Taste of Research Scholarships

Project Title:	Bactericidal Properties of Nanoparticulate Silver

Name of Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Adele Jones

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	adele.jones@student.unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	While silver has long been known to exhibit bactericidal ability, it has only been in recent years that there has been recognition of the bactericidal properties of elemental silver (Ago) (Ratte, 1999). The bactericidal activity is enhanced if nanosized particles of silver are used (Morones et al., 2005) with many recent studies showing that nanoparticulate silver embedded in or on solid substrates exhibits disinfecting ability (Chen et al., 2007; Chang et al., 2007). While the potential uses for Ago in disinfection and detoxification of waters appears exciting, too little information on either the reaction mechanism or on the optimal conditions of use is available to render this a viable technology at present. Recent reports suggest that the toxic action is related to transport of nanoparticulate silver to the interior of particles (Choi and Hu, 2008) while other studies show that the toxic action is related to external generation of reactive oxygen species (Chang et al., 2008).

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of the water and wastewater treatment area.

Novelty and Contribution:	Potential exists for breakthroughs in understanding the disinfecting ability of nanoparticulate silver and, on the basis of this knowledge, developing optimized treatment technology based around this element.

Expected Outcomes:	The successful candidate will produce new experimental data related to the characteristics including disinfecting properties of nanoparticulate silver. Results will also be obtained of the interplay between the composition of silver-containing solutions and the generation of reactive oxygen species. It is expected that a publication in an international journal will result from this work.

Reference Material Links:	Chang, Q., Yan, L., Chen, M., He, H. and Qu, J. (2007). Bactericidal Mechanism of Ag/Al2O3 against Escherichia coli. Langmuir 23, 11197-11199. Chen, M., Yan, L., He, H., Chang, Q., Yu, Y. And Qu, J. (2007). Catalytic sterilization of Escherichia coli K12 on Ag/Al2O3 surface. J. Inorg. Biochem. 101, 817-823. Choi, O. And Hu, Z. (2008). Size dependent and reactive oxygen species related nanosilver toxicity to nitrifying bacteria. Environ. Sci. Technol. (in press). Ratte, H.T. (1999). Bioaccumulation and toxicity of silver compounds: A review. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 18, 89-108.

Project Title:	Beach Erosion and Accretion – Investigation of ocean waves at the earth-ocean boundary.

Name of Supervisor:	Chris Blenkinsopp

Email of Supervisor:	c.blenkinsopp@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Ian Turner

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	ian.turner@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	The majority of the world’s sandy shorelines are eroding, and rates are predicted to grow in coming decades as climate change results in accelerating sea-level rise and increasing coastal storminess. The swash zone defines the boundary between earth and ocean processes and the ability to predict the changing location of the shoreline boundary in response to climactic change is of principal concern to coastal planners and policy-makers. The project will involve laboratory wave flume modelling and the analysis of existing high resolution field data to investigate the structure of swash flows. The project will mostly involve setting up a laboratory experiment under the guidance of WRL staff and analysis of existing field data. Applicants for this project are not required to have any specialist knowledge, however some experience with MatLAB would be an advantage.

Research Environment:	The student will work at the Water Research Laboratory, Australia’s largest hydraulics laboratory. During their placement they will work alongside research and project staff who are engaged in a wide range of complex projects including fundamental research into hydrology, hydraulics, coastal and groundwater problems to the implementation of high value engineering design projects. See www.wrl.unsw.edu.au.

Novelty and Contribution:	Due to the complex nature of swash flows, detailed investigation of their properties is limited as practical techniques to make suitable measurements have only recently been developed. This project will provide the first measurements of aeration in swash flow at both laboratory and full scale. This data will greatly increase existing knowledge of the turbulence structure of swash flows and will inform efforts to model the process of beach erosion and accretion.

Expected Outcomes:	It is expected that the research will quantify the fraction of air entrained in swashes as they run up and down the beachface and the depth to which air bubbles are present. By using entrained bubbles as tracer, this data will give significant insight into turbulence in the swash zone which has a significant influence on the way waves move sediment at the coast.

Reference Material Links:	www.wrl.unsw.edu.au

Project Title:	CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION - BEACH EROSION RESPONSE TO SEA LEVEL RISE AND WAVE CLIMATE

Name of Supervisor:	Ron Cox

Email of Supervisor:	r.cox@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	James Carley

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	james.carley@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Surveying & Spatial Information Systems

Abstract:	With predicted sea level rise, coastal shorelines are expected to move landward. Changes in storm wave climate (wave height, wave period, wave direction and storm frequency) although not well quantified are possible. Various models to predict shoreline change and beach profile adjustment with sea level rise and storm exposure are to be reviewed. The SBEACH model developed by US Army Corps of Engineers is to be used to examine changes in beach erosion for design storm wave events between present day and likely climate change affected beach systems of the future. Other models may also be established and used subject to student/research progress. The implications for coastal management adaptive response to climate change are to be discussed.

Research Environment:	More than 90% of Australians live on the Coast. Sea level rise and/or altered wave climate with climate change have been identified as creating major impacts on our beaches, estuaries and shorelines. It is critical that we be better able to predict these impacts.identified as change

Novelty and Contribution:	Existing models for shoreline change are known to be simplistic - this project will allow alternative more sophisticated deterministic models to be assessed.

Expected Outcomes:	Establishment of alternative models (especially SBEACH), application to sea level rise and altered wave climate with assessment of likely climate change impacts on shoreline erosion.

