Dr Vanessa Wong

Research interests / background:

• Soil and regolith science.
• Floodplain biogeochemical processes and soil organic matter dynamics under the influence of climate variability and climate change.
• Temporal and spatial interactions in the biogeochemistry of floodplain environments.
• Soil degradation (salinisation, sodication, acidification) and remediation processes.
• Soil/sediment and surface water/shallow groundwater interactions.
• Salinity mapping and dynamics related to salt mobilisation and vegetation health.

Research Grants

• Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering ($12 135). "Characterising nano-particulate iron minerals formed in acid sulfate soils following seawater inundation." 2010 (Principal Investigator).
• NSW Government Environmental Trust ($20 000). "What lies beneath? A new method to map sub-surface acidity." 2010 (Principal Investigator).

Publications

Journal articles

2013

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Burton E.D., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A. (2013) Seawater-induced mobilization of trace metals from mackinawite-rich estuarine sediments. Water Research 47, 821 – 832 (2012 ERAID 4694 – FOR MD)

2012

Cheetham M.D., Wong V.N.L., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Ward N.J., Zawadzki A. (2012) Mobilisation, alteration, and redistribution of monosulfidic sediments in inland river systems. Journal of Environmental Management 112: 330-339 (2012 ERAID 5850 – FOR MD)

2011

Johnston S.G., Keene A.F., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Wong V.N.L. (2011) Tidally driven water column hydro-geochemistry in a remediating acidic wetland. Journal of Hydrology 409, 128–139 (ERA ranking A*).

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Burton E.D., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Slavich P.G. (2011) Anthropogenic forcing of estuarine hypoxic events in sub-tropical catchments: Landscape drivers and biogeochemical processes. Science of the Total Environment 409, 5368–5375(ERA ranking A).

2010

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Dalal R.C., Murphy B.W. (2010) Soil carbon dynamics in saline and sodic soils: a review. Soil Use and Management, 26, 2-11. (ERA ranking B)

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Burton E.D., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Slavich P.G. (2010) Seawater causes rapid trace metal mobilisation in coastal lowland acid sulfate soils: implications of sea level rise for water quality. Geoderma, 160, 252-263 (ERA ranking A)

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Clay C., Burton E.D., Slavich P.G. (2010) Spatial and temporal changes in estuarine water quality during a post-flood hypoxic event. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 87, 73–82. (ERA ranking A)

2009

Wong V.N.L., Dalal R.C. & Greene R.S.B. (2009) Carbon dynamics of sodic and saline soils following gypsum and organic material additions: A laboratory incubation. Applied Soil Ecology 41, 29-40.

2008

Wong V.N.L., Dalal R.C. & Greene R.S.B. (2008) Salinity and sodicity effects on respiration and microbial biomass of soil. Biology and Fertility of Soils.

Wong V.N.L., Murphy B.W., Koen T.B., Greene R.S.B. & Dalal R.C. (2008) Soil organic carbon stocks in saline and sodic landscapes. Australian Journal of Soil Research 46, 378-389.

2005

Eldridge D.J. & Wong V.N.L. (2005) Clumped and isolated trees influence soil nutrient levels in an Australian temperate box woodland. Plant and Soil 270, 331-342.

Wynn J.G., Bird M.I. & Wong V.N.L. (2005) Rayleigh distillation and the depth profile of 13C/12C ratios of soil organic carbon from soils of disparate texture in Iron Range National Park, Far North Queensland, Australia. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 69, 1961-1973.

Conference proceedings

2012

Cheetham M.D., Wong V.N.L., Bush, R.T., Sullivan, L.A., Ward, N.J. (2012). Monosulfidic sediments in the Wakool River, Southern Australia: A preliminary investigation. In: I.Rutherford & J.Grove, "Proceedings of the 6th Australian Stream Management Conference: Managing for extremes". 6-8 February 2012 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. pp. 214-222.

