New photobioreactor to up-scale axenic cultures of microalgae. This project aims to deliver a scalable photo-bioreactor for the large scale axenic culture of microalgae to close the technology gap for research and development in the Australian algae biotechnology sector. Algae biotechnology is a rapidly emerging area, particularly in biofuel production. The project aims to test and demonstrate a photo-bioreactor for its applicability to produce sufficient algae biomass to study a low abundance p ....New photobioreactor to up-scale axenic cultures of microalgae. This project aims to deliver a scalable photo-bioreactor for the large scale axenic culture of microalgae to close the technology gap for research and development in the Australian algae biotechnology sector. Algae biotechnology is a rapidly emerging area, particularly in biofuel production. The project aims to test and demonstrate a photo-bioreactor for its applicability to produce sufficient algae biomass to study a low abundance photosynthetic protein complex to advance knowledge of coral bleaching.Read moreRead less
Synthetic Biology Derived Electroactive Whole Cell Microbial Biosensors. The aim of this project is to develop, using synthetic biology, electrically integrated microbial biosensors for the detection of heavy metals in the environment. Building on our existing technology, this project aims to produce novel ‘biobricks’ capable of electrically integrating electric microbes into real time environmental monitors for heavy metal contaminants. This expansion of synthetic biology, and integration of el ....Synthetic Biology Derived Electroactive Whole Cell Microbial Biosensors. The aim of this project is to develop, using synthetic biology, electrically integrated microbial biosensors for the detection of heavy metals in the environment. Building on our existing technology, this project aims to produce novel ‘biobricks’ capable of electrically integrating electric microbes into real time environmental monitors for heavy metal contaminants. This expansion of synthetic biology, and integration of electric bacteria into sensor systems, will result in a new platform technology that expands our abilities to protect the ecology, agriculture and health of terrestrial, marine and agricultural at risk areas from economic and environmental damage.Read moreRead less
On-site environmental DNA sensing with user-friendly test strips. Organisms shed their genes into the environment. This project aims to develop world-first field-portable biosensors for this environmental DNA. Based on a novel sensing principle, they will offer performance comparable with current laboratory-based techniques. They will be rapid (< 1 h), cost -effective (< $ 1 per strip) and robust. Project outcomes will include tube-based tests able to detect 1 DNA copy / microlitre and ultraligh ....On-site environmental DNA sensing with user-friendly test strips. Organisms shed their genes into the environment. This project aims to develop world-first field-portable biosensors for this environmental DNA. Based on a novel sensing principle, they will offer performance comparable with current laboratory-based techniques. They will be rapid (< 1 h), cost -effective (< $ 1 per strip) and robust. Project outcomes will include tube-based tests able to detect 1 DNA copy / microlitre and ultralight paper test strips, both with naked-eye readout. Applications of these sensors in water testing will be developed with an Australian industry partner Biopoint. Benefits will include strengthened protection against invasive pests and the spread of antimicrobial resistance without lab testing and sample logistics.Read moreRead less
Contribution of Comammox Process to Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. This project aims to understand the versatility, activity and physiological features of comammox bacteria, the newly-discovered complete nitrifiers, in Australian wastewater treatment systems, and to model and evaluate their contributions to biological nitrogen removal process. Nitrogen transformations are crucial microbial processes in the wastewater treatment ecosystems, with nitrification largely responsible for ammonium ox ....Contribution of Comammox Process to Sustainable Wastewater Treatment. This project aims to understand the versatility, activity and physiological features of comammox bacteria, the newly-discovered complete nitrifiers, in Australian wastewater treatment systems, and to model and evaluate their contributions to biological nitrogen removal process. Nitrogen transformations are crucial microbial processes in the wastewater treatment ecosystems, with nitrification largely responsible for ammonium oxidation but comammox previously overlooked. The expected outcomes will develop new knowledge on the comammox process and provide novel insight and technological solution to refine strategies to manipulate nitrification processes for achieving improved biological nitrogen removal and sustainable wastewater management.Read moreRead less
Treatment of secondary sludge using free nitrous acid to enhance performance and economics of a wastewater treatment plant. This project will deliver a new process that utilises a by-product of wastewater treatment to reduce the environmental and financial costs of wastewater treatment. The project will significantly reduce waste materials discharged from wastewater treatment plants and enhance bioenergy recovery from wastewater, in addition to improving effluent quality.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100667
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,000.00
Summary
