One of the best strategies for long-term management and potential in situ remediation of bauxite residue held in storage facilities globally is through vegetation establishment (often termed phytostabilisation). Sustainable vegetation growth on bauxite processing residues involves the reconstruction of an entire ecosystem and is dependent on the development of functional communities both above- and below-ground.
There are many constraints to plant growth on bauxite residues that must be overcome; including poor physical structure, high alkalinity, sodicity and salinity coupled with a lack of organic matter, mineral nutrients and microorganisms. However, there are significant knowledge gaps concerning below-ground microbial community development, which is necessary to drive microbially-mediated organic matter turnover and nutrient cycling for long-term rehabilitation success. This talk will focus on research findings regarding microbial community succession and the identification of microbial constraints to rehabilitation of bauxite residue storage areas in Western Australia. Short Biography: Natasha has a background in Environmental Microbiology and graduated from The University of Western Australia with a PhD in 2003. After a post-doctoral position at Cardiff University in Wales, she returned to the UWA to join the Soil Biology and Molecular Ecology Group nearly 10 years ago. During this time she focussed on her research efforts in the field of restoration ecology and predominantly on rehabilitation systems associated with bauxite mining and refining, which is a significant industry in Western Australia. PS* This seminar is free and open to the public & no RSVP required. ****All Welcome****
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