Biological phosphorous removal for wastewater treatment. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for understanding how phosphorous can be removed in wastewater treatment plants, using environmentally safe biological methods rather than by using chemicals. This is expected to lead to improved performance in wastewater treatment plants, which will be of economic and environmental benefit, particularly to regional communities in inland Australia.
In situ microbial conversion of coal to methane: Biotechnology development for clean use of Australian coal. We will develop a biotechnology that uses native microorganisms to accelerate the underground conversion of coal to methane. Approximately 90% of Australia’s coal resources cannot be accessed economically using traditional mining technologies. A technology that converts coal to methane could generate an energy supply worth an estimated $60 billion, foster the development of an energy indu ....In situ microbial conversion of coal to methane: Biotechnology development for clean use of Australian coal. We will develop a biotechnology that uses native microorganisms to accelerate the underground conversion of coal to methane. Approximately 90% of Australia’s coal resources cannot be accessed economically using traditional mining technologies. A technology that converts coal to methane could generate an energy supply worth an estimated $60 billion, foster the development of an energy industry now in its infancy, and generate numerous new employment opportunities. Environmentally, methane is a cleaner burning fuel than coal, uses much less water for processing and generates the same quantity of electricity with lower CO2 emissions. This project highlights the fact that Australia’s microbial diversity is a resource we cannot afford to ignore.Read moreRead less
Revolutionising real-time genomic epidemiology in urban wastewater systems. This project aims to develop a real-time and high-resolution genomic tool to monitor and track pathogens in urban wastewater systems based on the portable third-generation sequencing platform. Pathogens sicken hundreds of millions of people, cost the global economy tens of billions of dollars annually, and are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The current epidemiology approach, and data, are retrospective and ....Revolutionising real-time genomic epidemiology in urban wastewater systems. This project aims to develop a real-time and high-resolution genomic tool to monitor and track pathogens in urban wastewater systems based on the portable third-generation sequencing platform. Pathogens sicken hundreds of millions of people, cost the global economy tens of billions of dollars annually, and are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The current epidemiology approach, and data, are retrospective and thus insufficient for timely intervention. Integrated with wastewater analysis for pharmaceuticals targeting pathogens, the sewer-based epidemiology approach of this project will greatly enhance public health by achieving early detection and informed control of infectious diseases.Read moreRead less