Humans have polluted the entire planet with various chemicals resulting in adverse human and environmental health impacts. This research will develop biological technologies for removing contamination from the environment. We will work with nature to address our careless human legacy!
VIP ChallENG research goals
The goal of this project is to deliver a biological remediation option to clean up groundwater contaminated by activity on the Botany Industrial Park to prevent contamination of Botany Bay.
Your research team will:
- Cultivate and characterise pollutant degrading bacterial cultures
- Produce a chemical amendment mixture to support bacterial activity
- Interact with industry to develop technologies for contaminated site remediation
ChallENG Area
Vertically Integrated Projects
Research Areas
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
The story behind the project
During the Second World War Australia lost reliable supply of chemicals resulting in establishment of the Botany Industrial Park to ensure our own supply. Over decades of chemicals manufacturing the groundwater below the industrial park was heavily contaminated with chlorinated solvents used as chemical precursors including perchloroethene, 1,2-dichloroethane and carbon tetrachloride. In the 2000s the liable entity (Orica) established a pump and treat system to stall contaminant migration towards Botany Bay. While this system has done its job it costs a small fortune to operate and generates greenhouse gases. It’s time to clean up the mess taking advantage of two decades of research into sustainable methods for chlorinated solvent destruction in groundwater.
- Join this team for
- Desired skills
- Engineering Professional Practice
Credit
✔ 6 UoC per course
HOW IT WORKS
Professional Development
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Design
• Communication
• Integrity
• Innovation and excellence
• Diversity
• Respect
• Resilience
Industry Partners
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Bioreactor design
- Analytical chemistry
- Bioreactor construction
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Aquatic chemistry
- Process control
Conditions apply to receive Engineering Professional Practice for Vertically Integrated Projects. You will need to apply via the Student Portal for this Project before you commence so the days can count towards your Engineering Professional Practice (EPP) program requirement (maximum 30 days). Being a member of a VIP team does not guarantee that you will receive a Engineering Professional Practice placement and should not be the only motivating factor for joining a team.
Applications for Engineering Professional Practice are accepted during a student’s first term of enrolment in the VIP course. Students must complete a ChallENG Employer Evaluation form. Days will only be counted once the student has completed the VIP Course. Students must provide evidence of completion.
**Note – if students drop out of the course, no days will be counted.
Team Academic Leads
