Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR180100005
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,225,000.00
Summary
Remediation of PFAS contaminated soil using soil washing and immobilisation. This project aims to assess the applicability of soil washing and immobilisation as cost-effective techniques for the remediation of per- and poly-fluroalkyl substance (PFAS) contaminated Australian soils. The project expects to establish the efficacy of the remediation of a range of PFASs, including many polyfluorinated precursors of perfluorinated, chemically-persistent legacy pollutants which are of concern. The proj ....Remediation of PFAS contaminated soil using soil washing and immobilisation. This project aims to assess the applicability of soil washing and immobilisation as cost-effective techniques for the remediation of per- and poly-fluroalkyl substance (PFAS) contaminated Australian soils. The project expects to establish the efficacy of the remediation of a range of PFASs, including many polyfluorinated precursors of perfluorinated, chemically-persistent legacy pollutants which are of concern. The project will provide a scientific basis for understanding the benefits and limitations associated with soil washing and immobilisation techniques and a more comprehensive understanding of future liabilities associated with formation of PFASs from precursors remaining in remediated soils. Collaboration with stakeholders will ensure benefits are captured both commercially and environmentally, as well as removing a potential and on-going health threat to communities exposed to these contaminants.Read moreRead less
Phytoextraction approaches for mitigating heavy metal release from unlined and loosely capped rural landfills. Australian rural landfills are used for storing hazardous wastes which contain toxic metals. Impermeable clay caps are often utilized to encapsulate these wastes and prevent release of pollutants into the environment. The integrity of these caps is crucial and requires constant care. The project aims to develop novel approaches which will improve substantially the long-term environmenta ....Phytoextraction approaches for mitigating heavy metal release from unlined and loosely capped rural landfills. Australian rural landfills are used for storing hazardous wastes which contain toxic metals. Impermeable clay caps are often utilized to encapsulate these wastes and prevent release of pollutants into the environment. The integrity of these caps is crucial and requires constant care. The project aims to develop novel approaches which will improve substantially the long-term environmental safety of rural landfills and deliver additional economic benefits. These approaches involve the use of high-value tree crops and plants capable of extracting toxic metals. Utilization of these plants will create a valuable resource on an otherwise derelict area and this will be of considerable local/regional benefit and national significance.Read moreRead less
The effect of catchment revegetation on waterways. The effect of catchment revegetation on waterways. This project will examine the forms, transformations and fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic ecosystems and the link to human health with water treatment. Catchment revegetation is a management tool used to reduce excessive nutrient loads to waterways, which in turn causes poor water quality. However, catchment revegetation also produces DOM. DOM is typically poorly characterised a ....The effect of catchment revegetation on waterways. The effect of catchment revegetation on waterways. This project will examine the forms, transformations and fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic ecosystems and the link to human health with water treatment. Catchment revegetation is a management tool used to reduce excessive nutrient loads to waterways, which in turn causes poor water quality. However, catchment revegetation also produces DOM. DOM is typically poorly characterised and its effect on ecosystem health unclear. DOM also reacts with chlorine in water treatment plants to form disinfection by-products that affect human health. This research is expected to provide important new information to guide future catchment restoration efforts.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL200100133
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,358,494.00
Summary
Activating blue carbon for coastal restoration. Coastal blue carbon describes the carbon stored in soils and biomass of coastal wetlands which has an important function in regulating greenhouse gases. They also provide coastal protection, habitat for biodiversity, fisheries and amelioration of land-based pollution. Coastal wetlands have been degraded globally, reducing their capacity to store carbon and to support coastal communities and their economies. This Fellowship aims to assess how restor ....Activating blue carbon for coastal restoration. Coastal blue carbon describes the carbon stored in soils and biomass of coastal wetlands which has an important function in regulating greenhouse gases. They also provide coastal protection, habitat for biodiversity, fisheries and amelioration of land-based pollution. Coastal wetlands have been degraded globally, reducing their capacity to store carbon and to support coastal communities and their economies. This Fellowship aims to assess how restoration of coastal wetlands influences carbon storage and greenhouse gas fluxes, develop new methodologies and to generate new research capacity to inform coastal wetland management globally. The proposed research is expected to enhance coastal sustainability to the benefit of coastal communities.Read moreRead less
Identifying cost-effective reforestation approaches for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in southern Australia. The project will determine the reforestation approach that maximises the native biodiversity found in bushland/shrubland regrowth in South Australia, while maximising the carbon sequestered for the lowest cost. This project will use controlled planting experiments modifying tree/shrub diversity and plant density combined with species and carbon monitoring.
Optimal management of coastal ecosystems for blue carbon sequestration. Optimal management of coastal ecosystems for blue carbon sequestration. This project aims to develop decision tools to predict how different management plans could affect the persistence of coastal ecosystems and their capacity to sequester carbon. Coastal ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems (seagrasses, saltmarshes, mangroves) are among Earth’s most efficient carbon sinks, but coastal development and climate change threaten their capa ....Optimal management of coastal ecosystems for blue carbon sequestration. Optimal management of coastal ecosystems for blue carbon sequestration. This project aims to develop decision tools to predict how different management plans could affect the persistence of coastal ecosystems and their capacity to sequester carbon. Coastal ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems (seagrasses, saltmarshes, mangroves) are among Earth’s most efficient carbon sinks, but coastal development and climate change threaten their capacity to sequester carbon. Resource managers urgently need guidance to manage coasts to minimise carbon losses and maximise gains. This project is expected to develop knowledge of how to manage blue carbon ecosystems to achieve maximum carbon sequestration capacity, and to put Australia at the forefront of international efforts to incorporate coastal carbon within carbon dioxide mitigation strategies.Read moreRead less