Laboratory and Field Testing of a Leak Detection Technique Using Fluid Transients. A major problem in fluid pipelines and pipe networks is undetected leakage. This research collaboration will develop new approaches that will enable systematic leak detection using advanced numerical modelling and inverse techniques with the ultimate goal of implementing these leak detection methods in practice. In addition to the numerical model development, an extensive series of laboratory experiments will be u ....Laboratory and Field Testing of a Leak Detection Technique Using Fluid Transients. A major problem in fluid pipelines and pipe networks is undetected leakage. This research collaboration will develop new approaches that will enable systematic leak detection using advanced numerical modelling and inverse techniques with the ultimate goal of implementing these leak detection methods in practice. In addition to the numerical model development, an extensive series of laboratory experiments will be undertaken by researchers from both universities using the laboratory facilities in Adelaide to verify and extend the new approaches. The researchers will conduct similar experiments under field conditions on much larger pipe systems in Toronto and generally in Canada.Read moreRead less
Establishing the relationship between water characteristics and fouling of membranes used in water reuse. The project will result in the following significant benefits to the Australian and international partners: a state-of-the-art laboratory and semi-pilot system from which a full-scale system could be developed and tested, funded by the water industry; an outstanding research project for postgraduate students at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Gwangji Institute of Science and Tech ....Establishing the relationship between water characteristics and fouling of membranes used in water reuse. The project will result in the following significant benefits to the Australian and international partners: a state-of-the-art laboratory and semi-pilot system from which a full-scale system could be developed and tested, funded by the water industry; an outstanding research project for postgraduate students at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Gwangji Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (GIST) and Yale University; and fostering a culture of innovation in the wastewater industry in Australia, Korea and USA and contributing to the commercialization of research by UTS, GIST and YU.Read moreRead less
An innovative wastewater treatment system for the removal of persisting organic pollutants (POPs). Photocatalysis is an emerging technology in wastewater treatment that is capable of completely converting POPs into harmless compounds. In this research, we will combine the expertise of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in water reuse technologies, and Chonnam National University (CNU) in advanced oxidation processes with that of UTS' in physico-chemical treatment processes to dev ....An innovative wastewater treatment system for the removal of persisting organic pollutants (POPs). Photocatalysis is an emerging technology in wastewater treatment that is capable of completely converting POPs into harmless compounds. In this research, we will combine the expertise of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in water reuse technologies, and Chonnam National University (CNU) in advanced oxidation processes with that of UTS' in physico-chemical treatment processes to develop a novel photocatalysis hybrid system. Through long term collaboration we aim to: (i) establish an innovative hybrid system for POPs removal, (ii) prepare industry grants, (iii) research training of postgraduate research students, and (iv) help to commercialize our research outcomes for domestic benefit and export.Read moreRead less
A better way to remove arsenic from drinking water. Arsenic is a serious pollutant of drinking water in parts of Australia and in Asia, We propose to developed an inovative technology to remove arsenic from water. Our international partnership combines the expertise of the University of Regina (UR), Canada in physico-chemical treatment processes with that of the UTS in membrane processes. Through a long term collaboration we aim to: (i) establish a full-scale innovative system for arsenic remova ....A better way to remove arsenic from drinking water. Arsenic is a serious pollutant of drinking water in parts of Australia and in Asia, We propose to developed an inovative technology to remove arsenic from water. Our international partnership combines the expertise of the University of Regina (UR), Canada in physico-chemical treatment processes with that of the UTS in membrane processes. Through a long term collaboration we aim to: (i) establish a full-scale innovative system for arsenic removal, (ii) prepare joint publications and apply for more industry grants, (iii) research training of postgraduate research student, and (iv) help to commercialize our research outcomes for domestic benefit and export.Read moreRead less
Development of a novel filtration hybrid system in wastewater treatment and reuse. Water industries in Australia and Japan are aiming at developing compact wastewater treatment and reuse systems. This project will form the basis for a long-term study on coupling a new static floccuator/filter system being developed at UTS and a hanging sponge cubes bioreactor being developed at NUT. A properly designed physico-chemical biological hybrid system will be cost-effective in removing a wide range of ....Development of a novel filtration hybrid system in wastewater treatment and reuse. Water industries in Australia and Japan are aiming at developing compact wastewater treatment and reuse systems. This project will form the basis for a long-term study on coupling a new static floccuator/filter system being developed at UTS and a hanging sponge cubes bioreactor being developed at NUT. A properly designed physico-chemical biological hybrid system will be cost-effective in removing a wide range of pollutants with little maintenance. This study will establish a rational hybrid system through detailed bench and pilot-scale experimentation. It will make the optimum use of the complementary expertise and facilities at NUT and UTS.Read moreRead less
