RESEARCH THEME 3

Ensuring
sustainability

Environmental benefits

Developing technical solutions for biosolids transformation will not lead to enhanced and sustained industry opportunities if environmental regulations, policy frameworks and public perceptions are out of step with the science.

To this end, this theme will consider a number of topics that are central to the successful implementation of improved management of biosolids or related products relevant to water and agriculture industries and environmental protection agencies (EPAs).

These include facilitating an understanding of biosolids and tackling odour to improve community acceptance, developing national guidelines, developing a framework for evidence-based risk assessment of biosolids and its related products, and measuring public perception of the social and environmental benefits of biosolids transformation.

Theme Statistics

$5.7 million

Cash and in-kind

12

Industry Partners

5

Australian and International University Partners

Research Project 3A

Linking Stability, Odour and Production route

Odour emissions remain one of the major challenges for community acceptance of biosolids.

Research Project 3B

The role of Biosolids Management in preserving Earth’s resilience

In Australia most biosolids are applied to agricultural land, providing a range of benefits including carbon sequestration, increasing water holding capacity and providing nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients to the soil.

Research Project 3C

Development of a risk-based framework for biosolids quality management

Biosolids transformation includes managing a range of chemical, stability and pathogenic risks to protect public health, reduce nuisances and maximise the benefits of the use of this resource.

Research Project 3D

Stakeholder engagement and acceptance

Competing beliefs about biosolids and their transformation technologies have restricted their application and acceptance.

Research Project 3A

Linking Stability, Odour and Production route

Odour emissions remain one of the major challenges for community acceptance of biosolids.

Research Project 3B

The role of Biosolids Management in preserving Earth’s resilience

Research Project 3C

Development of a risk-based framework for biosolids quality management

Biosolids transformation includes managing a range of chemical, stability and pathogenic risks to protect public health, reduce nuisances and maximise the benefits of the use of this resource.