Disassembly Automation of End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries. This project aims to develop an automated disassembly solution for End-of-Life (EOL) Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, which is flexible and modular to handle the uncertainties associated with model changes, condition of the EOL battery packs as well as the projected volume growth. The outcome of this project will lead to a better separation of EV battery components and materials. This will allow recycling of EOL EV batteries with ....Disassembly Automation of End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries. This project aims to develop an automated disassembly solution for End-of-Life (EOL) Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, which is flexible and modular to handle the uncertainties associated with model changes, condition of the EOL battery packs as well as the projected volume growth. The outcome of this project will lead to a better separation of EV battery components and materials. This will allow recycling of EOL EV batteries with a higher material recovery efficiency and a lower cost due to the significantly reduced labor cost; hence substantially reduce the environmental footprint associated with EOL treatment of these batteries.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100021
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$900,000.00
Summary
PFAS source zone remediation by foam fractionation and in situ fluidisation. This project aims to develop two methods for the in situ remediation of per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, downhole foam fractionation for in situ groundwater treatment, and in situ fluidisation for soil treatment, both separately and in combination. Using these methods, PFASs will be removed in the form of a foam, which will be extracted as a liquid concentrate. These techniques could enable PFAS ....PFAS source zone remediation by foam fractionation and in situ fluidisation. This project aims to develop two methods for the in situ remediation of per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, downhole foam fractionation for in situ groundwater treatment, and in situ fluidisation for soil treatment, both separately and in combination. Using these methods, PFASs will be removed in the form of a foam, which will be extracted as a liquid concentrate. These techniques could enable PFAS removal efficiencies of greater than 90%, providing entirely new methods for the aggressive removal of PFAS from contaminated source zones. This project will enable the rapid removal of the bulk of the PFAS present in soils and groundwater and reduce the potential for further spreading.Read moreRead less
Application and evaluation of passive samplers for monitoring aquatic pollution. Pollutants in water bodies pose a threat to environmental and human health. Monitoring of chemicals in water has thus become a key challenge for environmental authorities. Sampling based on the
analysis of grab samples is expensive, complicated and provides only patchy data. Passive sampling devices that allow time integrated sampling of pollutants are a promising alternative. This collaborative research aims t ....Application and evaluation of passive samplers for monitoring aquatic pollution. Pollutants in water bodies pose a threat to environmental and human health. Monitoring of chemicals in water has thus become a key challenge for environmental authorities. Sampling based on the
analysis of grab samples is expensive, complicated and provides only patchy data. Passive sampling devices that allow time integrated sampling of pollutants are a promising alternative. This collaborative research aims to evaluate a series of existing and novel passive samplers both in laboratory and field conditions and determine sensitive parameters that significantly influence sampler behaviour.
The project should provide a set of new tools for more effective management of water pollution.Read moreRead less
An innovative strategy for stormwater remediation and reduction of contaminant supply from catchments. Many urbanised harbours world-wide are polluted and the main source is stormwater. Currently, emphasis is to remove gross pollutants from stormwater using numerous devices scattered through the catchment. In a radical shift from traditional approaches, we will identify primary contaminant sources in the catchment for later targeted education and regulation and a single remediation device will r ....An innovative strategy for stormwater remediation and reduction of contaminant supply from catchments. Many urbanised harbours world-wide are polluted and the main source is stormwater. Currently, emphasis is to remove gross pollutants from stormwater using numerous devices scattered through the catchment. In a radical shift from traditional approaches, we will identify primary contaminant sources in the catchment for later targeted education and regulation and a single remediation device will remove most toxic substances in stormwater currently discharged to estuaries. Stormwater reuse will provide a new valuable urban resource. This paradigm shift in traditional stormwater strategy will ensure biodiversity and ecologically sustainable development of urbanised ports. Port Jackson is used as a test case.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100036
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,054.00
Summary
Remediation of PFAS in current and legacy biosolids application sites. This project aims to develop novel immobilisation, adsorption and/or thermal destruction methods for biosolids, soil and groundwater in current and legacy per- and poly-fluroalkyl substance (PFAS) sites receiving biosolids. Biosolids generated during waste water treatment carry an unknown potential risk of soil and groundwater PFAS contamination, through their application in agriculture and rehabilitation sites. This project ....Remediation of PFAS in current and legacy biosolids application sites. This project aims to develop novel immobilisation, adsorption and/or thermal destruction methods for biosolids, soil and groundwater in current and legacy per- and poly-fluroalkyl substance (PFAS) sites receiving biosolids. Biosolids generated during waste water treatment carry an unknown potential risk of soil and groundwater PFAS contamination, through their application in agriculture and rehabilitation sites. This project will provide the first major investigation of the release, fate and remediation of perfluorinated compounds in relation to their environmental pathways through wastewater treatment plants in Australia. The data will be evaluated to determine if perfluorinated compounds should be further incorporated into Australian soil and water quality monitoring programs. The project will provide evidence of research advice and methodologies being successfully adopted by water industry end-users, government regulatory agencies and private remediation industries.Read moreRead less