Wong V.N.L., Triantafilis J., Johnston S.G., Nhan T., Sullivan L.A., Bush R.T., Burton, E.D., Slavich P.G., Hirst P. (2012) A new method to rapidly and accurately map acid sulfate soils: exploring the utility of an EM38. In; "3rd National Conference on Acid Sulfate Soils". 6th-7th March 2012, Melbourne, Victoria.

2011

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Walsh S., Morris S., Burton E.D, Bush R., Sullivan L., Slavich, P. (2011) Episodic estuarine hypoxic events: integrating the biogeochemistry, hydrology and climate on a subtropical floodplain, eastern Australia. In: "Proceedings of the 21th Annual V.M. Goldschmidt Conference". 14-19 August 2011, Prague, Czech Republic (Geochemical Society, and European Society for Geochemistry).

Wong V.N.L., Walsh S., Johnston S.G., Morris S., Bush R., Sullivan L. (2011) Climate and landscape drivers of estuarine deoxygenation events. In 'Australia/New Zealand Geomorphology Group'. 31st January - 4th February 2011. Oamaru, New Zealand.

2010

Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Burton E.D., Johnston S.G., Keene A.F., Wong V.N.L., Mosely L. (2010) Climate change impacts on acid sulfate soil landscapes. In 'Goldschmidt 2010: 13th – 18th June.' Knoxville USA

Bush R., Sullivan L., Johnston S., Burton E., Wong V., Keene A. (2010) Climate change: a frontier for acid sulfate soil research. In '19th World Congress in Soil Science: 1st – 6th August.' Brisbane

Halas L., Lawrie K.C., Tan K.P., Gow L., Wong V., Pain C., Apps H., Brodie R.C. (2010) Using airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data as part of an integrated approach to assessing relationships between vegetation health, salinity and groundwater processes. In 'Groundwater2010: the challenge of sustainable management: 31st October – 4th November.' Canberra

Johnston S.G., Keene A.F., Bush R.T., Burton E.D., Sullivan L.A., Wong V.N.L. (2010) Mobilisation of groundwater arsenic at the tidal fringe: hydrogeochemical coupling in seawater inundated coastal lowlands. In 'Groundwater2010: the challenge of sustainable management: 31st October – 4th November.' Canberra

Lawrie K.C., Tan K.P., Halas L., Apps H., Brodie R.C., Gow L., Wong V. (2010) Using AEM data as part of an integrated assessment of the salinity hazard and risk to Gunbower State Forest and the River Murray floodplain in the Gunbower Island-Barr Creek reach of the Murray River, SE Australia. In 'Groundwater2010: the challenge of sustainable management: 31st October – 4th November.' Canberra

Wong V.N.L., Hirst P., Johnston S.G., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Burton E.D., Slavich P.G. (2010) Impacts of sea level rise on the biogeochemistry of a coastal floodplain in eastern Australia. In '19th World Congress in Soil Science: 1st – 6th August.' Brisbane

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Burton E.D., Slavich P.G. (2010) The effects of increasing salinity on exchange processes in coastal lowland acid sulfate soils. In '19th World Congress in Soil Science: 1st – 6th August.' Brisbane

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S.G., Hirst P., Burton E.D., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Slavich P.G. (2010) Sea-level rise impacts on coastal water quality: interactions between porewater, surface- and shallow groundwater geochemistry. In 'Groundwater2010: the challenge of sustainable management: 31st October – 4th November.' Canberra

2009

Wong V.N.L., Johnston S., Bush R., Sullivan L., Clay C. (2009) Geomorphic controls on post-flood water quality on a coastal floodplain. In '7th International Conference on Geomorphology: 6th - 11th July.' Melbourne.

2008

Clarke J.D.A., Pain C.F., Gibson D., Wong V.N.L., Apps H. (2008) Remote-sensing of fluvial architecture of the Murray River, Southern Australia. In 'European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2008: 13th - 18th April 2008.' Vienna, Austria.