Reference Material Links:	Various conference papers, reports and Theses

Project Title:	Computer simulation of cracked structures

Name of Supervisor:	Chongmin SONG

Email of Supervisor:	c.song@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Solids and Applied Dynamics

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Mining Engineering Petroleum Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Under service condition, cracks develop in many structures, especially those that have passed or are approaching their design life. The crack tips are often the weakest points of a structure. For safe and cost-effective management of cracked structures, the stability of cracks needs to be evaluated. This project will be built on recent work of the group on computational mechanics to study cracked structures. The focus will be on the development of criteria for crack propagation. Strong analysis and computing skills are required for this project.

Research Environment:	The student will work with a group of active researchers on computer simulation of civil structures.

Novelty and Contribution:	It is observed experimentally that existing criteria for crack propagation depends on the size of the specimens (the so-called size effect), which hinders the application of computer simulation in the analysis of civil engineering structures. This research seeks to develop a unified criterion that does not suffer from the size effect.

Expected Outcomes:	The result will be a crack propagation criterion that can be employed to predict the stability of cracks in structure components of various dimensions.

Reference Material Links:	http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/chongmin_song/

Project Title:	Designing an effective aquitard barrier

Name of Supervisor:	Wendy Timms

Email of Supervisor:	w.timms@wrl.unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Ian Acworth

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	i.acworth@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Computer Science & Engineering Mining Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	The scholar will work alongside a research and consulting team at the Water Research Laboratory to design an effective aquitard barrier for practical applications. Management of waste at mine sites and landfills can be a challenge over the long term for contaminants that persist in the environment. Underground barriers to flow, called aquitards, can be natural geological material such as a claystone, or engineered barrier walls using specific materials. A low permeability aquitard is necessary to limit the flow of groundwater and potential contaminants long enough to allow stabilization. Contaminants could include: nitrates from landfills; heavy metals or radionuclides from mine sites; or highly saline fluids that are a common issue. This work will focus on the physical aspects of barrier design to minimise flow rates and leakage pathways. An international review is to be updated on the permeability and placement of aquitard barriers to maximise effectiveness and avoid rapid leakage pathways. Design objectives will be tested by developing a numerical model that can simulate possible leakage through a breach in the aquitard. There is an opportunity to develop aquitard barrier solutions for Australian sites using knowledge from overseas and some local experience.

Research Environment:	The scholar will join a team at the Water Research Laboratory (WRL), located at Manly Vale, who are dedicated to quality outcomes. WRL is a positive working environment with a busy specialist consulting practice, and growing water research programmes including the new National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. It is a unique opportunity for a scholar to combine desktop studies with numerical modelling and also to see related laboratory experiments and field investigations in progress. We rely on state-of-the-art equipment for groundwater exploration and industry leading software. This project will suit a student with good computing and analysis skills.

Novelty and Contribution:	The Scholar will build upon existing work for aquitard barriers, contribute to active research with international collaborators and experience how this work is applied in a specialist consulting practice. The opportunity to develop aquitard barrier solutions is a vitally important contribution to the development and sustainability of both industry and agriculture. As part of the WRL team, the scholar will develop innovative design approaches using numerical models that are based on knowledge from overseas and local experience.

Expected Outcomes:	The results will be a set of design criteria for aquitard barriers to limit flow of groundwater and contaminants. A report will be presented including and updated literature review, development of a numerical model and simulation results for how much and how fast groundwater can move through an aquitard barrier.

Reference Material Links:	http://www.wrl.unsw.edu.au/site/ http://www.connectedwaters.unsw.edu.au/ http://www.connectedwaters.unsw.edu.au/technical/technical_downloads.html http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/search/allsearch?mode=viewselected&product=journal&ID=120120414&view_selected.x=77&view_selected.y=6&view_selected=view_selected http://www.wrl.unsw.edu.au/site/resources/staff/wendy-timms/

Project Title:	Do GCMs simulate long term persistence in Rainfall?

Name of Supervisor:	Ashish Sharma

Email of Supervisor:	a.sharma@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	General Circulation Models (GCMs) form the basis of simulating likely changes in our climate due to increase greenhouse gas concentrations over time. GCM simulations of rainfall for a future climate have been noted to under-simulate long-term persistence, leading to under-simulation of droughts or periods of high flow. This project will investigate the extent to which the above is valid, and develop multiple experiments usiing an educational GCM to identify the drivers that are needed to ensure an appropriate representation of persistence in the simulated future rainfall.

Research Environment:	The student will work with a strong group of researchers engaged in developing climate change modelling solutions for engineering. See www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/ashish_sharma for more details.

Novelty and Contribution:	This research can help identify the directions climate modelling is to proceed in so as to make climate model simulations useful from a water resources planning and management perspective.

Expected Outcomes:	It is expected that the research will quantify the impact of including a range of drivers on the representation of long term persistence in rainfall simulated using GCMs.

Reference Material Links:	www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/ashish_sharma

Project Title:	Environmentally relevant algal cultures: the case of Microcystis

Name of Supervisor:	Michael Short

Email of Supervisor:	m.short@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Rita Henderson

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	r.henderson@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Research incorporating algal cultures most commonly involves the manipulation of single species ‘monocultures’ grown under highly controlled laboratory conditions, in ideal culture media and in the absence of natural competitors. As a result, the practical application and environmental relevance of findings from such research is a common problem for applied phycologists and one that is often brought into question during the peer review process. Species of the cyanobacterial genus Microcystis, for example, mainly occur as single cells under laboratory conditions; however, in the natural environment, Microcystis most commonly grows in colonial aggregates. Consequently, the practical validity of experimental manipulations using single cell Microcystis cultures comes into question when attempting to translate experimental findings to real life outcomes. The aim of this project is to characterise the physical and chemical properties of a model algal species (Microcystis aeruginosa) under laboratory culture conditions and then compare these characteristics with those of the same species obtained from the natural environment. Outcomes from this research will seek to verify the environmental relevance of laboratory cultures in terms of their cellular properties when compared to environmental samples, and then assess the likely implications of such differences for their removal during conventional water treatment processes.

