Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre

PYROCO, an advanced fluidised bed heat exchanger technology for biosolid transformations

PYROCO is an advanced fluidised bed heat exchanger technology developed to convert biosolids into high-value, contaminant-free biochar. The technology has been successfully licensed for commercialisation, with funding secured for the first demonstration production plant, scheduled for construction and operation between 2025 and 2027.

Optimized pipeline flow of dense sludge

The rheological and fluid dynamic behaviour of highly concentrated wastewater sludges are investigated by this research, aiming to develop practical tools and design guidelines that enable efficient and reliable pipeline transport in wastewater treatment plants.

Fate and transport of microplastics in sewage treatment systems

This project was the first long-term investigation into the efficiency of lagoon/pond-based sewage treatment systems widely used across Australia, for removing microplastics. We demonstrated that, under appropriate operating conditions, these systems can effectively capture microplastics (25 µm–5 mm), thereby preventing their release into the aquatic environment and reducing associated environmental and health risks. The findings highlight the critical role of such treatment systems in enabling the water industry to economically address contaminants of emerging concern. The results provide practical guidance for plant operators, process designers, researchers, and utility managers in developing strategies to enhance the performance of both existing and future facilities in mitigating microplastic pollution. The work was awarded the Best Poster Prize by the Australian Water Association (AWA) at the Ozwater’23 conference in Sydney.

A person wearing a bright yellow safety vest and blue gloves, standing at the edge of a large body of water, using a long pole to collect a water sample. High-voltage power lines are visible in the background.

Close-up of industrial equipment used in water treatment. The setup includes a metallic cylindrical vessel connected to a pump with blue and green hoses, positioned on a cement floor.

Fatberg management to improve sewer performance

This project focuses on developing advanced grease interceptors to enhance the removal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from food service establishment wastewater, alongside innovative coating materials designed to resist FOG deposition on sewer surfaces. These solutions aim to reduce blockages, improve sewer performance, and extend infrastructure lifespan.

Dr Biplob Pramanik shows the difference between a concrete block coated with his team’s anti-fatberg invention (left) compared to a block without any coating after undergoing an experiment that mimicked a sewer environment under extreme conditions to speed up the fatberg formation process. The white coloured blobs on the uncoated block are a mixture of fat, oil and grease (FOG) that have been deposited on the block. Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University

Improving the efficiency of anerobic sludge digestion

This project investigates the characteristics of concentrated sludge generated under increasing capacity pressures at wastewater treatment plants, with the goal of enhancing the performance and efficiency of anaerobic digestion processes.

Recovering Embedded Heat in Zambian food production (REHEATZ)

The aim of this project is to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of food production in Zambia by identifying opportunities to recycle waste heat from food production. Also, the aim to co-design waste heat recovery systems in consultation with Zambian stakeholders so that the energy costs and carbon emissions associated with water heating can be reduced.

Several individuals are observing and interacting with industrial equipment outdoors. The setup includes pipes and panels, with a building in the background. A large water tank is visible, along with foliage surrounding the area.

Predicting the photolytic removal of emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment lagoons

This project aims to predict the direct sunlight-induced degradation, or direct photolysis, of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater treatment lagoons to improve monitoring and removal efficacy of the contaminants and thereby enable water operators and management to perform ecological risk assessment and make better management decisions.

A wastewater treatment facility with a metal walkway over a circular tank of water. Railings line the walkways, and pipes are visible in the background under a sunny sky.

How do ‘forever chemicals’ end up in the bay?

In collaboration with EPA Victoria, researchers in this project investigate how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)- often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ – enter Port Phillip Bay. It aims to assess PFAS presence, concentrations, and loads in Melbourne’s major rivers and creeks; characterise PFAS signatures in surface waters to identify potential sources; and quantify the relative contributions of diffuse inputs compared with common point sources. The project will also explore methods to predict PFAS trends, providing critical insights to guide management strategies and protect the bay’s environmental health.

A person kneeling at the bank of a river under bright sunlight, wearing protective gear and collecting water samples. The scene is surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

A tranquil scene of a wide river with scattered rocks, birds resting along the water's surface, and lush trees lining the banks. Industrial buildings are visible under a clear blue sky.

A close-up view of a circular metal component held by a person wearing blue gloves. The component has bolts and a smooth surface, with blurred greenery in the background.

Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre