Cockrone Lagoon Aquatic Biological Survey-Final Report (PDF File ...

Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd
Iron bacteria was utilizing iron as a source of energy in many of the creeks. It thrives in low light,
low oxygen conditions and feeds on iron, it can grow rapidly creating voluminous quantities of an
orange brown slime such as was observed in several of the surveyed upper tributaries.
While it may be unsightly, this orange slime coating is a naturally occurring microorganism and
is not a health hazard. Examination of all the creeks and streams in the Cockrone Lagoon and
surrounding areas did not detect any adverse smell emanating from the bacteria affected creeks.
However, it is known to cause unpleasant odours especially when there is a die off.
It is not aesthetically pleasing and will clog the aquatic system, reducing water ows and smothering
substrates and habitat areas making them unsuitable for native aquatic ora and fauna.
Figure 26. Upper Cockrone Creek
Cockrone Lagoon Catchment Aquatic Biodiversity Report 25