Research Environment:	This project links in with curriculum topics including water and wastewater treatment and engineering. In particular the student would gain knowledge in coagulation/flocculation and subsequent separation processes, such as sedimentation and flotation, and additionally learn about the types of colloidal and particulate material that such processes are designed to treat. The student will gain experience in working in a laboratory environment with other scientists and engineers engaged in water-related research.

Novelty and Contribution:	There is a great deal of research on-going globally on optimization of algal treatment protocols. Many of these experiments are undertaken using laboratory “monocultures” due to the unpredictability of environmental algal blooms and furthermore their locality may hinder collection within a timeframe that is appropriate for subsequent laboratory experiments. This research will lend insight to the on-going debate as to whether laboratory algal cultures are suitable for use in treatment experiments.

Expected Outcomes:	Project outcomes will include a paper on the suitability of laboratory cultures for use in water treatment processes. It is anticipated that this work will aid the direction of future research, particularly with respect to manipulating algal growth conditions to produce cultures of similar physical and chemical attributes to those found in the environment.

Reference Material Links:	R. K. Henderson, S. A. Parsons and B. Jefferson (2008). The impact of algal properties and pre-oxidation on solid-liquid separation of algae. Water Research, 42 (8-9), 1827-1845. R. K. Henderson, A. Baker, S. A. Parsons, B. Jefferson (2008). Characterisation of algogenic organic matter extracted from cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms. Water Research, 42(13), 3435-3445.

Project Title:	Evaluating the hydrological cycle from space

Name of Supervisor:	Matthew McCabe

Email of Supervisor:	mmccabe@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Jason Evans

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	jason.evans@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Spatial Information Systems and Positioning

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Surveying & Spatial Information Systems

Abstract:	This project will assess estimates of the hydrological cycle derived from satellite remote sensing - including soil moisture, rainfall, evaporation and atmospheric water vapor - for their hydrological consistency. That is, the project will determine the extent to which independent observations of water cycle components reflect the expectations of the natural water cycle (i.e. if it rains, does the soil moisture increase - if the soil moisture increases, does evaporation respond etc..). The level of agreement in these data will be explored using novel statistical techniques and comparison with land surface output.

Research Environment:	The research will be undertaken within a group of young researchers and academics undertaking investigations into hydro-climate related projects. See http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/matthew_mccabe/ for further details. There may also be an opportunity for field work in regional NSW where in-situ measurements of hydrological variables can be used for remote sensing validation.

Novelty and Contribution:	Examining the degree of closure within the hydrological cycle as observed from satellite observations is an emerging field of research. Combining these exciting and innovative approaches with existing land surface model output, we will be able to identify water cycle behavior in unprecedented detail.

Expected Outcomes:	An analysis of the hydrological cycle at continental scales, potentially examining the degree of water balance closure.

Reference Material Links:	http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science/water-and-energy-cycle

Project Title:	Factors Controlling Growth and Toxicity of Harmful Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Supplies

Name of Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Professor Brett Neilan

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	b.neilan@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Microcystis and Anabaena species have been identified as the major algae of concern in the Sydney water supply system with blooms of these organisms frequently occurring in sections of Lakes Burragorang, Wingecaribee, Yarrunga and Nepean. While it appears that Microcystis and Anabaena can grow on a variety of forms of nutrients, there has been little progress in correlating the specific water chemistry of the reservoirs to growth, toxicity or succession of these organisms in the reservoirs used to supply Sydney’s drinking water. The objectives of this project are i) to determine the key nutrient (N, P and Fe), light and temperature requirements of Microcystis and Anabaena species (including the impact of nutrient form and transformation dynamics on uptake kinetics) that typically occur in Lake Burragorang and other selected Sydney water supply reservoirs and to gain insight into the mode of nutrient acquisition by the organisms, ii) to assess the impact of nutrient availability and growth conditions on production of toxins by these Microcystis and Anabaena species, and iii) to relate the nutrient requirements, growth characteristics and exudate production of the Microcystis and Anabaena species to biogeochemical and physical conditions in Lake Burragorang and other Sydney water supply reservoirs.

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of natural aquatic systems.

Novelty and Contribution:	The studies planned for this ToR scholarship will result in new insights into both factors controlling growth of these organisms and factors controlling toxicity. These insights should lead to improved understanding of management strategies appropriate to controlling occurrence of blooms of these potentially harmful organisms.

Expected Outcomes:	Significant advances in our understanding of factors controlling growth and, potentially, toxicity of the selected harmful algae are expected to accrue from this work. The successful candidate will be exposed to a number of Australian water agencies concerned with the problem of occurrence of harmful algal blooms in drinking water supplies.

Reference Material Links:	Lyck, S., Gjølme, N., and Utkilen, H. (1996) Iron starvation increases toxicity of Microcystis aeruginosa CYA 228/1 (Chroococcales, Cyanophyceae). Phycologia 35, 120-124. Nagai, T., Imai, A., Matsushige, K. and Fukushima, T. (2006). Effect of iron complexation with dissolved organic matter on the growth of cyanobacteria in a eutrophic lake. Aquat. Micro. Ecol. 44, 231-239. Nalewajko, C. and Murphy, T.P. (2001). Effects of temperature, and availability of iron and phosphorus on the abundance of Anabaena and Microcystis in Lake Biwa, Japan: an experimental approach. Limnology 2, 45-48.

Project Title:	Financial Planning for Road Pavement Management

Name of Supervisor:	Chen Cai

Email of Supervisor:	chen.cai@nicta.com.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Structural Engineering, Structures

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Computer Science & Engineering Surveying & Spatial Information Systems Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	This project will develop a financial planning tool for road pavement management at aggregated level. Road pavement as a major transport infrastructure has its life cycle. Condition of pavement deteriorates gradually, and the rate of deterioration is affected by climate condition, structural properties and intensity of road traffic. Managing road pavement is a multi-million dollar enterprise in large urban area. In the metropolitan area of London, annual budget for maintaining strategic road network (2,500 km) alone reaches 40 - 50 million pounds. Today, in the context of increasing strain on public finance coupled with steady growth in road traffic, good financial planning is vital to public interest. The first financial planning system for road pavement management was seen in 1980s. The Arizona Department of Transportation developed a pavement management system to produce optimal maintenance policies for the 7,400-mile network of highways. During the first year of implementation, the system saved 14 million dollars. This project develops the model to address issues at aggregated level.

Research Environment:	Selected students will work with researchers at NICTA, Australia’s national information and communication centre of excellence, and may coordinate with faculty members from Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW.

Novelty and Contribution:	Previous studies assume detailed survey of road pavement conditions is available, and consistently updated. In reality, many road authorities only have partial data at aggregated level. This project modifies and extends the mathematically model to work with aggregated data sets. This project aims to encourage students to take multi-disciplinary research, and develop essential skills for engineering consultancy. The contents of the project are extracted from real cases with strong and practical implication to engineering. It provides knowledge in transport infrastructure, financial planning, and operations research. Project work include analysing empirical data, solving problems in stochastic process, computer programming, and commercial reporting.

Expected Outcomes:	The results will show that using the planning tool engineering targets are met, whilst financial expenditure is minimised and other constraints satisfied. Risk of the project is low, as data are available, methodology mature and prototype software ready for exercise.

Reference Material Links:	Medda, F., Cai, C.(2008) Priority financial optimal programming of rehabilitation and maintenance of the London strategic roads, Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting.

Project Title:	Forecasting Rain - Just how accurate can our forecasts be?

Name of Supervisor:	Ashish Sharma

Email of Supervisor:	a.sharma@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Raj Mehrotra

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	raj@civeng.unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Computer models of the climate system are evolving rapidly. This research will aim at specifying a dynamical climate model over the Sydney basin, with the aim of asking questions on the type of accuracy that can be attained as a function of region (coast versus inland) and lead time (1-hour to 1-day). Applicants for this project will need some experience with computer programming and modelling.

Research Environment:	The student will work with a strong group of researchers engaged in developing climate change modelling solutions for engineering. See www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/ashish_sharma for more details.

Novelty and Contribution:	This research will seek to answer some of the basic questions on what conditions need to be active to allow our rain to fall over the water supply catchment areas, and what will be the changes to the likelihood of this happening in a warmer climate.

Expected Outcomes:

Reference Material Links:	www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/ashish_sharma

Project Title:	Iron and Copper Transformations in Natural Aquatic Systems

Name of Supervisor:	Dr Ninh Pham

Email of Supervisor:	anninh.pham@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Both iron and copper are critical elements in nature because of their importance as trace nutrients but, if present in excess, may cause damage to living cells. In this project, we will investigate key knowledge gaps relating to redox transformations of iron and copper in natural aquatic systems.

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of natural aquatic systems.

Novelty and Contribution:	An advanced understanding of the interplay between iron and copper redox chemistry in natural waters and the production of reactive oxygen species where both Fe and Cu are present in excess.

Expected Outcomes:	Experimental data and kinetic model of the production of reactive oxygen species over a range of conditions will be produced from which the toxicity of the waters can be assessed. It is also expected that a publication in an international journal will result from this work.

Reference Material Links:	Pham, A.N. and Waite, T.D. (2008). Oxygenation of Fe(II) in the presence of citrate in aqueous solutions at pH 6.0 – 8.0 and 25 oC: Interpretation from an Fe(II)/Citrate speciation perspective. J. Phys. Chem A 112(4), 643-651. Pham, A.N. and Waite, T.D. (2008). Modelling the Kinetics of Fe(II) Oxidation in the Presence of Citrate and Salicylate in Aqueous Solutions at pH 6.0–8.0 and 25 oC. J Phys Chem A 112(24), 5395 - 5405.

Project Title:	Measuring Australia's Water Use from Space

Name of Supervisor:	Matthew McCabe

Email of Supervisor:	mmccabe@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Surveying & Spatial Information Systems

Abstract:	Evapotranspiration is one of the key variables of interest in water cycle studies, providing information on catchment scale water use, water demand and assessment of irrigation based applications. It is of major interest to the Australian Government, who are investing significant resources to develop techniques to quantify its spatial and temporal variability. Satellite observations provide an ideal tool to allow spatial and temporal patterns of evapotranspiration to be predicted – something that is not able to be achieved using in-situ measurements alone. This project will use data from a number of satellite platforms to estimate evapotranspiration over continental Australia. To assess the satellite based estimates, output from land surface models and simplified techniques such as the Penman-Monteith or Priestley-Taylor will be used as methods for comparison.

Research Environment:	The student will work with a strong group of researchers engaged in developing remote sensing observations and land surface modelling solutions for hydro-climate related studies. See www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/matthew_mccabe for more details. There may also be an opportunity for field work in regional NSW where in-situ measurements of hydrological variables can be used for remote sensing validation.

Novelty and Contribution:	Will provide some of the first satellite based estimates of these hydrological variables over Australia

Expected Outcomes:	Maps of water use for irrigated regions - development of a climatology of evaporation over the Australian mainland.

