RESEARCH THEME 2

Enhancing
product
applications

Transformation of biosolids

In this theme, we will investigate the transformation of biosolids into novel carbon based fertiliser/growing media/advance materials for its use in commercial farming systems (such as horticulture, agriculture and greenhouses) and non-farming systems (such as construction, energy, animal feed) to develop sustainable water treatment and farming systems by closing carbon and nutrient cycles.

Theme Statistics

$4.6 million

Cash and in-kind

11

Industry Partners

3

Australian and International University Partners

Research Project 2A

Creating a market for biosolids by blending with other waste streams to produce a range of high value tailored fertilisers

Current uses of biosolids as fertiliser are largely in low-value landscaping applications, where tailored and consistent formulation is not required.

Research Project 2B

Blending biosolids with other waste streams to optimise nutrient ratios and restore and stabilise carbon in Australian cropping soils

Attempts to increase organic carbon in Australian cropping soils by means such as retaining crop stubble, adding compost, and growing green manure crops or perennial pastures have achieved very little.

Research Project 2C

Future direction of biosolids

There has been significant progress made in the last decade in converting biomass waste into value-added advance carbon materials using thermochemical methods.

Research Project 2A

Creating a market for biosolids by blending with other waste streams to produce a range of high value tailored fertilisers

Current uses of biosolids as fertiliser are largely in low-value landscaping applications, where tailored and consistent formulation is not required.

Research Project 2B

Blending biosolids with other waste streams to optimise nutrient ratios and restore and stabilise carbon in Australian cropping soils

Research Project 2C

Future direction of biosolids

There has been significant progress made in the last decade in converting biomass waste into value-added advance carbon materials using thermochemical methods.