Lawrie K., Brodie R., Clarke J., Tan K.P., Wong V.N.L., Edwards D., Apps H., Halas L., Cullen K. (2008) An Airborne Electro-Magnetic (AEM) survey used as a precision investigation tool to address salinity and land managment issues in a semi-arid floodplain environment. In 'International Geological Congress: 6th - 14th August 2008.' Oslo

Lawrie K., Clarke J.D.A., Tan K.P., Pain C., Brodie R., Edwards D., Apps H., Wong V., Cullen K. (2008) An airborne electromagnetic survey used to address salinity and land management issues in the River Murray corridor, SE Australia. In '2nd International Salinity Conference: 31st May-3rd April'. Adelaide.

Lawrie K., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J., Apps H., Halas L., Wong V., Gibson D., Cullen K. (2008) Calculating salt loads and salinity risk in floodplain landscapes: A systems-based multi-scale approach. In 'International Geological Congress: 6th - 14th August 2008.' Oslo

Lawrie K., Wong V.N.L., Thankappan M., Cullen K., Halas L., Apps H. (2008) Floodplain health in 4d: Linking time series vegetation analysis with geomorphology and hydrogeology. In 'International Geological Congress: 6th - 14th August 2008.' Oslo

Wong V.N.L. (2008) Soil organic carbon fluxes in salt-affected soils. In 'International Salinity Conference 2008: 31st May-3rd April' Adelaide.

Wong V.N.L., Clarke J.D.A., Lawrie K.C., Tan K.P., Apps H.E.J., Pain C.F., Luckman J., Halas L. (2008) Recharge mapping in floodplain environments: utilising airborne electromagnetics to map "leaky roofs and windows." In 'International Salinity Conference 2008: 31st May-3rd April' Adelaide.

Wong V.N.L., Clarke J.D.A., Pain C.F., Apps H.E.J. (2008) Linking the geomorphology, vegetation and soils on the Murray River floodplain for salinity management. In 'Australia New Zealand Geomorphology Group'. 10th - 15th February 2008. Queenstown Tasmania.

Wong V.N.L., Cullen K., Halas L., Clarke J.D.A., Tan K.P., Lawrie K. (2008) Above-ground responses to below-ground processes: integrating remote-sensing and airborne electromagnetics for salinity management. In 'Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2008: 20th - 24th July.' Perth

Wong V.N.L., Cullen K., Tan K.P., Lawrie K. (2008) Recharging the Murray River floodplain:addressing salinity and land management issues. In 'Soils 2008: Soil-The living skin of planet Earth: 1st - 5th December'. Palmerston North, New Zealand.

2006

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Dalal R., Murphy B.W., Mann S. (2006) Carbon dynamics in salt-affected soils. In 'World Congress of Soil Science: July 9-15'. Philadelphia.

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Murphy B.W., Dalal R., Mann S., Farquhar G.D. (2006) Soil organic carbon stocks in saline and sodic landscapes. In 'ASSSI-ASPAC-ACMS National Soils Conference December 2006'. Adelaide.

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Murphy B.W., Dalal R., Mann S., Farquhar G.D. (2006) The effects of salinity and sodicity on soil organic carbon stocks and fluxes: an overview. In 'Regolith 2006: Consolidation and Dispersion of Ideas'. Hahndorf Resort, South Australia. (Eds RW Fitzpatrick, P Shand) pp. 367-371. (CRC LEME).

2005

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Murphy B.W., Dalal R., Mann S. (2005) Decomposition of added organic material in salt-affected soils. In 'Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration Regional Regolith Symposia 2005: 10 Years of CRC LEME'. Canberra. (Ed. I Roach) pp. 333-337. (CRC LEME).

2004

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Murphy B.W., Dalal R. (2004) The effects of salinity and sodicity on soil carbon turnover. In '3rd Australian/New Zealand Soils Conference, 5th-9th December 2004'. Sydney, Australia.

Wong V.N.L., Greene R.S.B., Murphy B.W., Dalal R., Mann S. (2004) Carbon dynamics in salt-affected soils. In 'Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration Regional Regolith Symposia, 24th-26th November'. Canberra. (Ed. I Roach). (CRC LEME).

