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Water Pollution and Soil Environment – Environmental Science Research Group
About the Group
The Environmental Science research group at RMIT University runs PhD, Masters and Undergraduate research projects investigating the impact of human activities on soil and water resources such as:
- the reuse and recycling of industrial and agricultural wastes
- impacts of post-farmgate agri-industry solid wastes and effluents on agricultural soils
- migration of landfill leachates into surface and groundwaters
- nutrient discharges into urban surface waters
- nutrient uptake and mobility in soils and sediments
- impacts of farm discharges on soils and surface waters in Victorian catchments
- the applications of composts in agriculture
- the impacts of pesticides on surface waters and flora
- the utilisation of biosolids and treated post-farmgate agri-industry wastes as soil ameliorants
- cleaner production strategies in wastewater minimisation and reuse
- the minimisation of soluble salts from wastewater streams at source
- the effects of wastewater on soil structure and chemistry in irrigated cropping systems
- mobilisation of phosphorus from irrigation activities in Victoria
Studies have been conducted in consultation with the Environmental Protection Authority, Catchment Management Authorities, Water providers, the Department of Primary Industries and various post-farmgate agri-industries (e.g. abattoirs, wool scourers, dairy processing factories, wineries).
Research projects
Honours projects
- Typical Honours project areas include:
- Nutrient and water quality investigations of inland rivers and streams
- Wetland Studies - biological and physico-chemical assessments
- Werribee River Catchment Study
- Investigations of metals in surface waters and sediments
- Waste water treatment studies
- Cleaner production investigations for TDS reduction in wastewaters
- Impacts of waste waters on agricultural land Impacts of winery wastes on land
- Impacts of bio-solid applications on agricultural crops / soil
- Investigations of changes in soil chemistry on salt-affected land
- Contaminant reduction in industrial wastewaters in Melbourne’s western suburbs
Undergraduate activities
Third-year undergraduate students take part in an annual field study at Lakes Entrance and also undertake work place related projects that include:
- Wetland Studies – biological and physico-chemical assessments
- Tanunda Wetlands Project
- Morang Wetlands Project
- Banyule Wetlands Project
- Habitat Studies – Link to Growling Grass Frog Project
- Greywater Studies – link to Greywater Project
- Vegetation Surveys
- Overseas project opportunities
- Moe River Catchment Project
- Degraded land and water investigations
- Waste Management Studies
- Water quality studies on irrigation water in vineyards
Contact us
Group Leader
Associate Professor Barry Meehan
Tel.: +61 3 9925 2119
Fax: +61 3 9639 1321
barry.meehan@rmit.edu.au
Research Officer
Ms Sue Holden
Tel.: +61 3 9925 2120
Fax: +61 3 9639 1321
susan.holden@rmit.edu.au