Dr. C. Robinson - Research Compendium

Dr. Robinson has conducted significant research on groundwater-surface water interactions in dynamic coastal environments. This work has focused on understanding water exchange processes at the aquifer-coastal water interface and the fate and transport of subsurface contaminants discharging to coastal waters. Only in recent years, has the significant impact of groundwater contaminants on coastal water quality become apparent. Dr. Robinson's research in this area has also involved investigating the influence of oceanic processes on the extent of saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers; a major issue threatening fresh water supplies in many coastal regions due to increasing exploitation of groundwater resources and climate change. Her research has been conducted via significant field monitoring, groundwater modeling and reactive contaminants transport modeling.

Dr. Robinson also has considerable expertise in geochemical modeling that she has applied to enhance understanding of fundamental hydrological, chemical and biological processes controlling the behavior of contaminants in aquatic systems. This modeling expertise allows her to investigate a wide range of water quality issues in natural systems and also to assist in the development and evaluation of sustainable engineering solutions. She has conducted significant research on improving treatment strategies for the in situ remediation of chlorinated solvents with particular consideration of the geochemical conditions. In addition, she is currently involved in investigating corrosion control alternatives for water distribution systems.

Improved scientific collaboration and efficient transfer of engineering solutions from the developed to the developing world are crucial to address water quality and availability issues in these nations. In 2008-09, she spent 12 months working in Bangladesh working with NGO Forum for Water Supply & Sanitation as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development. During this period she was involved in a major international research projects focused on (1) assessing the sustainability of targeting safe aquifers in areas with elevated subsurface arsenic concentrations and (2) management and treatment of urban wastewater for reuse in agriculture. Dr. Robinson is continuing to conduct research focused on sustainable water quality management in developing nations.