Index
Biosolids
Plots of canola and oat planted at experiment site Sep. 2006, Surbiton Park, Melton – VIC
The Incorporation of Melton Biosolids into an Energy Cropping System
RMIT University in conjunction with Western Water is conducting field experiments in Surbiton Park, Melton VIC. The project aims to provide Surbiton Park and similar treatment plants with a sustainable management program for the use of their biosolids and help promote the use of biosolids in Victoria.
Biosolids are residual solids, also known as stabilized sewage sludge (EPA, 2004) , which is the result of biological treatment process in a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). This research looks at the incorporation of dewatered and composted biosolids on canola (Brassica napus) and oats (Avena sativa) as energy crops and the prospects of producing biodiesel from the canola seeds. Such action would provide a way to reduce the stock piles of biosolids and contributing to a sustainable management of sewage sludge in the future. It is estimated that the Victorian production of biosolids is approximately 66,700 dry tonnes per year (EPA, 2004).
Guidelines for Environmental Management - BIOSOLIDS LAND APPLICATION; Publication 943 ISBN 0 7306 7641 2 EPA Victoria Australia, April 2004.
For a detailed illustration for Canola / Rapeseed see Brassica napus L.
For detailed illustration for Oat see Avena sativa.
Plots of oat and canola planted at experiment site Nov. 2006, Surbiton Park, Melton – VIC
Further Information
Contact:
Western Water
William Rajendram
Tel. +61 3 5421 9486
E-mail: william.rajendram@westernwater.com.au
RMIT University
Nichola Porter
Tel. + 61 3 9925 1787
E-mail: nichola.porter@rmit.edu.au
Barry Meehan
Tel. +61 3 9925 2119
E-mail: barry.meehan@rmit.edu.au