Australia's QUT Cleans Up In Latest Round Of Grants

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 02 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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A Queensland University of Technology research project to develop technology to purify unclean water supplies, has received a funding boost in the latest round of Australian Research Council grants.

QUT topped the number of projects funded in the latest round of ARC Linkage grants, securing more than $4.35 million for 17 individual projects.

One of the projects awarded $375,000 over four years, is set to play a significant role in delivering future water security to Australia.

QUT researcher Dr Wayde Martens said QUT had manufactured a novel nanomaterial from titanium dioxide that had the potential to revolutionise water purification.

Dr Martens said the nanomaterial had been demonstrated to have a greater efficacy for the break down of toxic material, than the most efficient photocatalyst currently available.

"Titanium dioxide is able to break down oil, organic material, bacteria, viruses, mould and pesticides," he said.

Dr Martens said with water fast becoming Australia's most critical natural resource, there was an urgent need to re-use and recycle water from domestic use and industry.

"This project directly addresses the national priority research area of water and international priorities involving greater re-use and recycling of water."

The Linkage Projects scheme encourages traditional research academics and organisations outside the higher education sector to develop long-term strategic research alliances.

Other projects to receive funding include:

* $277,000 for the development of reliability driven rural electricity supply
* $262,000 to develop an understanding of small independent firms to improve business outcomes
* $228,000 for the development of a reputation management system to fight malicious websites
* $87,500 to improve child safety in cars

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Contact: Sandra Hutchinson
Queensland University of Technology

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