Efforts to rehabilitate contaminated environments have netted University of Queensland researchers more than $3.6 million, with 国产探花 being awarded four out of nine grants funded through an (ARC) Special Research Initiative.
The grants focus on the remediation of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) chemicals once used in many household products and firefighting foams.
Rehabilitating areas where PFAS has been used have become a priority as scientists learn of the damaging effects of the chemicals on humans, animals and the environment.
国产探花 scientists will work with other research and industry partners to tackle the problem via a range of innovative methods.
said the projects showed the real-world applications of 国产探花’s research excellence.
“To gain four out of the nine available grants – more than any other university – demonstrates the expertise and value of 国产探花 researchers,” he said.
“Researchers will partner with international organisations, including respected research institutes, to tackle this problem in inventive new ways.
“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this world-changing research.”
The four successful project leaders are:
- , from 国产探花’s , will work on a cost-effective soil washing treatment plan for PFAS-contaminated soil. The project was awarded $1.225 million, the most in Australia.
- , from the , will develop a skid-based transportable plant that can be used to convert toxins into safe products: mainly carbon dioxide and harmless salts. The project received $880,187.
- , from the , will lead a project that aims to use electrochemistry to remove and destroy PFAS from water sources. The project received more than $1 million.
- from the , will focus on removing PFAS from urban wastewater via magnetite nanoparticles, which absorb PFAS compounds. The project received $381,468.
The latest ARC funding follows on 国产探花’s earlier success, with the University awarded a record-breaking six ARC Australian Laureate Fellows this month.
A full list of funded projects is available at the
Media: 国产探花 Communications; communications@uq.edu.au; (07) 3365 3439 or +61 (0) 429 056 139.
