The 5th Annual Symposium for the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource will be held at the RMIT University City Campus (Capitol Theatre), Melbourne commencing on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
REGISTRATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS EVENT – Please note the Eventbrite registration portal is not yet available for registration. Please watch this space!
DATES
1 July 2025: Symposium program and Symposium Dinner
2 July 2025 : Symposium program continued and Close.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS & DEADLINES
To be advised
COST
Free for University and Industry Partners and online attendees.
A small fee will be charged to Non-partner delegates attending in-person (Partners are listed HERE), based on cost recovery:
$100 total day registration for attending all or any of the symposium – TBC
$100 symposium dinner – TBC
Following registration, Non-partners attending in-person will be contacted to arrange payment.
PROGRAM AND HANDBOOK
To be advised
The Symposium brings together industry professionals, researchers and students from various national institutions. There will be a strong industry focus to connect industry with future leaders and researchers in the biosolids industry.
This is the second presentation in our webinar series being undertaken as part of the IWN Webinar Series Circular Economy – Solids stream.
This webinar was held on 31 October 2024.
The recording of this webinar can be found via the IWN members site or on our Partners&Friends Sharepoint site located HERE
Below is the Flyer that was published for this event:
Use of wastewater-recovered struvite as a phosphorus fertiliser
IWN Webinar Series – 31 October 2024
Phosphorus is an essential element for all living beings including plants, yet over the last 60 years, the large-scale input of phosphorus from human activities and agricultural intensification has significantly contributed to eutrophication and the depletion of non-renewable phosphate rock reserves. However, recycling and recovering phosphorus from wastewater and reusing it as a fertiliser is a promising strategy to mitigate eutrophication and reduce reliance on phosphate rock reserves.
Struvite is recovered from municipal wastewater through controlled precipitation and presents a promising long-term solution as a sustainable and renewable P source. Struvite contains about 12% P, 6% N, 10% Mg and small amounts of micronutrients, making it a promising alternative P fertiliser.
In this seminar, Manish will present the findings from his PhD research project titled “the evaluation of wastewater-recovered struvite as an alternative phosphorus fertiliser for chickpea and wheat growth and yield”. This project is a component of Biosolids Training Centre’s 2B project – produce a range of high value tailored fertilisers from waste streams.
About the speaker
Manish Sharma has recently submitted his PhD thesis and now working as a research associate at The University of Western Australia. His postdoctoral research will investigate furthermore about the use of struvite blended with other waste products as a phosphorus fertiliser in other crop species.
This is the first in our webinar series being undertaken as part of the IWN Webinar Series Circular Economy – Solids stream.
This webinar was held on 30 September 2024.
The recording of this webinar can be found via the IWN members site or on our Partners&Friends Sharepoint site located HERE
Below is the Flyer that was published for this event:
Future for Public Engagement with Biosolids
IWN Webinar Series – Mon 30 Sept 2024
The Australian wastewater industry is at a critical turning point. More extreme weather, increasing urbanisation, ageing infrastructure and evolving community expectations are driving the sector to adapt and innovate. At the same time, biosolids management is under greater scrutiny, as societal concerns about emerging contaminants and tightening regulations cast doubt on its long term viability.
The future success of the wastewater industry relies not only on new technologies and infrastructure but also on public acceptance of management practices and policy proposals. This highlights the need for robust public engagement strategies that address current challenges while improving the industry’s social licence to operate. However, the current rapid pace of change has left little room to examine current engagement strategies or anticipate its future needs.
In this seminar, Dr Patrick Bonney will explore the current landscape of public engagement in biosolids management and its potential to drive sustainable, socially acceptable solutions in the wastewater industry. The seminar will feature empirical findings from a social science research programme – public responses to and engagement with biosolids management. It will showcase examples of effective engagement strategies that align with leading insights from academic research and industry best practise.
About the speaker
Dr Patrick Bonney is a social scientist who explores issues of public participation across diverse policy areas, including natural resource management, water policy and organics recycling. His postdoctoral research at the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource seeks to examine the social complexities and dynamics shaping the Australian biosolids sector, with a focus on identifying opportunities for improved customer and community engagement strategies in the circular economy.
