Researchers at the Australian Rivers Institute (ARI), Griffith University and the Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) have undertaken a collaborative study to examine the effect of different sediment types, and their associated nutrients, from catchments adjacent to the Great Barrie Reef (GBR) on algal growth. ARI researchers undertook work to adapt existing rapid algal bioassays as a tool to determine responses to fine sediment suspensions, and then used this technique to assess the effect of a range of sediments on algal growth on both marine water and freshwaters. Additionally, the increase in algal biomass (using chlorophyll a concentrations as a measure) and algal community structure was measured to provide additional information. This has complemented studies by DSITI researchers within the project focussed on developing sediment bioavailable nutrient indicators.