Reference Material Links:	http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science/water-and-energy-cycle http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/matthew_mccabe/

Project Title:	Nutrient impacts in environmental assessment of products

Name of Supervisor:	Greg Peters

Email of Supervisor:	g.peters@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Spatial Information Systems and Positioning

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Surveying & Spatial Information Systems

Abstract:	This Scholarship will enable the students to work with a small team on campus and find out what a career in research could be like. The student could improve the way Australians assess whether one product is better for the environment than another. Nitrogen and phosphorus emissions can cause impacts on aquatic environments – these impacts are collectively called “eutrophication”. If an engineer is deciding whether to select one technology or another, such impacts can be important, so environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) often includes an assessment of eutrophication potential. Unfortunately, approaches to doing this assessment in Australia are relatively primitive. We basically rely on a consideration of the average ratio of nutrients in organic matter. Overseas researchers have combined this with a simple transport model to produce more sophisticated potential impact assessment factors for overseas conditions. We need this in Australia.

Research Environment:	Simple air pollution dispersion models might significantly improve Australian eutrophication equivalence factors. Preliminary work on this topic has already been completed by an honours student. The scholar will update a review of international approaches to eutrophication in LCA, and work in a GIS environment to enhance modelling to suit Australian environmental conditions and emission sources. This project will suit a student with good maths and computer skills.

Novelty and Contribution:	Simple air pollution dispersion models might significantly improve Australian eutrophication equivalence factors. Preliminary work on this topic has already been completed by an honours student. The scholar will update a review of international approaches to eutrophication in LCA, and work on enhancing the modelling to suit Australian environmental conditions and emission sources. This project will suit a student with good maths and computer skills.

Expected Outcomes:	the results will be a set of geographically specific characterisation factors for environmental assessment of products.

Reference Material Links:	Norris G. A., 2003, ‘Impact characterization in the tool for the reduction and assessment of chemical and other environmental impacts: Methods for acidification, eutrophication, and ozone formation’, Journal of Industrial Ecology, vol. 6, no. 3-4, pp. 79-101. Seppala J., Posch M., Johansson M., Hettelingh J., 2006, ‘Country-dependent characterization factors for acidification and terrestrial eutrophication based on accumulated exceedance as an impact category indicator’, International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 403-416.

Project Title:	Static and dynamic response analysis of structures with uncertainty

Name of Supervisor:	Wei Gao

Email of Supervisor:	w.gao@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Structural Engineering, Structures

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Uncertainties exist in most of structural analysis and design. The properties of a real civil engineering structure are usually different from those specified in design. Over the lifetime of a structure, the damaging effects associated with attacks from aggressive environmental agents such as a progressive deterioration of concrete and corrosion of steel usually lead to significant variations of system parameters. This project will develop analytical models and computational schemes for the quantitative analysis of engineering structures with uncertain parameters and subjected to uncertain or random loads. The analytical models will be vigorously evaluated through simulations.

Research Environment:	The student will be strongly supported by a research group whose research directions include structural analysis, vehicle-infrastructure interaction dynamics, system reliability assessment and structural control.

Novelty and Contribution:	The novelty of this project lies in that the project aims to produce new probabilistic and/or non-probabilistic analytical models and computational methods for the response analysis of engineering structures with uncertain parameters under uncertain excitations, which have not been properly developed due to the analytical and computational complexity.

Expected Outcomes:	The static and dynamic response of structures can be predicted and the effects of the change of individual structural parameters can be identified.

Reference Material Links:	http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/wei_gao/

Project Title:	Uranium Transport in Subsurface Environments

Name of Supervisor:	Dr Richard Collins

Email of Supervisor:	richard.collins@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Resources Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Mining Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Uranium is an important element in Australia in view of our large mineral reserves however mining can create hazards resulting from its potential mobilization in subsurface environments. In this project, the ToR scholar will investigate factors influencing the mobility of this element in groundwaters. Attention will also be given to approaches to reducing the mobility of uranium in subsurface environments with particular attention given to the use of reactive barriers.

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of natural aquatic systems and subsurface environments. Interaction between the School of Mining Engineering and the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering is expected to occur through this project.

Novelty and Contribution:	New insights into the interplay between uranium species and iron oxides and clays will result from this work with tools such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (utilizing synchrotron radiation) expected to be utilized in elucidating factors influencing U(VI) mobility.

Expected Outcomes:	Outcomes for the successful candidate include insight into the current challenges faced by Australia in designing a national waste repository for low- to intermediate-level radioactive waste and appropriately managing legacy radioactive waste/mining sites. Results from the ToR project will produce new experimental data that will be relevant for both cases and will be published in an international journal.

Reference Material Links:	1) Burns PC and R Finch (Ed’s) (1999) Uranium: mineralogy, geochemistry and the environment. Mineralogical Society of America., Washington DC, USA, p. 679. 2) Environmental Science Division (1985) Technical Report of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (http://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/bitstream/10238/811/1/AAEC-DR-19.pdf). 3) Jang J-H, BA Dempsey and WD Burgos (2008) Reduction of U(VI) by Fe(II) in the presence of Hydrous Ferric Oxide and Hematite: Effects of solid transformation, surface coverage, and humic acid . Water Research 42:2269-2277. 4) Jones AM, RN Collins, J Rose and TD Waite (2009) The effect of silica and natural organic matter on the Fe(II)-catalysed transformation and reactivity of Fe(III) minerals. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 73:4409-4422.

Project Title:	Will Flood Risk Increase with Global Warming?

