Flooding events allow dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to be transferred from the floodplain into the food web. A growing body of work suggests that this allochthonous carbon is important in aquatic ecosystems by influencing microbial processes which drive metabolism, decomposition and food web dynamics, however an excess build-up of organic matter on the floodplain when flooding occurs can create an oxygen deficit. It may be possible to decrease this carbon load by inundating the floodplain more frequently which can be achieved by environmental watering. This is likely to become an important tool in reducing the risk of blackwater formation.

This project requires a qualified service provider to undertake sampling activities and analysis of carbon loads at the Lindsay-Mulcra-Wallpolla and Hattah Lakes Icon Sites (listed under The Living Murray project). This data will need to be used to develop a model of floodplain carbon load dynamics.