Day 3 of ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024: Empowering Careers and Showcasing Industry Innovation
PERTH, WA – September 5, 2024
The third and final day of the ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024 shifted its focus to professional development and practical industry insights, offering a series of interactive workshops and an exclusive site visit to Richgro, one of Australia’s leading organic waste processing facilities.
Morning Workshops: Equipping Attendees for Success
Workshop 1: Exploring and Maximizing Your Career Journey Elana Marie Lewer led this engaging two-hour session, providing participants with tools to identify their transferable skills, enhance communication in professional settings, and prepare for job searches. Highlights included real-life examples, tips on team dynamics and conflict resolution, and an interactive personality quiz. Dr. David Bergmann facilitated interactive activities that allowed attendees to reflect on their career paths and future goals.
Workshop 2: Business Case Scenario and Product Development Plan
This session, led by Anthony Bodycoat (Water Corporation), explored strategic thinking, risk management, and customer research through practical case studies. Dr Bede Mickan presented on marketing strategies associated with Product Development Planning based on his experience at Richgro. Attendees collaborated on developing business cases and product plans, gaining insights into navigating challenges in project management and marketing. Dr. David Bergmann facilitated dynamic discussions, ensuring participants left with actionable knowledge.
Symposium Day 3 workshops: Elana Marie Lewer (Top left and bottom left), Anthony Bodycoat, WaterCorp (Middle), Dr Bede Mickan UWA/Richgro (Right)
Networking and Industry Engagement
A lunch and networking session provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with peers, industry professionals, and researchers, fostering collaborations that extended beyond the symposium.
Richgro Site Visit: Innovation in Action
In the afternoon, participants travelled to Richgro’s facility in Jandakot to witness cutting-edge organic waste processing in action. The site visit offered a firsthand look at how Richgro transforms organic waste into valuable products such as fertilisers and biogas.
Richgro site visit: Hosted by Geoff and Tim Richards
A Transformative Finale to a Stellar Event
The final day of the ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024 was a resounding success, combining professional development, industry insights, and networking opportunities. By equipping attendees with career tools and showcasing real-world applications of biosolids innovation, the symposium cemented its role as a cornerstone event for advancing sustainability and professional growth in the biosolids sector.
THANKYOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
THANKYOU TO OUR ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ORGANISING COMMITTEE:
Dr Aravind Surapaneni (Chair), Prof Megan Ryan UWA, Isobel Decru RMIT, George Mercer UWA, Andreas Pfeifle UWA, Bede Mickan UWA, Kamrun Nahar RMIT, Dr James Hayes UNSW, Elissa McElroy.
THANKYOU TO OUR HOSTS:
University of Western Australia, University Club:
Naree Richardson, Conference and Events Coordinator
Insights and Practical Innovations delivered on Day 2 of the 4th ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024
PERTH, WA – September 4, 2024
The second day of the ARC Training Centre’s 4th Annual Biosolids Symposium 2024 at the University of Western Australia’s Banquet Hall continued to inspire attendees with hands-on workshops, expert presentations, and opportunities to explore practical applications of biosolids innovations.
Morning Highlights:
The day opened with a warm welcome from Prof. Megan Ryan (UWA), setting the stage for a productive day and introducing our first 2 presentations of the morning:
BTTAS Tool Workshop: Dr. Ganesh Veluswamy and Dr. Savankumar Patel (RMIT) guided participants through this interactive session, demonstrating how the tool supports biosolids technology assessments.
National Collaborative US PFAS Project: Prof. Ian Pepper (University of Arizona) shared progress on this pivotal initiative, addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) management in biosolids.
Theme 2: Enhancing Product Applications:
The third and final research Theme undertaken by the Training Centre was presented following the format of the previous day:
10-minute Talks
Dr. Bede Mickan (UWA) introduced a classification framework for organic waste products.
Dr. Curtis Rollins and Prof. Megan Ryan explored farmer acceptance and agronomic impacts of composted biosolids-blended fertilizers.
Dr. Arun Krishna Vuppaladadiyam (RMIT) discussed innovative approaches to H₂S removal from biogas using biosolids biochar.
