Interactions between nanoparticles and bacteria. This project aims to understand how nanoparticles interfere with bacterial metabolism, and how these interactions lead to cell death, lysis and dispersal from biofilms. Intensive use of nanomaterials results in their continuously releases into the environment. While various nanoparticles have inhibitory and even toxic effects on microorganisms in ecosystems, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. This project will investigate model organism ....Interactions between nanoparticles and bacteria. This project aims to understand how nanoparticles interfere with bacterial metabolism, and how these interactions lead to cell death, lysis and dispersal from biofilms. Intensive use of nanomaterials results in their continuously releases into the environment. While various nanoparticles have inhibitory and even toxic effects on microorganisms in ecosystems, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. This project will investigate model organisms’ responses to nanoparticles at the cellular, enzymatic and gene expression levels. The findings are expected to help assess the immediate and long-term effect of nanoparticles on ecosystem health, for improved environmental management.Read moreRead less
Novel disinfection to combat antibiotic resistance . Control of antimicrobial resistance in water is critical. Disinfection in water and wastewater treatment plants is a vital barrier against antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB); however, it is less effective in controlling- and may even facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This project aims to comprehensively investigate the effectiveness of widely-used disinfection processes in controlling ARB/ARGs, determine the underly ....Novel disinfection to combat antibiotic resistance . Control of antimicrobial resistance in water is critical. Disinfection in water and wastewater treatment plants is a vital barrier against antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB); however, it is less effective in controlling- and may even facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This project aims to comprehensively investigate the effectiveness of widely-used disinfection processes in controlling ARB/ARGs, determine the underlying mechanisms, and identify optimal treatment conditions. This project also aims to develop a novel, cost-effective and environmentally friendly disinfection process for efficient ARGs destruction, thus significantly strengthening Australia’s capacity to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.Read moreRead less
Micro-managed biofilm - next generation environmental biotechnologies. Eutrophication in waterways due to the presence of nitrogen creates major environmental challenges in inland Australia. This project will develop novel biological nitrogen removal technology, through management of microbial composition to achieve sustainable high-level nitrogen removal from wastewaters and benefical reuse of the water.
Novel concepts for bioelectrochemical generation of renewable fuels and chemicals from wastewater. Global warming and the diminishing fossil fuel resources are posing an ever increasing threat to our societies and economies. This project aims to develop novel and highly innovative bioelectrochemical processes for the production of valuable fuels and chemicals from wastewater, which is a largely untapped renewable resource.
Novel hybrid silica membranes for desalination. This project aims to produce high flux, highly stable ceramic membranes for use in desalination. This will result in novel, low energy desalination processes, delivering potable water at a greatly reduced cost.
Unravelling the dynamics of nitrous oxide production in wastewater systems. This project aims to unravel the dynamics of Nitrous oxide (N2O) production in wastewater treatment systems by combining continuous stable isotope tracing techniques with innovative experimental design and sophisticated mathematical modelling. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment systems. Yet we have a poor understanding of how it is produc ....Unravelling the dynamics of nitrous oxide production in wastewater systems. This project aims to unravel the dynamics of Nitrous oxide (N2O) production in wastewater treatment systems by combining continuous stable isotope tracing techniques with innovative experimental design and sophisticated mathematical modelling. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment systems. Yet we have a poor understanding of how it is produced in such systems. The outcomes of this project will benefit Australian water utilities by helping them to reduce N2O emissions.Read moreRead less
Bio-electrochemical sulfate reduction and sulfur recovery without external carbon source. Highly acidic waterways and mining wastewaters create major environmental challenges in inland Australia. This project will use novel, solar driven biological processes to remove the acid and metals from these streams and enable beneficial reuse of the water and other resources recovered in the process.