Name of Supervisor:	Ashish Sharma

Email of Supervisor:	a.sharma@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Seth Westra

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	s.westra@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Specifying the design flood forms the start to most engineering construction projects. Global Warming is expected to result in shorter and sharper design storms. At the same time, there is an expectation that the overall rainfall is not likely to change significantly. This research will build on the work already underway by the group (which will form part of the basis for the forthcoming Australian Rainfall and Runoff), to study the changes expected to design floods because of global warming. Applicants must be proficient with programming in MATLAB or R.

Research Environment:	The student will work with a strong group of researchers engaged in developing climate change modelling solutions for engineering. See www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/ashish_sharma for more details.

Novelty and Contribution:	The flood risk associated with out existing infrastructure is expected to change significantly as the full impact of global warming hits home. This research will help develop guidelines on how much of change can be expected in different parts of Australia.

Expected Outcomes:

Reference Material Links:	www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/staff/ashish_sharma

Projects offered by other Engineering Schools that may be of interest are:

Project Title:	Artificial Intelligence in Urban Traffic Management

Name of Supervisor:	Chen Cai

Email of Supervisor:	chen.cai@nicta.com.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Computer Science and Engineering

For CSE and EET Projects:	NICTA Project

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Signal Processing & Control

School Research Area:	Artificial Intelligence

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	This project applies artificial intelligence techniques to urban traffic management. Managing traffic in urban road network is a challenging and rewarding task. Traffic congestion is a major contributor of social cost, which reached 9.4 billion dollars in Australia in 2005 and projected to rise to 20.4 billion in 2020. Mitigating congestion in the road network relies primarily on traffic lights. In Sydney, traffic light control system covers an area of 800,000 km2 and manages 3664 signlised junctions. Several percents’ improvement in control means substantial savings in social cost. Conventional control methods using preset signal plans lack potential for further improvements. Adaptive systems that make decisions at real-time become the frontier of development, and are being insensitively investigated at NICTA, Australia’s national information and communication centre of excellence. Artificial intelligence techniques are key to establish real-time data processing and dynamic decision-making for adaptive systems. The focus of the project is to apply reinforcement learning to traffic signal control.

Research Environment:	Selected students will work with researchers at NICTA, and participate in the distinguished Smart Transport and Road (STaR) project. Project work includes literature review, group discussion, algorithm development, computer programming and technical presentation. It aims to motivate students to combine theoretical and practical interest in research.

Novelty and Contribution:	Managing traffic lights in road network is a complex problem. Finding its solution could easily become computationally prohibitive because of high dimensionality. Using artificial intelligence techniques we may significantly reduce computational demand, while provide good approximation to the original problem. The project will be part of the ongoing research that aims to upgrade systems operating in the fields.

Expected Outcomes:	The outcome of research is expect to show that adaptive control systems using AI techniques bring improvement in performance and are practical for real-time operation.

Reference Material Links:	Cai, C., Wong, C.K., Heydecker, B.G. (2009) Adaptive traffic signal control using approximate dynamic programming, Transportation Research Part C: Special Issue on AI in Transport Analysis (In Press)

Project Title:	Software for Advanced Patent Analysis

Name of Supervisor:	Vladimir Tosic

Email of Supervisor:	vtosic@cse.unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Mark Staples

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Mark.Staples@nicta.com.au

School:	School of Computer Science and Engineering

For CSE and EET Projects:	NICTA Project

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Management

School Research Area:	Miscellaneous

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Chemical Sciences and Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Mining Engineering Petroleum Engineering Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering Surveying & Spatial Information Systems Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	To protect its intellectual property, it is often necessary for a company to patent its inventions. Patents are legally enforceable rights for exclusive commercial exploitation of inventions. Before patenting, patent search and analysis can uncover important facts relevant for strategic decisions about company’s intellectual property and research and development activities in general. Various software tools support patent search and analysis, from relatively simple free tools and Web sites to more powerful commercial products (e.g., for determining and visualizing various dependencies). In this research project, students will help develop novel software for advanced patent analysis, based on a new patent analysis methodology. The methodology is currently supported by software that manages patent information in Excel and uses macros for processing and visualization of patent analyses. The first aspect of this project is to support querying and analysis of patent information stored in a relational database. The second aspect of the project is to implement additional advanced patent analysis procedures. The third aspect of this project involves search and analysis of a number of real patents, determining their characteristics, and storing and managing this information using the developed software tool, to evaluate the tool’s correctness and usefulness.

Research Environment:	The students will work closely with researchers at NICTA (http://www.nicta.com.au) in a friendly mixed-gender and multicultural environment comprised of senior researchers and postgraduate students.

Novelty and Contribution:	The main novelty is the support for a unique and new patent analysis methodology. Since some aspects of the new patent procedures have not been implemented previously in other systems, non-trivial research questions (e.g., how to categorize patents in terms of relevance for company’s business strategy) will have to be considered. These patent analysis procedures will enable better decision making about a company’s patent portfolio. Another contribution is the testing process, which will result in conclusions about real patents from one market area (e.g., implant systems, business-driven IT systems management, or another area of mutual interest).

Expected Outcomes:	- Architecture of a software system that stores patent information, processes this information (e.g., to determine various dependencies), and visualizes results. - Detailed design of modules of this software architecture. - Design of database for storing patent information. - Original patent analysis procedures, which query and process the stored patent information. - Implementation of the above-mentioned designs. - Design and implementation of a simple (possibly Web) interface into the system. - Population of the database with patent information for a number of real patents from the same scientific area. - Experiments evaluating correctness and usefulness of the implemented software.