Other

2010

Bush R.T., Tulau M., Coughran J., Ward N.J., Wong V.N.L., Cheetham M., Morand D. (2010) Distribution and hazard of sulfidic sediments in a river and creek channel system of the Murray-Darling Basin: Edward-Wakool channel system case study. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report No. 1010, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW.

Bush R.T., Ward N.J., Wong V.N.L., Cheetham M., Coughran J. (2010) Distribution and hazard of sulfidic sediments in a river and creek channel system of the Murray-Darling Basin: Edward-Wakool channel system case study (Preliminary Activity Statement). Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report No. 710, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 48 pp.

Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Clay C., Wong V.N.L., Sullivan L.A. (2010) Distribution and ecological risk of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds in river and creek channels of the Murray-Darling Basin – Stage One: desktop assessment. Prepared for Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 110, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 116 pp.

Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Cheeseman P., McGrath R., Fyfe D.M., Coughran J., Wong V.N.L. (2010) Assessment of acid sulfate soil materials in the Mildura region of the Murray-Darling Basin. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report No. 210, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 151 pp.

Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Coughran J., Cheeseman P.J., Fyfe D.M., McIntyre T.C., Wong V.N.L. (2010) Sediment and Water Quality Assessment. Rehabilitation of Moira Lake Wetland System (Stage 3). Prepared for the Public Works – NSW Water Solutions. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 810, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 79 pp.

Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Fyfe D.M., Coughran J., Tulau M., Allman B., Morand D., Wong V.N.L. (2010) Assessment of acid sulfate soil materials in the Edward and Wakool Rivers region of the Murray-Darling Basin. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report No. 410, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 162 pp.

Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Fyfe D.M., Coughran J., Tulau M., Allman B., Morand D., Wong V.N.L. (2010) Assessment of acid sulfate soil materials in the River Murray, Hume to Yarrawonga region of the Murray-Darling Basin. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report No. 510, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 119 pp.

Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P.J., Sauerland C., Bush M., Wong V.N.L. (2010) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin: Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps. Prepared for Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 910, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 38 pp.

Ward N.J., Wong V.N.L., Bush R.T., Sullivan L.A., Fyfe D.M., Coughran J., McIntyre T. (2010) Assessment of acid sulfate soil materials in the Talwood-Mungindi region of the Murray-Darling Basin. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report No. 610, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 49 pp.

2009

Apps H.E., Cullen K., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J.D., Lawrie K.L., Gibson D., Brodie R.C., Wong V. (2009) River Murray Corridor Barr Creek - Gunbower GIS. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT # 68794.

Apps H.E., Cullen K., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J.D., Lawrie K.L., Gibson D., Brodie R.C., Wong V.N.L. (2009) River Murray Corridor Lindsay - Wallpolla and Lake Victoria - Darling Anabranch GIS. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT # 68772

Apps H.E., Cullen K., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J.D., Lawrie K.L., Gibson D., Brodie R.C., Wong V. (2009) River Murray Corridor Liparoo - Robinvale GIS. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT # 68786.

Apps H.E., Cullen K., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J.D., Lawrie K.L., Gibson D., Brodie R.C., Wong V. (2009) River Murray Corridor Nangiloc - Colignan GIS. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT # 68780

Apps H.E., Cullen K., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J.D., Lawrie K.L., Gibson D., Brodie R.C., Wong V. (2009) River Murray Corridor Robinvale - Boundary Bend GIS. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT # 68786.

Apps H.E., Cullen K., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Clarke J.D., Lawrie K.L., Gibson D., Brodie R.C., Wong V. (2009) River Murray Corridor Speewa GIS. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT # 68792.

Bush R.T., Ward N.J., Sullivan L.A., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P., Sauerland C., Bush M., Weber E., Wong V.N.L. (2009) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin: Currawinya Lakes (Currawinya National Park). Prepared for Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 1009, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 41 pp.

