Biological and physicochemical characteristics of the Ross River Dam, Townsville

Abstract

The biological and physicochemical characteristics of the Ross River Dam, an artificial lake near Townsville in northern Queensland, are described. The lake is characterized by a sodium and chloride ionic dominance, may be polymictic, and contains a relatively low ratio of total phosphorus to total nitrogen due to the low nitrogen concentrations. The aquatic vegetation is widespread and dominated by the submerged Hydrilla verricillata and Potamogeton javanicus. Both species are plentiful in the lake but are not, at present, major weeds. The phytoplankton were not found in bloom conditions despite chlorophyll a concentrations near 10 mg m^-3. The main fish species of 11 recorded was Glossamia gilli. The results from this survey will provide a useful basis for future management planning, especially if the water level or water-quality conditions were to vary.