Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100338
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,155.00
Summary
Barking up the right trees – A microbial solution for our methane problem. This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeoch ....Barking up the right trees – A microbial solution for our methane problem. This project aims to unveil the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of bark-dwelling microbial communities in Australian forests. Trees perform an important climatic function in sequestering atmospheric carbon, however the role of tree bark-associated microbiome in regulating other climate-active trace gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is unknown. Combining cutting-edge molecular and biogeochemical approaches, this project aims to characterise and quantify trace gas oxidation rates of forest bark microbiome. The anticipated outcomes include fundamental knowledge surrounding bark-associated microbial trace gas oxidation within global biogeochemical cycles, and insights into their response to climatic variables.Read moreRead less
Chemicals in compostable food contact paper packaging materials. The aim of this project is to understand the presence of persistent chemicals in recyclable and compostable food contact materials (FCMs). These types of products are destined for recycling or biowaste streams that bridge the gap from take-make-dispose and into a circular economy. Currently, the knowledge of the chemicals in these products is limited but we need to ensure that they are safe and do not unnecessarily contaminate reso ....Chemicals in compostable food contact paper packaging materials. The aim of this project is to understand the presence of persistent chemicals in recyclable and compostable food contact materials (FCMs). These types of products are destined for recycling or biowaste streams that bridge the gap from take-make-dispose and into a circular economy. Currently, the knowledge of the chemicals in these products is limited but we need to ensure that they are safe and do not unnecessarily contaminate resource recovery streams. It is expected that this project will develop a framework that could be used by industry and government to prevent chemicals of concern persisting in a circular economy, providing environmental and economic benefits through reduced risk of chemical exposure and unnecessary remediation costs.Read moreRead less