Water and wastewater treatment

Research in this area covers the treatment of drinking water and industrial and municipal wastewater, and water recycling.

There is particular emphasis on the characterisation and removal of organic matter by various means such as advanced oxidation processes (such as UV/peroxide, Fenton and photoFenton, electrochemical and ozonation), membrane treatment, adsorption, enzymic and biological processes, and combinations of these. Advanced oxidation processes and membrane-mediated processes for the treatment of wastewater are currently two major foci of research.

Desalination using reverse osmosis and distillation powered by standard energy sources as well as renewable energy such as geothermal and solar sources is also an area of research activity.

Water quality and safety (microbiological and toxicological) are key parameters for evaluating the efficacy of these treatment processes.

People

Major project areas

  • Characterisation of organic components of water and wastewater and their removal by advanced processes such as membrane technology, advanced oxidation processes and biological treatment and their combinations as hybrid systems.
  • Desalination of ground and seawater using renewable energy (solar thermal and geothermal systems) and membrane technology; reduction of generated wastes.
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.