The role of bush fires in the formation and fate of dioxin like chemicals in Australia. A global (POPs) treaty signed by more than 100 nations targets the reduction and elimination of dioxins, which are persistent, bioaccumlative and highly toxic to humans. Bushfires have been suggested as the major source of dioxins in Australia. Experimental data indicate bushfires may not represent the actual sources of dioxin. Our aim is to experimentally establish the levels of dioxins formed and re-emi ....The role of bush fires in the formation and fate of dioxin like chemicals in Australia. A global (POPs) treaty signed by more than 100 nations targets the reduction and elimination of dioxins, which are persistent, bioaccumlative and highly toxic to humans. Bushfires have been suggested as the major source of dioxins in Australia. Experimental data indicate bushfires may not represent the actual sources of dioxin. Our aim is to experimentally establish the levels of dioxins formed and re-emitted from bushfires in Australia. The results will assist to make informed decisions that lead to effective action for reducing dioxin contamination in Australia, fulfilling the treaty requirements and protecting the population and environment.
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Atmospheric fate and processes of semi-volatile organic compounds in tropical climates. The outcomes from this study will contribute fundamental and quantitative information for evaluation of the fate of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) in tropical systems, including Australia's World Heritage ecosystems such as rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The study addresses key international knowledge gaps with respect to the influence of climate on SOC atmospheric fate. Australia's geographic ....Atmospheric fate and processes of semi-volatile organic compounds in tropical climates. The outcomes from this study will contribute fundamental and quantitative information for evaluation of the fate of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) in tropical systems, including Australia's World Heritage ecosystems such as rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The study addresses key international knowledge gaps with respect to the influence of climate on SOC atmospheric fate. Australia's geographical location within the tropical belt provides an ideal opportunity for leading this field of research and contributes relevant data for its commitment under the Stockholm Convention.Read moreRead less
Trans-dimensional and Approximate Bayesian Computation. Many applied scientists in Australia, particularly those in the biological, medical and environmental sciences are now interested in incorporating Bayesian statistical methodologies into their research.
The development of more generic and efficient Bayesian statistical methods will not only benefit applied statisticians but also the more occasional users of statistics in other disciplinary areas. The success of this project will enhance Au ....Trans-dimensional and Approximate Bayesian Computation. Many applied scientists in Australia, particularly those in the biological, medical and environmental sciences are now interested in incorporating Bayesian statistical methodologies into their research.
The development of more generic and efficient Bayesian statistical methods will not only benefit applied statisticians but also the more occasional users of statistics in other disciplinary areas. The success of this project will enhance Australia's reputation as a strong contributor to the development of Bayesian methodologies. Two PhD students will also be provided training in computational Bayesian statistics.Read moreRead less
Fluorinated surfactants and hydrocarbons at coastal airports. Fluorinated surfactants and hydrocarbons at coastal airports. This project aims to develop a model and parameters that describe transport and co-transport of fluoro-surfactants and hydrocarbons, priority pollutants with a wide range of physico-chemical properties, at coastal airports. Sixty percent of Australian airports are in the coastal plain, and all are affected by contamination from internationally banned fluoro-surfactants and ....Fluorinated surfactants and hydrocarbons at coastal airports. Fluorinated surfactants and hydrocarbons at coastal airports. This project aims to develop a model and parameters that describe transport and co-transport of fluoro-surfactants and hydrocarbons, priority pollutants with a wide range of physico-chemical properties, at coastal airports. Sixty percent of Australian airports are in the coastal plain, and all are affected by contamination from internationally banned fluoro-surfactants and hydrocarbons. Their extensive past use at firefighting training grounds resulted in costly remediation worldwide. Understanding the fate of persistent fluoro-surfactants from point sources, and their role in transporting non-polar chemicals such as hydrocarbons, will improve risk-based decision making. This research is expected to form the basis for effective risk management and intervention strategies.Read moreRead less
Formation, degradation and migration of a yet unidentified POP source. Australia has recently ratified the Stockholm Convention, targeting persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for global reduction and elimination. A significant gap exists, however, in understanding sources and pathways of POPs in Australia, and subtropical/tropical environments. Previous research has shown an extensive POP contamination in coastal Australia, and exposure of biota to elevated levels. The present study will evalua ....Formation, degradation and migration of a yet unidentified POP source. Australia has recently ratified the Stockholm Convention, targeting persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for global reduction and elimination. A significant gap exists, however, in understanding sources and pathways of POPs in Australia, and subtropical/tropical environments. Previous research has shown an extensive POP contamination in coastal Australia, and exposure of biota to elevated levels. The present study will evaluate the formation, degradation and migration of POPs, and their significance to Australia's past, present and future emissions. The outcomes will allow identification of sources, their prioritization for elimination and exposure prevention, and ultimately serve to protect the environment and human health in Australia.Read moreRead less
The peopling of East Asia and Australasia. This project aims to recover DNA sequences from ancient human remains from Australia and Asia some dating back 45,000 years. The project will use this information to identify the geographic origin of these people and to determine their genetic histories.
