4th Annual Symposium 2024 Day 1 Highlights

Author Editor
Updated October 2024

Pioneering Biosolids Management: ARC Biosolids Symposium 2024-Day 1 

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. 

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.”

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: 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
• Biosolids Reuse: Addressing Odour Challenges for Sustainable Management – Thais Guerrero 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

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.

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: 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

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.

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.

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.”

 

THANKYOU TO OUR SPONSORS.