Biosolids - research
Some states in Australia, such as New South Wales and South Australia, have conducted intensive investigations into the benefits of biosolids use. Sydney Water has conducted a successful biosolids use program for more than 15 years with many other water industries following their lead.
We have conducted research specific to the needs of Western Australia to ensure minimum risk to the public and the environment. Research has included the availability of phosphorus in biosolids and its effects on the environment and insect attraction to biosolids, particularly Stomoxy calcitrans (also known as the stable fly). More recently we participated in the National Biosolids Research Program, aimed at verifying the nutrient availability and bioavailability of copper, zinc and cadmium.
Biosolids symposium
The Corporation, along with many utilities around the world supports the land application of biosolids. Research undertaken in biosolids use, validates existing research done internationally and covers new areas specifically for Western Australian conditions.
Below are the abstracts from a mini Biosolids Symposium we hosted in September 2006, which highlighted current and ongoing biosolids research.
 | Research Symposium Abstracts - Research Perspectives of the Land Application of Biosolids |
Research reports
| | Reduction of Odours in Biosolids Literature Review - Curtin Water Quality Research Centre 2010 (1MB) |
| | Evaluation of the effectiveness and environmental risks following the application of Lime-Amended Biosolids to Bassendean Sands - ChemCentre 2009 (2.8MB) |
| | Investigating the levels and trends of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl in sewage sludge - Clarke, Porter, Marriott & Blackbeard 2010 |
| | Investigating the distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers through an Australian water treatment plant - Clarke, Porter, Symons, Marriott, Ades, Stevenson & Blackbeard 2009 |
| | Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated biphenyls in Australian sewage sludge - Clarke, Porter, Symons, Marriott, Ades, Stevenson & Blackbeard 2008 |
| | Dioxin-like compounds in Australian sewage sludge - Review and National Survey - Clarke, Porter, Symons, Blackbeard, Ades & Marriott 2008 |
| | Research Studies on the impact of the Agricultural Application of Lime-Amended Biosolids - Curtin University 2010 |
| | Impact of Agricultural Application of Alum Sludge - Curtin University, 2010 |
| | Agricultural Application of Lime Amended Biosolids - Curtin University, 2008 |
| | Final Report of the WA Component of the National Biosolids Research Program - Curtin University, 2007 |
| | Application of Biosolids to Pine Plantations of the Swan Coastal Plain, Final Report - Dumbrell, I 2005, Dept Conservation and Land Management, Busselton, Western Australia |
| | Phosphohorus bioavailability from land-applied biosolids in south-western Australia' - Pritchard, D 2005, Thesis, Curtin University of Technology, Muresk Institute, Western Australia |
| | Are pathogens present in wheat at harvest following the land application of biosolids - Crute, K 2004, Honours dissertation, Curtin University of Technology, Muresk Institute, Western Australia |
| | Investigation of the factors affecting fly breeding in biosolids cake - Nowergup study - Centre for Forensic Science, University of Western Australia, 2002-03 |
| | Fly Breeding in Stockpiled Biosolids |
| | Cover Effectiveness & Rainfall Impact |
| | Effects of Moisture and Insecticides |
| | The Effect of Bioisolids Application on Wheat Establishment, Growth and Yield |
| | The Residual Effects of Biosolids - Soil sampling Part 1 |
All academic papers are published with permission from the authors.
