Bayesian statistical models for understanding outcomes and improving decision-making for women screened for breast cancer. This project has two key benefits: (i) the development of frontier statistical methods for spatio-temporal analysis and data synthesis, which are imperative in a wide range of disciplines; and (ii) the application of these methods for improved understanding of breast cancer outcomes for women screened in Queensland. The project results will lead to direct health and financi ....Bayesian statistical models for understanding outcomes and improving decision-making for women screened for breast cancer. This project has two key benefits: (i) the development of frontier statistical methods for spatio-temporal analysis and data synthesis, which are imperative in a wide range of disciplines; and (ii) the application of these methods for improved understanding of breast cancer outcomes for women screened in Queensland. The project results will lead to direct health and financial benefits through targeted policies for increasing screening uptake and reducing cancer morbidity and mortality and therefore health spending in this area. Importantly, the project represents an excellent training opportunity to develop a PhD candidate into an experienced interdisciplinary researcher.Read moreRead less
Degradation of Oestrogenic and Carcinogenic Substances in Water using alternative water treatment technologies- Membrane Technology and Photocatalysis. There is currently much concern about the release into the aquatic environment of oestrogenic and carcinogenic pollutants. Current conventional water treatment technologies are ineffective in removing them from our water supplies. This research proposes to investigate alternative water treatment technologies for the removal of these compounds of ....Degradation of Oestrogenic and Carcinogenic Substances in Water using alternative water treatment technologies- Membrane Technology and Photocatalysis. There is currently much concern about the release into the aquatic environment of oestrogenic and carcinogenic pollutants. Current conventional water treatment technologies are ineffective in removing them from our water supplies. This research proposes to investigate alternative water treatment technologies for the removal of these compounds of concern. The technologies to be investigated involve integrating membrane technology and titanium dioxide photocatalysis to produce a highly effective and efficient water treatment process. The effects of various parameters on degradation of the pollutants will be investigated and monitored using different analytical techniques.Read moreRead less
Ehanced Hydrodynamic Fractionation of Particles. The coal industry, which is a major contributor to the Australian economy, urgently needs a new washability method following its decision to abandon the existing laboratory standard. The existing method relies on the use of heavy organic liquids which are known to be toxic to human health. The 'water-based' approach proposed in this study overcomes the problem of risk to human health, thus benefiting Australian workers, the immediate industry, and ....Ehanced Hydrodynamic Fractionation of Particles. The coal industry, which is a major contributor to the Australian economy, urgently needs a new washability method following its decision to abandon the existing laboratory standard. The existing method relies on the use of heavy organic liquids which are known to be toxic to human health. The 'water-based' approach proposed in this study overcomes the problem of risk to human health, thus benefiting Australian workers, the immediate industry, and wider community. New separation technologies that could benefit the minerals industries and other key industries should follow. The project will also result in the education and training of two postgraduate students, and the advancement of two postdoctoral researchers in this area of industry. Read moreRead less
Improved Landfill Barrier Design for Changing Climates. The proposed research project will develop advanced methods and guidelines for practising engineers for improved engineering and design of waste containment barrier systems, leading to improved protection of groundwater resources and the environment and sustainable development of the country. The project will contribute to the priority area of building an environmentally sustainable Australia with a specific focus on water as a critical re ....Improved Landfill Barrier Design for Changing Climates. The proposed research project will develop advanced methods and guidelines for practising engineers for improved engineering and design of waste containment barrier systems, leading to improved protection of groundwater resources and the environment and sustainable development of the country. The project will contribute to the priority area of building an environmentally sustainable Australia with a specific focus on water as a critical resource.Read moreRead less
Improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment options for equine PPID. Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is a common, chronic and potentially life-threatening disease of older horses and ponies. Although a treatment is available, the disease is poorly understood and there are some concerns that the current diagnostic technology is not delivering accurate results. Thus, this project aims to develop a more accurate diagnostic test for PPID, while exploring the relationship between ....Improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment options for equine PPID. Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) is a common, chronic and potentially life-threatening disease of older horses and ponies. Although a treatment is available, the disease is poorly understood and there are some concerns that the current diagnostic technology is not delivering accurate results. Thus, this project aims to develop a more accurate diagnostic test for PPID, while exploring the relationship between PPID and metabolic syndrome, to generate new insights into the cause and consequences of both diseases. As an added benefit, the project will assist horseracing laboratories to improve their detection methods for peptide doping in younger competition horses.
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Remediation of Underground Contaminant Source Areas using Nano-scale, Zero Valent Iron and Potassium Permanganate. Land in parts of Australia valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars is currently contaminated by organic compounds to levels unsuitable for human health and safety . At many of these contaminated sites, the contamination is present as pure, separate phase oil that is trapped due to geology or other physical reasons. This remaining oil is a long term source of contamination, a ....Remediation of Underground Contaminant Source Areas using Nano-scale, Zero Valent Iron and Potassium Permanganate. Land in parts of Australia valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars is currently contaminated by organic compounds to levels unsuitable for human health and safety . At many of these contaminated sites, the contamination is present as pure, separate phase oil that is trapped due to geology or other physical reasons. This remaining oil is a long term source of contamination, and is exceptionally difficult to remediate. The proposed research will investigate a novel and highly effective approach to destroying this contamination in the ground, helping to restore the value and utility of the land.Read moreRead less
Fungal Biomass Protein, a Bioproduct Derived from a Treatment Process of Winery Waste Streams. The Australian wine industry produces a substantial quantity of wastewater containing high levels of organic materials that are both highly polluting and costly to treat. This research aims to develop a biotechnological treatment process integrated with fungal biomass protein (FBP) production from the winery waste streams. The outcomes of this project are i) the production of fungal biomass for use as ....Fungal Biomass Protein, a Bioproduct Derived from a Treatment Process of Winery Waste Streams. The Australian wine industry produces a substantial quantity of wastewater containing high levels of organic materials that are both highly polluting and costly to treat. This research aims to develop a biotechnological treatment process integrated with fungal biomass protein (FBP) production from the winery waste streams. The outcomes of this project are i) the production of fungal biomass for use as a protein-rich animal feed; ii); the treatment of waste water to allow reuse for farm irrigation; and iii) reduced pollution of watercourses. The research will develop a novel technology that is environmentally friendly and adds value to the Australian winery industry via pollution reduction and FBP production.Read moreRead less
An evaluation of the environmental health risk of heatwaves associated with global warming. Global warming is associated with an increased frequency of severe weather events including frequent and severe heatwaves. Previous studies have demonstrated that heatwaves are amongst the most deadly disasters to affect the community. This study will identify those members of the community who are most at risk from heatwaves so that strategies may be identified and implemented by governments to protect t ....An evaluation of the environmental health risk of heatwaves associated with global warming. Global warming is associated with an increased frequency of severe weather events including frequent and severe heatwaves. Previous studies have demonstrated that heatwaves are amongst the most deadly disasters to affect the community. This study will identify those members of the community who are most at risk from heatwaves so that strategies may be identified and implemented by governments to protect those people during severe heatwave conditions. The direct benefit to the community will be reduced mortality and morbidity and the consequential reductions in the cost of community and health support services.Read moreRead less
Biological phosphorous removal for wastewater treatment. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for understanding how phosphorous can be removed in wastewater treatment plants, using environmentally safe biological methods rather than by using chemicals. This is expected to lead to improved performance in wastewater treatment plants, which will be of economic and environmental benefit, particularly to regional communities in inland Australia.
Adsorption on activated alumina: mitigating fouling of water treatment processes caused by deposition of silica, organics and hardness ions. Coal seam gas offers tremendous economic potential but development of gas reserves will generate considerable quantities of saline water. This project will develop activated alumina technology for the removal of silica and organics from these waters to enable the industry to use evaporative technologies to reduce water volumes.