Manish Sharma (UWA) presented insights into the use of wastewater-recovered struvite as a sustainable phosphorus fertilizer.
Theme 2 presentations: Dr Bede Mickan (Top left), Dr Arun Krishna Vuppaladadiyam, RMIT (Bottom left), Dr. Curtis Rollins ( Top right), Manish Sharma (Bottom right)
Theme 2: Poster sessions and 3-minute snapshot presentations The 3-minute poster session showcased innovative research in biosolids management and related fields. Each presenter delivered a concise yet impactful three-minute summary of their findings, highlighting key challenges and advancements in biosolids application and environmental sustainability.
Kraiwut Jansriphibul RMIT– Potential risk of spreading antibiotic resistant genes form biosolids fertiliser to soil and environment
Ibrahim Al Waili RMIT– Economic Assessment of Alternative Biogas Utilization Routes
Dr. Ibrahim Hakeem RMIT– Techno-commercial feasibility of biosolids biochar for nutrient recovery from digester effluent
Julie Besedin RMIT– Remediation of arsenic contaminated mine waste
Thierry Bore UQ – Tracking organic carbon with Geophysics
George Mercer UWA – Agricultural soils can’t have their biosolids cake and eat it too!
Theme 2 Poster presentations: Kraiwut Jansriphibul (Top left), George Mercer (Bottom left), Ibrahim Al Waili (Middle), Dr Ibrahim Hakeem (Top right), Dr. Thierry Bore (Bottom right)
Theme 2 Panel Feedback and Wrap-up
The Panel Feedback & Wrap-up on Theme 2 followed, where industry leaders and researchers came together to share their perspectives on the discussions of the day. A useful discussion with panel members Dr Bill Richmond from DWER, Dr. David Bergmann, South East Water and Michael Thomas from Barwon Waster, was anchored by Andreas Pfeifle from UWA. The panel engaged in a dynamic exchange, answering pressing questions, offering fresh perspectives, and setting the stage for the future of sustainable biosolids use.
Invited Speaker – Churchill Fellowship Insights
Hilary Hall (RMCG) shared international perspectives on biosolids management based on her recent fellowship experiences. Drawing from experiences abroad, Hilary’s talk explored global strategies, emerging technologies, and best practices that could shape the future of biosolids management in Australia.
Andreas Pfeifle, Bill Richmond, Dr. David Bergmann and Michael Thomas (1st picture-left to right); Hilary Hall (Right)
Hands-On Experience
Site visits were planned for the afternoon. Participants split up to visit the Water Research and Innovation Precinct (WRIP) in Shenton Park while others were given a tour of the UWA campus Glasshouses, gaining firsthand insight into advanced technologies shaping the future of biosolids management.
The day concluded with an interactive training session presented by Sha Ragnauth and Andre Sequeira (Water Corporation) entitled “Kick Start Your Career ” Workshop, equipping attendees with tools to navigate career opportunities and the application process.
Glasshouse tour visitors (left picture); Sha Ragnauth and Andre Sequeira (right picture)
Celebrating Excellence
Awards were presented on the 2nd day in recognition of outstanding contributions:
Best Presentations: Sponsored by SA Water, was awarded to Dr. Curtis Rollins, Jingwen Luo, and Dr. Bede Mickan.
Best Posters: Sponsored by SUEZ, was awarded to Thais Guerrero, George Mercer and Dr. Shamim Aryampa.
Best Communicator: The Prof. Anas Ghadouani Memorial Award was presented jointly to George Mercer and Dr. Bede Mickan.
Congratulations to all our award winners, and a big thanks to our Award sponsors.
(Top left) George Mercer, Dr Bede Mickan and Dist.Prof Andy Ball; (Bottom left) Dr Bede Mickan, Dr Curtis Rollins, Jingwen Luo and Dr Alex Keegan, SA Water. (Right) George Mercer, Thais Guererro, Dr Shamim Aryampa and Irina Mouilleron, SUEZ
Summing up the 2nd day of the Symposium
The second day of the ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024 emphasized practical applications and collaboration, bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation. The Symposium successfully fostered knowledge sharing and inspired actionable solutions to advance biosolids management.
