Chicken Manure represents one of the largest organic waste streams in Australia. Anaerobic Digestion is an alternative waste treatment method that carries the advantage of biomethane production. The use of chicken manure as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion can generate not only biogas, but a digestate rich in nutrients that can be used as a biofertilizer, creating a circular economy. However, the use of chicken manure as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion can be challenging due to its high nitrogen content. In this project, the addition of biochar, a cost-effective carbonaceous material made from the pyrylosis of biomass, to mitigate the ammonia stress that accompanies the anaerobic digestion of chicken manure. Ultimately, the use of biochar can improve biomethane production.

PhD Thesis underway by Tien Ngo.

Sludge-drying lagoons are used in Australia as a convenient and cost-effective method of de-watering wastewater sludge. Methane emissions from these lagoons have been estimated to represent up to two thirds of total greenhouse gas emissions of the wastewater treatment, and will need to be addressed for water utilities to meet emission reduction targets. This project will investigate operational interventions that have the potential to select for novel microorganism capable of oxidising methane as a means of reducing emissions.

PhD Thesis completed by Sarah Aucote.