Reference Material Links:	- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent - http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/patents/what_index.shtml - http://www.google.com/patents - http://www.patentlawlinks.com/patsearc.htm - http://www.infovis.net/printMag.php?lang=2&num=167 - D. Hunt, L. Nguyen, M. Rodgers (Eds.) “Patent Searching: Tools & Techniques”, Wiley, 2007 - J.L. Davis, S.S. Harrison “Edison in the Boardroom: How Leading Companies Realize Value from Their Intellectual Assets”, Wiley, 2001 - Course COMP9311 “Database Systems” (http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~cs9311) - http://www.edumax.com/database-basics-chapter-2-the-er-model-and-database-design.html - http://www.w3schools.com/SQl/default.asp - Course COMP9321 “Web Applications Engineering” (http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~cs9321) - For further information, email Dr. Vladimir Tosic (‘vtosic’ at the CSE e-mail system) with Subject line “UNSW Summer Scholars”.

Project Title:	Assessment of membrane ageing in water industry

Name of Supervisor:	Pierre Le-Clech

Email of Supervisor:	p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering

Abstract:	Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) have been increasingly used to remove pollutants in the water and wastewater industry. Whether their configuration, most membrane filtration processes are subject to a repetitive cycle of chemical cleanings, shear and mechanical agitation to remove material retained on the membrane surface during operation. Notwithstanding their widespread applications, little is known on the changes occurring at the molecular and structural level when membranes are subject to the individual or combined effects of chemical attack and mechanical strain prior to failure. These changes (resulting potentially in membrane failure) can be due to a progressive build up of residual deposition, but loss of integrity (i.e. failure to separate critical components such as pathogens) is another cause driving membrane replacement. Chemical treatment such as acids, bases, and oxidising agents has been commonly used for these foulants, but assessment of long-term progressive degradation of performance has not been fully studied yet. This project focuses on the ageing effect of chemical agents (both oxidising and non-oxidising) commonly used in microporous membrane plants. By using a wide range of analytical techniques, the complete assessment of the membrane state will be carried out before and after ageing.

Research Environment:	The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology has a strong profile and recognition factor internationally as one of the largest membrane groups and as a world leader in a wide range of research areas. Much of the Centre’s reputation rests on our approach to wider generic problems from a fundamental engineering science approach incorporating skills from physical chemistry to high level computing, rather than solely from an application focus. The selected student will be working in close collaboration with a research associate (post-doc) and the project manager.

Novelty and Contribution:	Membrane integrity failure results in the economic costs of continual replacement and process down time, the environmental impact of large numbers of discarded membrane modules, and health concerns in regards to the integrity of membranes in water and wastewater treatments. This project will provide an improved understanding of how membranes tolerate chemical stress and will help manufacturers design membranes with longer useable life. The project will help Australia’s membrane manufactures to design more robust membranes for extended membrane life and help water treatment suppliers and operators manage the performance of new and existing membrane plants.

Expected Outcomes:	Experiments will use three commercially available symmetric hollow fibre membranes and two flat sheet membranes of different materials. Ageing tests will be carried out initially using three common cleaning chemicals and the membranes autopsied in terms of integrity. Temperature and concentration of the cleaning solutions will also be changed to accelerate the ageing process. The hydraulic and rejection performances of the aged membranes will be assessed and correlated with the degradation parameters. As a result, the student will be able to rank the membrane stability against accelerated chemical attacks and for consecutive cycles.

Reference Material Links:	If interested in project, please contact Pierre Le-Clech for more references.

Project Title:	Molecular evaluation of traditional and novel anti-scalants for desalination

Name of Supervisor:	Greg Leslie

Email of Supervisor:	g.leslie@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Anthony Granville

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	a.granville@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Seawater desalination has become a critical component of the water supplies of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. All desalination plants use polyelectrolyte anti-scaling chemicals to control the precipitation of carbonate, sulphate and phosphate salts that would otherwise foul the membrane and increase the cost to produce drinking water. This project will study how the molecular structure of commonly used liner chain polyelectrolytes, such as polycarboxylates, polyacrylates, polyphosphonates, and novel highly branched three-dimensional dendrimeric polymers controls scale formation. The overall objective of the project is to assess the potential of reducing the quantity and cost of antiscalant treatment by replacing the polyelectrolytes with denrimers.

Research Environment:	Work will be performed at the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science. This centre has excellent links with the water industry and is engaged with some of the largest membrane projects in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. The student will work in a small team of two postdocs and will receive guidance on design and operation of desalination systems (Leslie) and techniques to produce and characterise polymers (Granville). The work will involve bench techniques on polymer formation and characterisation, microscopic observation of scale formation and operation of a small reverse osmosis pilot plant.

Novelty and Contribution:	The impact of molecular properties on antiscalant performance is not well understood. In this project the student will work with one common polyelectrolyte and one novel dendrimer and assess the effect of molecular weight, size and position of functional groups and degree of branching on the formation of scale.

Expected Outcomes:	The project forms an important part of an effort to understand and predict the performance of chemicals used in desalination plants. The student will gain valuable experience with bench techniques in polymer and membrane science as well as an understanding of how desalination plants operate and the relationship between the cost to produce water and the use of chemicals to control scaling. The project will appeal to chemical engineers and industrial chemists who will gain first-hand experience of working on a problem relevant to the day to day operation of the countries largest water utilities.

Reference Material Links:	Additional information on desalination, scale formation and polymer chemistry can be obtained from Greg Leslie (g.leslie@unsw.edu.au) or Tony Granville (a.granville@unsw.edu.au)

Project Title:	Use of Zinc (II) Species to Control Bacterial Nitrification in Chloraminated Water Supplies

Name of Supervisor:	Professor Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Sanly Liu

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	z3015913@student.unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	The growth of nitrifying bacteria has been identified as a potential problem in chloraminated water supplies. These bacteria derive energy by the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite or of nitrite to nitrate. Bacterial nitrification can lead to rapid decays of chloramines in the distribution system, which may increase the public health risk as a result of inadequate treatment of microbiologically contaminated water. In addition, nitrification can lead to an increased in nitrate and nitrite, which may exceed the limit set in the Australian Drinking Water Guideline. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the use of various zinc species to inhibit bacterial nitrification. Zinc is often added to water supplies in conjunction with phosphorus corrosion inhibitors, and its potential role in the growth of nitrifying bacteria is therefore of high interest. Inhibition will be investigated using nitrite and nitrate generation rate measurements.