PERTH, WA – September 3, 2024 The Banquet Hall at the University Club of Western Australia came alive on Tuesday, September 3, as the ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024 brought together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle critical issues in biosolids management. From ground breaking research to industry best practices, the event delivered a day of thought-provoking presentations and discussions aimed at driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Photos of attendees at the 2024 Annual Transforming Biosolids Symposium at UWA
Keynote Sets the Tone for Action
The day began with a compelling keynote by Dr. Annette Cowie, Principal Research Scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industry. In her presentation, “Biochar’s Role in Climate Action,” Dr. Cowie highlighted biochar’s transformative potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health, calling it a “game-changer for sustainable waste management.”
Dr. Annette Cowie- Keynote speaker
Theme 3: Exploring Sustainability and Innovation
This session consisted of three segments: several 15-minute presentations, a few snapshot poster presentations, and a panel discussion. Each session featured Centre researchers presenting their own innovative research.
15 minute Talks:
Jingwen Luo, UNSW delved into the environmental impacts of biosolids processing in his presentation, “Beyond Carbon Emissions: Environmental Sustainability of Biosolids Processing Options.”
Dr. Curtis Rollins from UWA examined public sentiment with his talk, “Public Preferences for Biosolids Management.”
Dr. James Hayes of UNSW explored the perspectives of the Australian biosolids industry in his talk, “Three Sides of the Same Coin.”
Marina Corte Tedesco, UNSW shared her findings on microfibre pollution in “Mapping Microfibres: Identifying and Addressing Fibre Release in Textile Washing Processes.”
Theme 3 presentations: Jingwen Luo (Top left), Dr Curtis Rollins (Top right), Dr James Hayes (Bottom left) and Marina Corte Tedesco (Right)
Theme 3: Poster sessions and a 3-minute snapshot presentation
The Symposium also featured a vibrant poster session and a 3-minute snapshot presentation on each poster, with eight researchers sharing their latest findings of Theme 3. Highlights included:
Variability and Repeatability in Emissions Measurements from Biosolids Using Flux Chambers – Lisha Liu UNSW
Optimizing Biosolids Management for Enhanced GHG Emission Reduction – Laize De Freitas UNSW
GHGs Emissions from Two Sludge Treatment Processes: Mitigation, Evaluation, and Mechanism – Tianyi Chu UWA
The Future of Nutrient Recovery with the Rise of Biosolids Thermal Processing – Dr. Shamim Aryampa UNSW
Persistence and Concentration of Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater Treatment and Biosolids – Dr. Calvin He UNSW
Alignment, Relationships, and Drivers: Wastewater Industry Professionals Pathways to Facilitate a More Circular Economy for the Biosolids Industry – Marilyn Braine UNSW
Making Biosolids Public: Reimagining Community Engagement in a Time of Change – Dr. Patrick Bonney (online) RMIT
(Clockwise from Top left) Lisha Liu, Thais Guererro, Laize De Freitas, Marilyn Braine, Dr. Calvin He, Dr. Shamim Aryampa, Tianyi Chu
Theme 3: Panel Feedback & Wrap-up
The final panel discussions on Theme 3, featuring Prof. Denis O’Carroll, Dr. Ruth Fisher, Prof. Matt Kearnes, and Ben Stone, brought together key takeaways from the session. These discussions encouraged collaborative dialogue on future directions for biosolids sustainability.
The panel effectively highlighted the need for innovative approaches, community engagement, and policy improvements to ensure a sustainable future for biosolids management.
(Left to Right) Prof. Denis O’Carroll, Dr. Ruth Fisher, Prof. Matt Kearnes, and Ben Stone
Theme 1: Improving technologies
The 2024 Biosolids Symposium featured an engaging session under Theme 1: Improving Technologies, bringing together industry experts and researchers to discuss technological advancements in biosolids treatment. The session also comprised 15-minute technical presentations, a poster session, and a panel discussion that examined innovative approaches and key challenges in biosolids management.
15-Minute Talks: Innovations in Biosolids Treatment
Seyedali Tabatabaei from RMIT discussed the chemical impacts of chemical properties on sludge dewaterability in “The Impact of Chemical Properties on Dewaterability and Rheology.”