Algal control using multi-functional, cold plasma activated microbubbles . Climate change is driving a proliferation of nuisance and harmful algal blooms in our water supply systems, which urgently require cost efficient and effective control strategies. Paradoxically, algal biotechnology is a growth industry with application in food, agriculture and energy; realising this potential requires state-of-the-art technology to optimise production, harvesting and extraction. The aim of this proposal i ....Algal control using multi-functional, cold plasma activated microbubbles . Climate change is driving a proliferation of nuisance and harmful algal blooms in our water supply systems, which urgently require cost efficient and effective control strategies. Paradoxically, algal biotechnology is a growth industry with application in food, agriculture and energy; realising this potential requires state-of-the-art technology to optimise production, harvesting and extraction. The aim of this proposal is to develop cutting edge technology that uses cold plasma activated microbubbles to control algal populations. We propose that by tuning the plasma composition, this technology could both selectively disrupt and destroy algal matter and enhance algal cell growth, benefiting both water and biotechnology industries. Read moreRead less
Floc Characteristics in Sheared Systems: Implications to Low Pressure Membrane Filtration in Water Treatment. In this project, we examine the effect of coagulant choice and coagulation conditions on the nature of the flocs formed in drinking water treatment using submerged membrane systems and on the extent of fouling, contaminant removal and difficulties in backwash. We will develop both underpinning knowledge and operational protocols that will assist in improving the efficiency and thus reduc ....Floc Characteristics in Sheared Systems: Implications to Low Pressure Membrane Filtration in Water Treatment. In this project, we examine the effect of coagulant choice and coagulation conditions on the nature of the flocs formed in drinking water treatment using submerged membrane systems and on the extent of fouling, contaminant removal and difficulties in backwash. We will develop both underpinning knowledge and operational protocols that will assist in improving the efficiency and thus reducing the operating costs of submerged membrane water systems. The outcomes of this project will assist our industry partner in developing more cost effective water treatment processes in Australia which will, in turn, assist in increasing market share in the Asian region.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100027
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,086,676.00
Summary
Integrated, scalable technology solutions for PFAS removal and destruction. This project aims to deliver a ready-to-deploy and scalable modular technology that is capable of removing poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a variety of water sources, including groundwater and surface waters, to make them virtually PFAS-free and therefore safe for human consumption. The concept draws on recent advances in water treatment and electrochemistry that is based on ion exchange, nanofiltration ....Integrated, scalable technology solutions for PFAS removal and destruction. This project aims to deliver a ready-to-deploy and scalable modular technology that is capable of removing poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a variety of water sources, including groundwater and surface waters, to make them virtually PFAS-free and therefore safe for human consumption. The concept draws on recent advances in water treatment and electrochemistry that is based on ion exchange, nanofiltration and advanced oxidation. A risk-based framework will be developed to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions at minimal cost for stakeholders and taxpayers. This project is expected to benefit the residents who live in the vicinity of contaminated waterways or consume water from polluted sources.Read moreRead less
Cost effective in-line filtration system to improve water quality in rainwater tanks. This research will provide the basis for developing an affordable and innovative water treatment solution for domestic rainwater collection systems. The main elements of this research are:
. Provision of a cost -effective submerged membrane operated under gravity to provide water of potable standard.
. Establishing an adaptive membrane cleaning system using the concept of volume control.
. Characterisati ....Cost effective in-line filtration system to improve water quality in rainwater tanks. This research will provide the basis for developing an affordable and innovative water treatment solution for domestic rainwater collection systems. The main elements of this research are:
. Provision of a cost -effective submerged membrane operated under gravity to provide water of potable standard.
. Establishing an adaptive membrane cleaning system using the concept of volume control.
. Characterisation protocol of membrane fouling and stored rain water.
. Sizing of a permeate tank for storing treated water through demand management.
This project will increase the use of rainwater tanks, helping available water resources to go further.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775548
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Advanced characterisation facilities for functional nanostructured materials. A critical factor that enhances frontier research is a set of advanced core research experimental facilities for material characterisation purposes. The proposed equipment aims to: (1) provide research facilities for advanced nanomaterial research; (2) improve national competitiveness and growth in a knowledge-based economy; and (3) foster local talented researchers in order to meet the strategic needs of the nation fo ....Advanced characterisation facilities for functional nanostructured materials. A critical factor that enhances frontier research is a set of advanced core research experimental facilities for material characterisation purposes. The proposed equipment aims to: (1) provide research facilities for advanced nanomaterial research; (2) improve national competitiveness and growth in a knowledge-based economy; and (3) foster local talented researchers in order to meet the strategic needs of the nation for a sustainable environment. These activities will revitalise Australia's leading role in creating new technologies with particular relevance to using advanced nanostructures for the production of clean air and water, and sustainable energy alternatives.Read moreRead less