Nanofiltration in Wastewater treatment for Reuse: Effect of Pretreatment for Long-term Application. Low pressure nanofiltration (NF) is a relatively new technology. The main problem of membrane fouling on NF could successfully be avoided by pretreatment. In this study, novel high rate pretreatment methods employing flocculation and biosorption concepts will be investigated to prolong membrane life time. A compact wastewater treatment technology established through this research will be useful in ....Nanofiltration in Wastewater treatment for Reuse: Effect of Pretreatment for Long-term Application. Low pressure nanofiltration (NF) is a relatively new technology. The main problem of membrane fouling on NF could successfully be avoided by pretreatment. In this study, novel high rate pretreatment methods employing flocculation and biosorption concepts will be investigated to prolong membrane life time. A compact wastewater treatment technology established through this research will be useful in small and isolated communities. This study will be conducted in collaboration with Prof. Yamamoto of University of Tokyo (UTokyo), Japan and Prof. Kim of Kwangju Institute of Science and Technology (KJIST), Korea, who are international experts on nanofiltration and water reuse technologies respectively.Read moreRead less
Novel nitrogen removal process via nitrite in a biofilm system and analysis of microbial community dynamics. Nitrogen removal from wastewater is essential to protect our unique aquatic environment. This removal is typically achieved via two steps: Nitrification converts ammonium via nitrite to nitrate; denitrification converts nitrate via nitrite again to harmless nitrogen gas. This project will develop a biofilm reactor system, which enables this process to run via nitrite only, instead of nitr ....Novel nitrogen removal process via nitrite in a biofilm system and analysis of microbial community dynamics. Nitrogen removal from wastewater is essential to protect our unique aquatic environment. This removal is typically achieved via two steps: Nitrification converts ammonium via nitrite to nitrate; denitrification converts nitrate via nitrite again to harmless nitrogen gas. This project will develop a biofilm reactor system, which enables this process to run via nitrite only, instead of nitrate. Savings of 40% carbon and 25% oxygen requirements are possible this way. This process has not yet been demonstrated under controlled conditions, but recent progress in the research groups in Australia and Korea now offer novel ways to accomplish this promising process.Read moreRead less
Amelioration strategies to reduce environmental deterioration and agricultural production losses in water repellent regions. Millions of hectares of potentially productive agricultural land in Australia are affected by water-repellency. Water repellency causes non-uniform infiltration of water in soils and promotes surface erosion. Consequently, water repellent soils cannot be satisfactorily used for agricultural production, resulting in production losses of millions of dollars annually. This in ....Amelioration strategies to reduce environmental deterioration and agricultural production losses in water repellent regions. Millions of hectares of potentially productive agricultural land in Australia are affected by water-repellency. Water repellency causes non-uniform infiltration of water in soils and promotes surface erosion. Consequently, water repellent soils cannot be satisfactorily used for agricultural production, resulting in production losses of millions of dollars annually. This investigation is part of a genuine international effort that will develop new procedures to ameliorate water-repellent soils. New and improved mathematical models and decision support tools will also be developed to improve water-repellent land management, reduce environmental risk and minimise agriculture production loss.Read moreRead less
The development of low cost sorbents for removal of contaminants in ground water at cold regions contaminated sites. Contamination of soils and waters as a result of industrial and other human activities, is a significant global environmental issue. Both Australia and Japan have a large legacy of hydrocarbon and heavy metals contamination from mining activities and industry. This project aims to address hydrocarbon and heavy metals contamination through investigation of novel, low-cost sorbents ....The development of low cost sorbents for removal of contaminants in ground water at cold regions contaminated sites. Contamination of soils and waters as a result of industrial and other human activities, is a significant global environmental issue. Both Australia and Japan have a large legacy of hydrocarbon and heavy metals contamination from mining activities and industry. This project aims to address hydrocarbon and heavy metals contamination through investigation of novel, low-cost sorbents suitable for implementation in passive in-situ remediation technologies. This will be achieved through the combined efforts of Australian and Japanese scientists who are expert in the fields of water treatment and chemical synthesis of sorbent materials.Read moreRead less
University of Queensland/Arizona State University partnership to design industrially suitable zeolite membranes for desalination. For desalination, the highest costs are organic-based membrane replacement (lasting ~1 year) and energy requirement. Functionalised zeolitic membranes are low-cost, high performing, chemically tolerant and thermally stable. New zeolite membranes in principle could perform the separation outlasting their organic counterparts, while at the same time offering major energ ....University of Queensland/Arizona State University partnership to design industrially suitable zeolite membranes for desalination. For desalination, the highest costs are organic-based membrane replacement (lasting ~1 year) and energy requirement. Functionalised zeolitic membranes are low-cost, high performing, chemically tolerant and thermally stable. New zeolite membranes in principle could perform the separation outlasting their organic counterparts, while at the same time offering major energy reductions from higher fluxes. Current zeolite membrane research for desalination however is lacking. The proposed team offers experience in bringing highly significant lab scale technologies to industrial scales. The outcomes will address mutual priorities between Australia and USA for reliable low cost supply of fresh water.Read moreRead less