The aim of this project is to determine which physical features of textiles increase fibre release during washing, so they can be reengineered to minimise environmental impacts, improving the quality of bioresources such as effluent water and biosolids.

Thesis underway.

Biosolids generated during the wastewater treatment processes has become a major burden of wastewater treatment plants and an unresolved problem for major cities around the world. It is thus imperative to identify a sustainable way for the proper management of biosolids. The overarching aim of this research is to establish a robust assessment framework to estimate the environmental sustainability implications of different pathways for biosolids processing and resource recovery in an Australian context and provide information to decision makers and practitioners of the water industry on the performance of different treatment scenarios.

PhD Thesis underway by Jingwen Luo.

Petroleum hydrocarbon is one of the most common soil contaminants in many countries. Considering the magnitude and impact of this problem, remediating contaminated soils are inevitable. Several methods have been used to remediate hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, however, some of the methods are not cost effective or environment friendly. Biochar, a low cost carbonaceous product, has gained relevance for remediation of contaminated soil.

In my research, I am using biosolids as a source of biochar production. The use of biosolids in production of biochar and its subsequent application in remediation provides an opportunity to re-purpose waste from the water industry for valuable use.

Thesis underway.

In Australia, around 1.4 million tonnes of biosolids were produced in 2021. Land application of biosolids can promote environmental benefits such as: improve soil structure, carbon sequestration, cycling of nutrients as well as realising economic benefits through conserved landfill space, increased crop production and reduced demand for fertilizers. However, biosolids can have negative impacts on the environment if not properly managed.  Currently there is a lack of data on volatile emissions from biosolids when applied to land in Australia. Volatile emissions as well as impacting the environment can contribute to odours which reduce the community acceptance. Variations in volatile emissions can occur due to wastewater origins, biosolids processing, application methods and local conditions. This project aims to 1) identify and collate data from literature and industry on biosolids land application practices in Australia, and 2) measure volatile emissions from different biosolids, biosolids-amended soils and land application methods to inform best practice.

PhD Thesis underway by Thais Nunes Guerrero.

The biosolids industry in Australia has historically developed in response to the regional challenges, resources available and their markets perception and demands. This has resulted in a variety of priorities, management strategies and reuse applications currently operating nationally. To progress and take advantage of the recovered resources provided by the development of the biosolids industry a national framework providing a level field is required. The result would see the biosolids industry in an improved growth position, more effective utilisation of resources, more control over risk to health and the environment and improve our position nationally with adherence to our global responsibility targets. The mechanism to achieve these goals is estimated to be by the application of a non-prescriptive framework which has risk strategies built into progressive steps in the biosolids product development with strategies targeting specific end use.

PhD Thesis underway by Marilyn Braine.

This project will investigate the the fate and the sources of a range of priority emerging contaminants to CECs Australian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), that will allow water and environmental authorities better diagnostic tool for proactively managing the release of emerging contaminants into treatment plants.

PhD Thesis underway by Madara Weerasooriyagedara.

This project investigated the presence, removal and fate of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment, using advanced instrumentation. These drugs are emerging environmental contaminants and potential hazards for the disposal and recycling of treated wastewater.  Outcomes from this project included the development of novel wastewater treatment methods and an early warning system for identifying new psychoactive drugs in the community.  The project provided benefits such as reduction in the environmental and human health risk for wastewater recycling.

PhD Thesis underway by Luis Restrepo.

This research investigated the impact of recycled water runoff entering the Tilligerry Creek and broader Port Stephens estuary.  The results provided a better understanding of nutrient impact has on the receiving environment.

Honours Thesis completed by David Workman in February 2018.

Soil hydrophobicity is reported to vary under different vegetation types, and in different soil environments (e.g. pH, soil texture, total organic carbon, and microbial activity). Organic compounds, such as fatty acids and non-polar waxes, are understood to coat soil surfaces, creating hydrophobic barriers that prevent water penetration.  This project investigated links between soil hydrophobicity and a range of Australian native species at a bushland site in Kings Park, Western Australia.

Honours Thesis completed by Luke Kitchens in June 2015.

This research investigated the impact of failing on-site septic systems and agricultural runoff entering the Tilligerry Creek and broader Port Stephens estuary.  The results provided a better understanding of nutrient impact has on the receiving environment in the short, medium and long term.

Honours Thesis completed by Daniel Kousbroek in June 2014.