Marine oil seeps and airborne particulates characterisation for organic compositional fingerprinting by using novel gas chromatographic technologies. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) is a powerful new tool for studying complex organic materials. The technique provides a highly sensitive method of fingerprinting not only the composition of the material but also its environmental history and behaviour. In this project the technique will be applied to a range of petroleum- ....Marine oil seeps and airborne particulates characterisation for organic compositional fingerprinting by using novel gas chromatographic technologies. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) is a powerful new tool for studying complex organic materials. The technique provides a highly sensitive method of fingerprinting not only the composition of the material but also its environmental history and behaviour. In this project the technique will be applied to a range of petroleum-related organic samples, including oil seeps from the ocean floor, and airborne particulates contributing to air pollution. The research will lead to a better understanding of geochemistry of petroleum-related materials and their potential impact on the environment and on public health.Read moreRead less
Extraction of gold from thiosulfate leach liquors using selective magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resins. Cyanide processes used for gold leaching can cause severe environmental problems. This proposal studies the use of thiosulfate as an alternative, concentrating on the design and synthesis of new functionalised magnetic ion-exchange resins, which will act as selective adsorbents for the gold thiosulfate complex and thereby facilitate the implementation of this efficient, low environmental impact ....Extraction of gold from thiosulfate leach liquors using selective magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resins. Cyanide processes used for gold leaching can cause severe environmental problems. This proposal studies the use of thiosulfate as an alternative, concentrating on the design and synthesis of new functionalised magnetic ion-exchange resins, which will act as selective adsorbents for the gold thiosulfate complex and thereby facilitate the implementation of this efficient, low environmental impact process. Since the leaching is typically applied to ores rich in copper, resins for the recovery of copper will also be designed. Laboratory proving trials will be conducted and successful candidates will be considered for future commercialisation of a Resin-in-Pulp leaching and recovery process.Read moreRead less