Degradation of Trace Contaminants Using Sonochemistry and Peroxide Scavenging Advanced Oxidation Processes. Sonochemical degradation of hazardous organic compounds in aqueous solution has been examined extensively in recent years and found to be an effective means of waste treatment however the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals by the relatively high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide produced limits the amount of reactive radicals accessible to target molecules. In this project we will investiga ....Degradation of Trace Contaminants Using Sonochemistry and Peroxide Scavenging Advanced Oxidation Processes. Sonochemical degradation of hazardous organic compounds in aqueous solution has been examined extensively in recent years and found to be an effective means of waste treatment however the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals by the relatively high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide produced limits the amount of reactive radicals accessible to target molecules. In this project we will investigate, by both experimental and computational means, options for the regeneration of hydroxyl radicals through use of hydrogen peroxide. Methods of particular interest include use of Fenton's reagent and ozone.Read moreRead less
Maximising Bioenergy Recovery from Sewage Sludge. Sewage treatment is producing large amounts of sewage sludge, which represents a substantial, but largely untapped, energy source. This project aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative, economically attractive and environmentally friendly technology, and the underpinning science, to maximize bioenergy recovery from sewage sludge. The technology is based on the treatment of sludge using free ammonia, a by-product of sewage treatment. This pro ....Maximising Bioenergy Recovery from Sewage Sludge. Sewage treatment is producing large amounts of sewage sludge, which represents a substantial, but largely untapped, energy source. This project aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative, economically attractive and environmentally friendly technology, and the underpinning science, to maximize bioenergy recovery from sewage sludge. The technology is based on the treatment of sludge using free ammonia, a by-product of sewage treatment. This project is expected to benefit Australia by substantially reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating a shift to affordable renewable energy. The outcomes of the project would provide significant energy, economic, environmental and social benefits for Australians. 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
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
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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100694
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Building resilience in wastewater infrastructure with self-healing bioconcrete. This project aims to develop a microbial self-healing bio-concrete to extend the service life of wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Water utilities worldwide struggle with asset management, because global warming and extreme weather age and corrode concrete infrastructure. This project will use microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation by bacteria to treat wastewater. The bacteria, added to bio ....Building resilience in wastewater infrastructure with self-healing bioconcrete. This project aims to develop a microbial self-healing bio-concrete to extend the service life of wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Water utilities worldwide struggle with asset management, because global warming and extreme weather age and corrode concrete infrastructure. This project will use microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation by bacteria to treat wastewater. The bacteria, added to bio-concrete, can fill cracks or reseal corroded areas by using organic substrates from wastewater to generate concrete, thus maintaining structural strength and preventing further damage. This project is expected to enhance the resilience and sustainability of wastewater infrastructure in ever more demanding environments.Read moreRead less
Sustainable wastewater management. This project aims to extract high-value liquid products (medium-chain fatty acids) from wastewater with minimised greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, in addition to clean water. Traditional wastewater treatment removes organic carbon and nutrients by using vast amounts of energy and releasing greenhouse gas. However, wastewater is a substantial but largely untapped renewable resource. The intended outcome is to transform wastewater from a troubleso ....Sustainable wastewater management. This project aims to extract high-value liquid products (medium-chain fatty acids) from wastewater with minimised greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, in addition to clean water. Traditional wastewater treatment removes organic carbon and nutrients by using vast amounts of energy and releasing greenhouse gas. However, wastewater is a substantial but largely untapped renewable resource. The intended outcome is to transform wastewater from a troublesome pollutant to a valuable resource and reduce carbon footprints.Read moreRead less
Photodesorption Phenomena and Photoreactive Nanosorbent Materials for Water and Wastewater Purification. Introducing more efficient production of drinking water and wastewater treatment methods for reuse is important to address increasing water scarcity in Australia. The proposed project will develop a water purification technology to remove pollutants using a recently discovered process. This process offers simple and affordable operation that is clean, robust and requires minimal attention. Th ....Photodesorption Phenomena and Photoreactive Nanosorbent Materials for Water and Wastewater Purification. Introducing more efficient production of drinking water and wastewater treatment methods for reuse is important to address increasing water scarcity in Australia. The proposed project will develop a water purification technology to remove pollutants using a recently discovered process. This process offers simple and affordable operation that is clean, robust and requires minimal attention. The technology is particularly suitable for small-scale applications in rural and remote areas, and has significant export potential. The project will strengthen established links between Australian and Korean research centres through the production of improved nanomaterials, and the development of the novel water purification technologyRead moreRead less
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
Microbial Control in Wastewater Systems Using a Renewable Material. The project aims to address 3 long-standing problems and an emerging problem for wastewater systems by developing a suite of innovative technologies for microbial control. These will use a renewable material from wastewater. The project expects to advance understanding of microbiology to improve processes for removing phosphorus, managing sludge bulking, cleaning membranes, and reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance. Expec ....Microbial Control in Wastewater Systems Using a Renewable Material. The project aims to address 3 long-standing problems and an emerging problem for wastewater systems by developing a suite of innovative technologies for microbial control. These will use a renewable material from wastewater. The project expects to advance understanding of microbiology to improve processes for removing phosphorus, managing sludge bulking, cleaning membranes, and reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance. Expected outcomes include substantial cost reduction, a secure resource future, and elimination of the need to use chemicals that present safety risks to workers and the environment. The project should benefit public health, the environment and the water industry, as well as create commercial opportunities in Australia.Read moreRead less