in the Shoalhaven River Estuary, NSW, Australia

This study quantifies some of the potential impacts climate change and nutrient pollution to identify most important factors on water quality changes algal blooms in region. Three variables, air temperature streamflow, representing change, runoff, were varied eight hypothetical scenarios determine their impact by calibrated validated model QUAL2K. Water was assessed concentrations dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, phosphorus. Algal identified phytoplankton concentration. An increase up 2 °C resulted an average 3% 4.79% concentration, decrease 0.48% dissolved-oxygen Projected decreases streamflow not only made above phenomenon more significant but also significantly increased concentration phosphorus, with same inputs. Under biggest cause concern for estuarine is reduced due rainfall. improvement possible regulating non-point-source discharge. By reducing nitrogen phosphorus reduced, resulting a oxygen highlights managing estuaries subject change.