Dr. Christian Krohn, RMIT explored microbial contributions to anaerobic digestion in “Advances in Linking Microbial Ecology and Performance in Anaerobic Digesters.”
Kamrun Nahar from RMIT presented a detailed analysis of “Hydrothermal Treatment of Sewage Sludge: Opportunities and Challenges.”
Theme 1 Presentation: (Left to Right) Seyedali Tabatabaei, Dr. Christian Krohn, Kamrun Nahar
Theme 1: Poster sessions and a 3-minute snapshot presentation:
Moderated by Dr. Liah Coggins UWA, the poster session showcased innovative research from various researchers from Theme 1:
Evaluating the Impact and Composition of Non-Degradable Organics in Sewage Sludge and Biosolids – Bushra Parvin Upoma UQ
Utilising Spectral Methods to Assess Material Properties – Dr. Stephan Tait UQ
Incorporating Thermal Treatment into Conventional Biosolids Treatment Trains – Dr. Savankumar Patel RMIT
Effect of Pretreatment on the Biodegradability of Organic Waste – Habiba Sarwar RMIT/Curtin
Evaluating the Effect of Biosolids-Derived Char as an Additive on Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Sludge – Shamima Eaysmine (Online) UQ
Applicability of Heat Transfer Coefficient Correlations for Thermal Treatment of Geldart B and Geldart D Particles in a Fluidised Bed Heat Exchanger – Shivani Agnihotri (Online) RMIT
Destruction of PFAS During Pyrolysis of Biosolids – Dr. Nimesha Rathnayake RMIT
Metabolic Modelling for Investigation of Anaerobic Digestion Foaming – Tim Micallef RMIT
The Fate of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Through Different Commercial Composting Systems of Organic Residue – Sali Khair Biek RMIT
(Clockwise from Top Left) Bushra Parvin Upoma with Irina Mouilleron, Dr. Stephan Tait, Dr. Savankumar Patel, Habiba Sarwar, Dr. Nimesha Rathnayake, Tim Micallef and Sali Khair Biek
Theme 1: Panel Feedback & Wrap-up – Integrating New Technologies into Conventional Processes
The session concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring experts from academia and industry. Moderated by Prof. Damien Batstone, the panel included Dr Catherine Rees, Dr Bede Mickan and Irina Mouilleron. The panel explored the challenges in integrating new biosolids technologies into existing treatment frameworks. The discussion successfully underscored the importance of innovation in ensuring sustainable and efficient biosolids management practices.
(Left to Right) Prof. Damien Batstone, Dr Catherine Rees, Dr Bede Mickan and Irina Mouilleron.
Afternoon Session: Industry Forum
The afternoon session concluded with an insightful 60-minute forum that brought together key stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in biosolids management. Chaired by Hilary Hall (RMCG), the panel featured industry leaders and regulatory experts, including Tim Gubbin, Craig Byers, Nilu Gunarathne, Tim Richards and Irina Mouilleron, each offering their perspective on the evolving landscape of biosolids treatment and reuse.
Regulatory Compliance & Best Practices: Maintaining strict adherence to regulations is crucial to ensure biosolids’ safety and public acceptance.
Public Perception & Engagement: Addressing concerns about contaminants and improving transparency are vital for increasing community trust.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation between industry, government, and research institutions will help overcome existing challenges and accelerate progress in biosolids management.
(Left to Right) Tim Gubbin, Craig Byers, Nilu Gunarathne, Tim Richards, Irina Mouilleron and Hilary Hall
A Memorable Evening
The day concluded with a river cruise to The Raft, where attendees enjoyed a symposium dinner sponsored by Aquametro. The evening was ably hosted by Centre researchers and UWA organisers, George Mercer and Andreas Pfeifle, who introduced both Darsh Dalal – speaking on behalf of our sponsor; and after-dinner speaker, Kate Bowker of Water Corporation – who captivated the audience with her insights into “Operations and Assets Integration.”
Symposium dinner venue – (Clockwise from top Left) The Raft, attendees, Dalal Darsh, Kate Bowker, dinner speaker; MCs George and Andreas.