Removing a Key Barrier for Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. This project aims to develop new technology to enable stable autotrophic nitrogen removal from domestic wastewater. The technology selectively suppresses the growth of nitrite-oxidising bacteria using a by-product of wastewater treatment – free nitrous acid. Maximising energy recovery from wastewater and providing greenhouse gas neutral water services have been the targets of water utilities in Australia and worldwide. The ....Removing a Key Barrier for Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater. This project aims to develop new technology to enable stable autotrophic nitrogen removal from domestic wastewater. The technology selectively suppresses the growth of nitrite-oxidising bacteria using a by-product of wastewater treatment – free nitrous acid. Maximising energy recovery from wastewater and providing greenhouse gas neutral water services have been the targets of water utilities in Australia and worldwide. The project will potentially change wastewater management and bring economic, environmental and social benefits to water utilities.Read moreRead less
Degradation of Oestrogenic and Carcinogenic Substances in Water using alternative water treatment technologies- Membrane Technology and Photocatalysis. There is currently much concern about the release into the aquatic environment of oestrogenic and carcinogenic pollutants. Current conventional water treatment technologies are ineffective in removing them from our water supplies. This research proposes to investigate alternative water treatment technologies for the removal of these compounds of ....Degradation of Oestrogenic and Carcinogenic Substances in Water using alternative water treatment technologies- Membrane Technology and Photocatalysis. There is currently much concern about the release into the aquatic environment of oestrogenic and carcinogenic pollutants. Current conventional water treatment technologies are ineffective in removing them from our water supplies. This research proposes to investigate alternative water treatment technologies for the removal of these compounds of concern. The technologies to be investigated involve integrating membrane technology and titanium dioxide photocatalysis to produce a highly effective and efficient water treatment process. The effects of various parameters on degradation of the pollutants will be investigated and monitored using different analytical techniques.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100755
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,948.00
Summary
Developing phytosystems for the biofiltration of air pollutants . This project aims to develop, evaluate and apply a range of biotechnology driven solutions for the use of phytosystem biofilters designed for air purification. The findings of the project will demonstrate the fundamental mechanisms behind botanical air pollutant biofiltration, apply systematic technological development against a range of air pollutants, and provide strategies to deploy the technology. With a transdisciplinary appr ....Developing phytosystems for the biofiltration of air pollutants . This project aims to develop, evaluate and apply a range of biotechnology driven solutions for the use of phytosystem biofilters designed for air purification. The findings of the project will demonstrate the fundamental mechanisms behind botanical air pollutant biofiltration, apply systematic technological development against a range of air pollutants, and provide strategies to deploy the technology. With a transdisciplinary approach utilising techniques new to this discipline, the project will substantially advance the fundamental science underlying this novel and highly valuable area of air-bioremediation technology, and will create a much stronger economic driver for this Australia-led innovation.Read moreRead less
Microbial infestation of pre-painted steel building materials: chemical and microbial characterization, model development and control strategies. Coated steel building materials are a multi-billion dollar Australian industry. Microorganisms form slime layers on those materials, which are unsightly and reduce their energy benefits. The project will identify the problem organisms, the factors that facilitate their growth and will develop novel biofilm resistant, functional building materials.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100121
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,671.00
Summary
Genomic library infrastructure for ancient environmental samples. This project aims to enable automated genome recovery from diverse environmental samples, without contamination risk. For more than 100 years, environmental scientists have studied diverse organism / environment interactions using a variety of conceptual and technical tools. Recently, studies of ancient and historical DNA have come to complement these tools and to occupy a significant place in environmental studies conducted over ....Genomic library infrastructure for ancient environmental samples. This project aims to enable automated genome recovery from diverse environmental samples, without contamination risk. For more than 100 years, environmental scientists have studied diverse organism / environment interactions using a variety of conceptual and technical tools. Recently, studies of ancient and historical DNA have come to complement these tools and to occupy a significant place in environmental studies conducted over serial time. The project’s addition to the existing dual Ancient DNA complex facility at Griffith University will comprise two liquid handling workstations, each being housed in separate, self-contained, ancient DNA laboratories. The new facility will enable many researchers to have unprecedented access to an ancient DNA facility and a high level of technical support.Read moreRead less