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.

The sustainable application of biosolids to agricultural land is being limited by many contaminants such as microbial pathogens, PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals. The thermal treatment of biosolids via pyrolysis can destroy the microbial and organic contaminants; however, heavy metals remain a persistent problem with biosolids and its thermally derived products. Therefore, pyrolysis alone may not satisfactorily deal with the limiting problem of heavy metals in biosolids and biochar. This work is developing an integrated acid extraction and pyrolysis process to reduce the heavy metals load in biosolids and convert the pre-treated biosolids to useful carbon and nutrient rich biochar and valuable chemicals.

PhD Thesis underway by Ibrahim Hakeem.

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.

The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in various environmental media is of great concern due to their potential adverse effects on living organisms. This project aims to investigate the feasibility of natural-occurring foams in aeration tanks for removal of PFAs and other contaminants of emerging concern from sewage.

PhD Thesis underway by Angel Chyi En We.

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.

Sunlight-induced degradation is an important removal mechanism for some contaminants and has been commonly overlooked as a removal mechanism in wastewater systems in the past. This project aims to predict the direct sunlight-induced degradation, or direct photolysis, of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater treatment lagoons to improve monitoring and removal efficacy of the contaminants, and thereby enable water operators and management to perform ecological risk assessment and make better management decisions.

Honours Thesis underway by Michelle Um.

This study examined seedling emergence and early development growth responses of Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach) in per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soil. Results show that low concentrations of PFAS contaminated soil (50 ng/kg) can affect plant biomass and growth in young plants. Results also indicate that further testing and research is needed, which should include other PFAS as well as with a greater diversity of plant species and PFAS concentration exposures, to better understand the potency of fluorinated chemicals to terrestrial plants destined for food consumption. This study serves in improving the understanding of the behaviour and fate of these fluorinated compounds in the terrestrial environment.

Honours Thesis completed by Stephanie Wallace Polley in June 2018.

Increasing water demand due to a growing population and improved lifestyles is exerting greater pressure on existing water resources. The increasing number of contaminants entering the water supplies is further challenging water authorities worldwide. This project investigated using membrane filtration as a physical separation process and as an effective barrier for a wide range of inorganic and organic contaminants, producing excellent quality product water.

PhD Thesis completed by Muhammad Umar in October 2014.

This project addressed the removal rate of ammonia by microorganisms and designed a pathogen survey to establish the level of contaminants present within influent water at the Aquifer storage and recovery site at the Aldinga Aquifer.

Honours Thesis completed by Kimberly A. Sieburn in November 2011.