Bush R.T., Ward N.J., Sullivan L.A., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P., Sauerland C., Bush M., Weber E., Wong V.N.L. (2009) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray Darling Basin: Narran Lake Nature Reserve. Prepared for Murray Darling Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 709, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 38 pp.

Bush R.T., Ward N.J., Sullivan L.A., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P., Sauerland C., Bush M., Weber E., Wong V.N.L. (2009) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin: Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve. Prepared for Murray Darling-Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 509, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 37 pp.

Clarke J., Pain C., Wong V., Apps H., Gibson D., Luckman J., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Liparoo to Robinvale. CRC LEME Open File Report 245.

Clarke J., Wong V., Gibson D., Apps H., Luckman J., Pain C., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Robinvale to Boundary Bend. CRC LEME Open File Report 244.

Clarke J., Wong V., Pain C., Apps H., Gibson D., Luckman J., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Barr Creek to Gunbower Island. CRC LEME Open File Report 250.

Clarke J., Wong V., Pain C., Apps H., Gibson D., Luckman J., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Boundary Bend to Nyah. CRC LEME Open File Report 243.

Clarke J., Wong V., Pain C., Apps H., Gibson D., Luckman J., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Lindsay to Wallpolla. CRC LEME Open File Report 237.

Clarke J., Wong V., Pain C., Apps H., Gibson D., Luckman J., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Nangiloc to Colignan. CRC LEME Open File Report 199.

Clarke J., Wong V., Pain C., Apps H., Gibson D., Luckman J., Lawrie K. (2009) Geomorphology and Surface Materials: Speewa. CRC LEME Open File Report 202.

Cullen K., Apps H., Halas L., Tan K.P., Pain C., Brodie R., Gibson D., Wong V.N.L. (2009) River Murray Corridor AEM Salinity Mapping Project Atlas. Geoscience Australia GEOCAT #68773

Sullivan L.A., Bush R.T., Ward N.J., Fyfe D.M., Johnston M., Burton E.D., Cheeseman P., Bush M., Maher C., Cheetham M., Watling K.M., Wong V.N.L., Maher R., Weber E. (2009) Lower Lakes laboratory study of contaminant mobilisation under seawater and freshwater inundation (long-term study). Prepared for South Australian Environmental Protection Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 1109, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 377 pp.

Sullivan L.A., Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P., Sauerland C., Bush M., Weber E., Wong V.N.L. (2009) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin: Gwydir Wetlands. Prepared for Murray Darling-Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 409, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 34 pp.

Sullivan L.A., Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P., Sauerland C., Bush M., Weber E., Wong V.N.L. (2009) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin: NSW Central State Forest. Prepared for Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 609, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. 37 pp.

Sullivan L.A., Ward N.J., Bush R.T., Southwell M., Fyfe D.M., Cheeseman P., Sauerland C., Bush M., Weber E., Wong V.N.L. (2009) Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil materials in RAMSAR wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin: Paroo River Wetlands. Prepared for Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Southern Cross GeoScience Technical Report 809, Southern Cross University, Lismore. NSW. 38 pp.

2007

Wong V.N.L. (2007) The effects of salinity and sodicity on soil organic carbon stocks and fluxes. Unpublished PhD thesis. The Australian National University

Lawrie K.C., Tan K.P., Clarke J.D.A., Pain C.F., Wong V.N.L., Brodie R., Apps H., Luckman J. (2007) The application of geomorphic surface materials mapping as a tool for constraining near-surface AEM data in the River Murray Corridor Project: an initial assessment based on validation test areas in the Lindsay-Wallpolla, Liparoo-Robinvale, and Robinvale-Boundary Bend AEM survey areas. CRC LEME: Geoscience Australia, Canberra.

2006

Letcher R., Merritt W., Wong V.N.L. (2006) Great Lakes Decision Support System: Conceptualisation Scoping Report. Integrated Catchment Assessment and Monitoring Centre: The Australian National University Client Report 2006/03, Canberra.

Updated: 16 April 2013