Research Environment:	Student undertaking this project will be working at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, under the guidance of postdoctoral research staff (Dr Sanly Liu and Dr. May Lim). The project would allow student to gain a multitude of experience in flow injection analysis and water treatment microbiology (bacteria culture and isolation technique). For more details, please contact Professor Rose Amal at r.amal@unsw.edu.au.

Novelty and Contribution:	The development of zinc based disinfectants is envisaged to lead to improved efficiency of nitrification control. This approach may present some advantages over the current industrial practice of dosing with copper, which has been shown to be inadequate in the control of nitrification.

Expected Outcomes:	Student involved in this project can expect to gain a multitude of experience in water research and development, and exposure to Australian water industries in Western Australia and South Australia.

Reference Material Links:	a. Cunliffe, D. A. (1991) Bacterial nitrification in chloraminated water supplies. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Nov. 1991, p. 3399-3402. b. Zhang, Y., Love, N., Edwards, M. (2009) Nitrification in drinking water systems. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 39:3, 153-208.

Project Title:	Visualization studies of submerged hollow fibre filtration with periodical backwash

Name of Supervisor:	Vicki Chen

Email of Supervisor:	v.chen@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Yun Ye

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	yun.ye@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering

Abstract:	Submerged hollow fibre system has been widely used for the treatment of surface water and wastewater (MBR system). The filtration coupled with the periodical backwash is widely applied to control the membrane fouling. The backwash process can be effective at removing the trapped particles/ foulant layers from the membrane surface. However, backwashing consumes energy as well as reducing productivity of the membrane, and the full understanding of the mechanism of backwash on the fouling control is still limited. Using a microscopy technique, the Direct Observation (DO) methods enabled the visualisation and quantification of the particle deposition during filtration and the particle removal during backwash. These techniques provide a better understanding of the mechanism of backwash on fouling control and a more efficient backwash process. In this project, an optimized backwash process, which was comprised of proper air scouring coupled with backwashing, will be investigated. The model solution, the mixture of bentonite and alginate solution, will be used in this study to simulate wasterwater. The detailed characterisations of foulant cakes will be investigated to understand the fouling deposition and removal mechanisms via both direct observation techniques and pressure profiles.

Research Environment:	The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology has wide ranging projects in water and wastewater treatment. The techniques used in this study have resulted in a number of recent publications.

Novelty and Contribution:	These studies will provide new insights into the fouling and removal mechanisms that occur during membrane filtration under conditions that simulate industrial operation of membranes used in many water treatment applications.

Expected Outcomes:	The outcome of this study will allow optimization of membrane operating modes to reduce energy consumption and improve productivity of submerged hollow fiber filtration units.

Reference Material Links:	Some project descriptions and videos of the fouling studies in our Centre are available at http://www.membrane.unsw.edu.au/

Project Title:	Development of Fire Suppression Experimental System

Name of Supervisor:	Tracie Barber

Email of Supervisor:	t.barber@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Energy Systems, Renewable and Non-Renewable

School Research Area:	Thermofluids

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering

Abstract:	The effectiveness of a fire sprinkler is determined by the characteristics of the droplets formed from the sprinkler. Understanding the formation and structure of droplets and their interaction with fire sources and hot gases is of great significance. In the absence of accurate understanding, conservative and costly decisions can be made, often limiting installation of these proven life-saving devices. This project is part of an ARC Linkage project, and you will be working with a PhD student, Rob, to develop a new experimental system. This will allow the droplet behaviour to be examined, using laser-based fluid dynamics measurement systems.

Research Environment:	You will be working in our Advanced Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, with Tracie (supervisor), Rob (PhD student) and Joe (Laboratory Officer).

Novelty and Contribution:	This is a vital part of the overall project and you will be working on the development of a completely new experiment.

Expected Outcomes:	We aim to have made the system and conducted some experiments using our LDA by the end of the summer.

Reference Material Links:

Project Title:	Study of the fluid mechanics of micro/nano particle-pore interactions

Name of Supervisor:	Gary Rosengarten

Email of Supervisor:	g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

School Research Area:	Thermofluids

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Chemical Sciences and Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Petroleum Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	All membranes, be them biological or synthetic, involve the interaction of small particles with pores. The selectivity of the membrane depends on hydrodynamics of the particle as it approaches and moves through the pore. In this project the student will carry out fully coupled computational fluid dynamics simulations of a single particle approaching a pore under a variety of conditions.

Research Environment:	The student will work in a team in the computational fluid mechanics laboratory. They will be associated also with the experimental group and simulations will be compared to experimental results at regular meetings.

Novelty and Contribution:	This research fits into the new area of biomimetics where we are trying to learn how nature sorts particles. Results will not only help in a fundamental understanding of particle pore interactions but also have applications in the design of more efficient membranes.

Expected Outcomes:	The expected outcomes of this project are the implementation of a fully coupled particle fluid model with brownian motion into current commercial software and the analysis of results under a variety of conditions including particle size and pore shape. If all goes well we would like to be able to write the results into into a journal article.

Reference Material Links:	Contact Dr. Rosengarten: g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

Civil & Environmental Engineering Projects

Projects offered by other Engineering Schools that may be of interest are: