Harmful algae and cyanobacteria are a growing problem for drinking water supplies because they can produce toxins and disrupt water treatment processes. One technology used by water utilities to remove these organisms is dissolved air flotation (PosiDAF), where tiny bubbles attach to particles and float them to the surface for removal. Recent research shows that specially designed polymers can improve how bubbles capture algae and cyanobacteria. This project will analyse an existing dataset of about 50 polymers used in PosiDAF systems to identify patterns that explain why some polymers work better than others. The student will work closely with Dr Naras Rao within a small research team of postgraduate students. The aim is to develop guidelines for designing improved next generation polymers for water treatment.
School
Chemical Engineering
Research Area
Machine learning | Water treatment | Polymer
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
No
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The project will be undertaken in the Algae & Organic Matter (AOM) Lab within the EnviroLab research cluster in the School of Chemical Engineering at UNSW. EnviroLab brings together researchers working on water quality, environmental monitoring, and advanced treatment technologies. The student will work under the supervision of Dr Naras Rao, a researcher in advanced water treatment and environmental technologies. Dr Rao is a recent recipient of an ARC DECRA Fellowship and has previously held Marie Curie and Fulbright fellowships. The student will join a small and collaborative research team within the AOM Lab, working closely with postgraduate researchers in a supportive environment that enables regular interaction and direct supervision.
- The project is expected to identify key relationships between polymer properties and algae removal performance in PosiDAF systems.
- The findings will form the basis of a peer reviewed research publication and contribute to ongoing work on designing next generation polymers for water treatment.
- This study will provide a foundation for future research in this area.
- If the project progresses well, the student may also have the opportunity to present the work at a leading conference in the water or environmental engineering field.
Dr Naras Rao, ARC DECRA Fellow at the School of Chemical Engineering, will supervise the project. He has experience with polymer chemistry and water treatment and will leverage expertise with prior machine learning work conducted in his team.
