Wilson Inlet 1
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Summary of Wilson Inlet Studies from 1994 to 1997
Eutrophication glossary
You will hear many technical terms in discussions about the Inlet as we move towards finding a solution. This brief glossary is included to explain some of the more common terms.
| Algae | A diverse group of aquatic plants containing chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments. Microscopic algae are referred to as phytoplankton, while algae visible to the unaided human eye are referred to as macroalgae. |
| Anoxic | Absence of oxygen in the water. |
| Cyanobacteria | (blue greens) - An ancient group of photosynthetic bacteria without a nucleus. Some use nitrogen fixation to provide sufficient nitrogen for growth. A number of species produce toxins. Cells can also cause irritation of the skin and eyes on contact. |
| Denitrification | The transformation of nitrate to nitrogen gas, which is carried out by anoxic bacteria under suitable conditions. |
| Diatoms | Single celled algae, characterised by two overlapping silica cases surrounding each cell. Diatoms are often the most abundant type of phytoplankton found in Wilson Inlet. |
| Dinoflagellates | Single celled algae characterised by two flagella (hair-like extensions of the cell used for locomotion). Dinoflagellates are found in Wilson Inlet. |
| Enteromorpha | An attached or free floating macroalgae with filament-like strands which grow in a thick mat (often off Poddy Point). |
| Epiphytes | Small animals and plants that grow on the leaves of seagrasses and macroalgae. |
| Flushing | The process of removing Inlet waters to the ocean, and is the result of the interplay between freshwater coming from the catchment and seawater coming from the ocean. |
| Groundwater | Water which occupies the pores or crevices of rock or soil. |
| Macroalgae | Algae visible to the unaided human eye. Includes large green, red and browns algaes often referred to as seaweeds or kelp. eg Enteromorpha |
| Macrophyte | Rooted aquatic plants such as seagrasses and macroalgae. |
| Nitrification | The transformation of tmmonia to nitrate, which is carried out by bacteria under oxygen rich conditions. |
| Nitrogen Fixation | The transformation of nitrogen gas to the nutrient ammonia. In aquatic systems this is often carried out by cyanobacteria. |
| Nutrients | Minerals dissolved in the water, particularly compounds of nitrogen (ammonia and nitrate), phosphorus (phosphate) and silicon (silica) which are essential for plant growth. |
| Phytoplankton | Small algae (often single celled), identifiable under a microscope, eg diatoms, dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. |
| Porewater | Water which occupies the voids within the sediment at the bottom of the Inlet. Due to its close contact with the sediment, porewater is often enriched in nutrients. |
| Seagrasses | Marine flowering plants (angiosperms) found in coastal rivers, estuaries, protected coastal embayments and nearshore coastal areas. They are ecologically important as they provide habitat and food for many organisms, and stability for the seabed. eg Ruppia |
