ITTC PhD Scholarship: Optimising the efficiency of reverse osmosis membranes by innovative strategies to minimise biofouling

This project will focus on the efficiency of current membrane systems and on the impact of biocides on the efficiency of these membranes. This will include investigating various options to inhibit slime development and to optimise biofilm removal/dispersion.

Background

Water scarcity is known to affect 40% of the global population. By 2030, it is estimated that 700 million people will potentially become displaced due to drought. Reverse osmosis water treatment is recognised as one of the most cost effective and efficient methods to produce freshwater. However, biofouling of the reverse osmosis membranes can cause issues for system operations.

Assessment of the fouling potential of the feedwater combined with autopsies of fouled membranes can provide important information on the fouling structure within a treatment plant. There is limited knowledge on the effect of specific biocides on different water sources and bacterial colonies and the impact of these biocides on RO membranes. There is a need to optimise operations.

Proposed approach:

1.     Molecular identification of fouling microorganisms and characterisation of the water source.

2.     Adapt standard laboratory culturing approaches for use on membrane biofilms.

3.     Undertake experiments in a temperature-controlled environment to assess the effect of biocides on slime/biofilm formation, inhibition, removal and dispersion.

4.     Improve the efficiency of reverse osmosis membranes through the analysis of different water sources and the testing of different biocides; case study at the test site.

5.     Field monitoring of water quality and of micro-organisms abundance

6.     Undertake experiments using the water available at the test site to test the efficacy of different dosed biocides, cleaning regimes, chlorine resistant membranes and/or membranes fitted with biocide impregnated/anti-microbially coated feed spacers.

The candidate will complete of a PhD candidature including a minimum of 12 months placement and industry training at Osmoflo Water Management Pty Ltd. during which you will be embedded with the industry partner team, developing your network, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation.

To be eligible for an ITTC PhD Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
  
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months; and
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (eg have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check).

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree with a focus on Microbiology or Environmental Microbiology.
• Driving licence.
• Interest in working with an industry partner.
• Interest in organising and conducting field work, including interstate.