Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Southern Rural Water

Federation University and Southern Rural Water show UV-C kills submerged weeds, aiding herbicide-free Macalister irrigation management

Innovative research at Federation University demonstrates UV-C radiation ability to effectively eradicate submerged weeds in lab tests, offering a promising herbicide-free solution for managing irrigation in the Macalister district.

By news@gippsland - 12th July 2024 - Back to News

In an Australian first, a Federation University study supported by Southern Rural Water has proven UV-C radiation energy can be used to kill submerged weeds in laboratory conditions. The recently completed Masters' study showed that sufficient UV-C radiation energy can kill aquatic weeds found in Macalister Irrigation District channels. Aquatic weeds, left untreated, choke channels and prevent the effective delivery of water needed to irrigate vegetable crops and pastures for dairy production.

Federation University and Southern Rural Water research proves UV-C can eliminate submerged weeds, offering herbicide-free irrigation management for the Macalister district

Exploring UV alternatives

Herbicides are currently the only option to treat submerged weeds. Southern Rural Water uses herbicides with careful consideration about what and how these are used, as well as where and when we use chemicals. This is to minimise risk to our people, the environment and our local communities.

Southern Rural Water's Manager Environment and Climate Adaptation, Kate Berg said, "Our hope is UV-C radiation energy treatments could be a future alternative that will both benefit the environment and remove the need to use chemicals. This project supports our continued focus on improving safety outcomes for our communities and our people," Ms Berg said.

While the study shows UV-C radiation can kill submerged weeds in the lab, this is only a first step towards considering how this may be used as an alternative to herbicides.

What the study found

Federation University student Dian Udugamasuriyage studied the chlorophyll content of pondweed, Elodea canadensis, and ribbonweed, Vallisneria australis, after exposure to different concentrations of UV-C radiation over different time periods and at varying distances from the energy source.

In the laboratory, the weeds were placed in a petri dish and exposed to UV-C radiation energy at different concentrations, distances and time periods in this custom-built treatment box. Dian observed plant leaves for physical changes and cellular level changes under microscope.

The laboratory research conclusively showed how different levels of irradiance - light and radiant energy striking a given area of surface - can cause plant cells to break down. Dian varied the time and amount of irradiance to find the optimum amount needed to kill the weeds. The results show the clear disintegration of tissues 10 days after UV-C radiation energy was applied to pondweed.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
  Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change.
• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.