Phosphorus binding clay

The Regional Estuaries Initiative is investigating the effectiveness of a newly developed clay that binds phosphorus making it unavailable for algae growth.

As part of the project, scientists are running several trials across the Peel-Harvey and Vasse-Wonnerup catchments in parallel with detailed laboratory testing. Trials in the Vasse-Wonnerup  catchment are being carried out in partnership with Revitalising Geographe Waterways.

The aim is to:

  • improve the clay manufacturing process
  • investigate the effectiveness of clay treatment in different environments
  • undertake a detailed risk assessment for large-scale clay application.

Trials have been completed in the Lower Vasse River (summer 2017–18 and summer 2018–19), Punrak Drain (October 2017) and the Lower Serpentine River (summer 2020).

More information.