Civil and Environmental Engineering
This project delves into the field of urban water quality monitoring using cutting-edge sensor technology. It aims to enhance our understanding of water system dynamics by developing innovative and cost-effective sensors capable of detecting various pollutants, from traditional contaminants like turbidity and electrical conductivity to emerging issues such as trace organic pollutants and microplastics.
School
Research Area
Water quality | Sensor technologies | Emerging contaminants | Microplastics
- Research Environment
- Expected Outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference Material/Links
The student will work at the glasshouse laboratory for developing and testing sensors and will get hands-on experience for analysing different water quality parameters in different water types at the water quality laboratories at the school of Civil and Environment Engineering. As a participant, you will engage in a dynamic research environment that encourages collaboration and exploration. Under the guidance of experienced researchers, you will contribute to a vital project with real-world implications for urban water quality management.
By participating in this project, you will gain valuable insights into the realm of scientific research and its applications in addressing pressing environmental concerns. Throughout the project, you will:
- Conduct an in-depth review of commercially available and laboratory-tested water quality sensors that are cost effectively and reliable.
- Explore state-of-the-art sensor technologies such as spectrophotometry and microbial cell-based systems.
- Contribute to the development of low-power, durable, and accurate sensors.
- Participate in field testing of these sensors, both before and after water treatment using nature-based solutions like green walls and vegetated bioretention systems.
- This project offers a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to immerse themselves in a practical research experience, fostering a passion for scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship.
Prodanovic, V., Hatt, B., McCarthy, D., Zhang, K. and Deletic, A., 2017. Green walls for greywater reuse: Understanding the role of media on pollutant removal. Ecological Engineering 102, 625-635.
Prodanovic, V., McCarthy, D., Hatt, B. and Deletic, A., 2019. Designing green walls for greywater treatment: The role of plants and operational factors on nutrient removal. Ecological Engineering 130, 184-195.
Prodanovic, V., Wang, A. and Deletic, A., 2019. Assessing water retention and correlation to climate conditions of five plant species in greywater treating green walls. Water Research 167, 115092.
Prodanovic, V., Zhang, K., Hatt, B., McCarthy, D. and Deletic, A., 2018. Optimisation of lightweight green wall media for greywater treatment and reuse. Building and Environment 131, 99-107.
Abd-ur-Rehman, H.M., Deletic, A., Zhang, K. and Prodanovic, V., 2022. The comparative performance of lightweight green wall media for the removal of xenobiotic organic compounds from domestic greywater. Water Research 221, 118774.