The effects of domestic sewage effluent on marine communities at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

摘要: Abstract Studies of the impact secondary treated domestic effluent have been conducted at Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia for last 8 years. During that time, monitoring has shown impacts are restricted to within approximately 300 m outfall most variables (e.g. algal species richness, changes structure invertebrate communities living in kelp holdfasts) but ephemeral green alga Ulva lactuca significantly greater cover than reference sites a distance 500 from point discharge. Based on results this study, new proposed northern area Harbour was predicted effects over much smaller spatial scale. It is suggested, therefore, recent decision abandon plans reflects growing public concern issues other cost minimization and biological use ocean disposal as an option management human sewage waste.