Metal emissions from petrol and the future health of children. We aim to determine the contribution of manganese, lead, and other metal emissions from motor vehicles to the environment and exposure of
children. Manganese is of potential concern because of (a) its recent
introduction as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) in
Australia as a fuel additive to replace lead and (b) the lack of information on environmental levels, exposure, and long-term health effects, especially in ....Metal emissions from petrol and the future health of children. We aim to determine the contribution of manganese, lead, and other metal emissions from motor vehicles to the environment and exposure of
children. Manganese is of potential concern because of (a) its recent
introduction as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) in
Australia as a fuel additive to replace lead and (b) the lack of information on environmental levels, exposure, and long-term health effects, especially in children. This project conforms with a Designated National Research Priority and is a collaborative project bringing together researchers from academia, CSIRO, industry, and the US.
Environmental Protection Agency.
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Arsenic speciation in Cleveland Bay, and controls on its uptake in commercial crab species. Marine organisms from the Great Barrier Reef exhibit elevated arsenic concentrations. It is not known if arsenic constitutes a human health risk since its chemical form has not been determined. The factors which control arsenic uptake in the GBR environment are unknown, making it difficult to predict how changes in water quality (such as phosphate which is chemically similar to arsenic) may alter arsenic ....Arsenic speciation in Cleveland Bay, and controls on its uptake in commercial crab species. Marine organisms from the Great Barrier Reef exhibit elevated arsenic concentrations. It is not known if arsenic constitutes a human health risk since its chemical form has not been determined. The factors which control arsenic uptake in the GBR environment are unknown, making it difficult to predict how changes in water quality (such as phosphate which is chemically similar to arsenic) may alter arsenic concentrations in these organisms. This project will determine the chemical form of arsenic in biota, sediment and water, and will test the hypothesis that the elevated arsenic levels reflect the low phosphate concentrations in the water.Read moreRead less
Photodegradation of Oestrogenic Pollutants in the aquatic environment. Recent media attention has highlighted the problem of oestrogenic pollutants in the aquatic environment. This research proposes to investigate Photocatalysis of oestrogens in water using the magnetic titanium dioxide particles developed at the Centre for Particle and Catalyst Technologies in the University of New South Wales, Sydney. The natural oestrogens 17b-oestradiol, oestrone and oestriol and the synthetic oestrogen 17a- ....Photodegradation of Oestrogenic Pollutants in the aquatic environment. Recent media attention has highlighted the problem of oestrogenic pollutants in the aquatic environment. This research proposes to investigate Photocatalysis of oestrogens in water using the magnetic titanium dioxide particles developed at the Centre for Particle and Catalyst Technologies in the University of New South Wales, Sydney. The natural oestrogens 17b-oestradiol, oestrone and oestriol and the synthetic oestrogen 17a-ethynyl oestradiol (the main constituent of the contraceptive pill) will be investigated in the photocatalytic system. Degradation will be monitored using various analytical techniques. Other commercial catalysts will also be investigated and compared with the magnetic catalyst and previous catalysts tested.Read moreRead less
The abundance and isotope composition of pyrogenic carbon in tropical savannas. Tropical savanna burning represents an important but poorly understood component of the global carbon cycle. This project will quantify the dynamics of pyrogenic carbon (charcoal, soot, biochar) production and dispersal during savanna fires. Pyrogenic carbon is important because it can persist in the environment for thousands of years. Hence it represents both a 'sink' for carbon and a source of information about pas ....The abundance and isotope composition of pyrogenic carbon in tropical savannas. Tropical savanna burning represents an important but poorly understood component of the global carbon cycle. This project will quantify the dynamics of pyrogenic carbon (charcoal, soot, biochar) production and dispersal during savanna fires. Pyrogenic carbon is important because it can persist in the environment for thousands of years. Hence it represents both a 'sink' for carbon and a source of information about past environments. The project will also assist in validating 'biochar' as a new tool for carbon sequestration, an enable a deeper understanding of the interactions between fire, humans, vegetation and climate.Read moreRead less