A new nano-sensor technology for the detection and identification of residual vapours of explosives, drugs and chemicals in the air. Fighting terrorism and crime is one of the most important and difficult tasks that requires substantial human and technological resources. This project will help to address this enormous problem by developing a new optical sensor technology for the detection and identification of traces of chemicals, explosives, drugs and biological agents. It will develop a labora ....A new nano-sensor technology for the detection and identification of residual vapours of explosives, drugs and chemicals in the air. Fighting terrorism and crime is one of the most important and difficult tasks that requires substantial human and technological resources. This project will help to address this enormous problem by developing a new optical sensor technology for the detection and identification of traces of chemicals, explosives, drugs and biological agents. It will develop a laboratory prototype of this sensor that is expected to have superior sensitivity and operational capabilities. Thus it will noticeably contribute to practical law enforcement, air quality and environmental monitoring, counter-terrorism, air safety, border security and customs service. It will also lead to further development of nano-optics and nanotechnology in Australia. Read moreRead less
Links between carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest soils: An innovative approach with both NMR and stable isotope techniques. Understanding the critical links between soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest ecosystems is necessary for developing effective site management to enhance forest productivity and environmental benefits. In the first application of 14N-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to soil humic acid (HA), we have discovered that surprisingly nitrate-N is prese ....Links between carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest soils: An innovative approach with both NMR and stable isotope techniques. Understanding the critical links between soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest ecosystems is necessary for developing effective site management to enhance forest productivity and environmental benefits. In the first application of 14N-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to soil humic acid (HA), we have discovered that surprisingly nitrate-N is present in soil HAs, with the HA-nitrate N extremely sensitive to forest management practices. This project represents the first attempt to integrate the use of advanced NMR and stable isotope techniques to examine both chemical and biological linkages between carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in Australian and US forest ecosystems.Read moreRead less
Development of New Generation Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectrometers. We are building two Magnetic Circular Dichroism (MCD spectrometers) to meet a rising need in the study of metallo-proteins and other molecules of biological interest. The PhD project described in this application will involve instrumentation design, interfacing and sampling handling development for biological samples. We wish to involve a Lastek, a scientific instrumentation company, in the possible commercial development o ....Development of New Generation Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectrometers. We are building two Magnetic Circular Dichroism (MCD spectrometers) to meet a rising need in the study of metallo-proteins and other molecules of biological interest. The PhD project described in this application will involve instrumentation design, interfacing and sampling handling development for biological samples. We wish to involve a Lastek, a scientific instrumentation company, in the possible commercial development of aspects of this project.Read moreRead less
Development of Reactive Ionic Liquids for Future Industrial Applications in Australia. This project creates the opportunity for a consortium of leading scientists to develop reactive ionic liquids concepts to support Australian Chemistry. The aim is to radically improve materials and processes within the manufacturing, mining and building industries by paradigm shift in chemical methodology. This will be achieved through cooperation between the major Australian chemical company, Orica, and CSIRO ....Development of Reactive Ionic Liquids for Future Industrial Applications in Australia. This project creates the opportunity for a consortium of leading scientists to develop reactive ionic liquids concepts to support Australian Chemistry. The aim is to radically improve materials and processes within the manufacturing, mining and building industries by paradigm shift in chemical methodology. This will be achieved through cooperation between the major Australian chemical company, Orica, and CSIRO - CMIT, and two leading Australian Universities, Melbourne and Monash. The majority of the manufacturing and mining industries, which will benefit from this activity and as a result become more internationally competitive, are based in regional Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Read moreRead less
Fluorescence as a tool for sensitive detection of failures in recycled water treatment and distribution systems. Water reuse is emerging as a key strategy for the conservation of drinking water supplies around Australia. Accordingly, there is a need for fast, reliable, affordable and highly sensitive means of ensuring the reliability of treatment processes and final water quality. This research aims to meet such needs by providing new tools based on fluorescence analysis. These tools are to be i ....Fluorescence as a tool for sensitive detection of failures in recycled water treatment and distribution systems. Water reuse is emerging as a key strategy for the conservation of drinking water supplies around Australia. Accordingly, there is a need for fast, reliable, affordable and highly sensitive means of ensuring the reliability of treatment processes and final water quality. This research aims to meet such needs by providing new tools based on fluorescence analysis. These tools are to be implemented for online monitoring of treatment performance and for the identification of accidental contamination of drinking waters by recycled water. The enhanced ability to ensure both recycled water quality and drinking water quality will have public health and environmental benefits as well as protecting public confidence in water recycling systems.Read moreRead less
Soil microbial ecology and function in forest nutrient cycling: Improving the understanding and management with bio-molecular and stable isotope techniques. An improved understanding of soil microbial ecology and function is required to advance our knowledge and management of important carbon and nutrient cycling processes underpinning forest productivity and sustainability. Recent advances in bio-molecular techniques and application of stable isotope 13C and 15N methodologies have highlighted t ....Soil microbial ecology and function in forest nutrient cycling: Improving the understanding and management with bio-molecular and stable isotope techniques. An improved understanding of soil microbial ecology and function is required to advance our knowledge and management of important carbon and nutrient cycling processes underpinning forest productivity and sustainability. Recent advances in bio-molecular techniques and application of stable isotope 13C and 15N methodologies have highlighted the exciting opportunities and potential for studying soil microbial ecology and function in forest nutrient cycling. These innovative bio-molecular and stable isotope techniques will be effectively used to examine the impacts of management practices and global change on the soil carbon and nutrient cycling processes for enhancing both productivity and environmental benefits of forest ecosystems.Read moreRead less
Molecular Fingerprinting: Forensic Spectroscopy of Trace Gases. Safeguarding Australia from terrorism, crime and invasive diseases is essential to securing our national infrastructure. This project will develop national capabilities in anticipating and responding to critical threats to society. The scientific instrumentation developed from this effort will enhance Australia's potential aid for early detection of explosive and chemical weaponry and also in the analysis of crime scenes. This rese ....Molecular Fingerprinting: Forensic Spectroscopy of Trace Gases. Safeguarding Australia from terrorism, crime and invasive diseases is essential to securing our national infrastructure. This project will develop national capabilities in anticipating and responding to critical threats to society. The scientific instrumentation developed from this effort will enhance Australia's potential aid for early detection of explosive and chemical weaponry and also in the analysis of crime scenes. This research will significantly improve our abilities to maintain the operational advantage of Australia's security agencies through superior capabilities in threat detection.Read moreRead less