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
Approved Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) completed after 2025 can be used towards your Engineering Professional Practice (EPP) requirements at any point in your degree. The list of approved projects can be found on the EPP ChallENG VIP List. If your VIP is not on the list, contact the Professional Engagement Team (ENG.WIL@unsw.edu.au).
How do I count my days?
Following the completion of your VIP course (3 terms*) with a passing grade, you will be able to claim your days via InPlace. For more information about the claiming process, refer to the EPP Student Portal.
*Note – if you drop out of the course before completing all 3 terms, then no days can be claimed.
Team Academic Leads
