Welcome to the Biotechnology Research Centre

The centre has two main areas of research interest - wastewater treatment and microbial fermentation. It also offers a number of services to the wastewater industry.

Wastewater Treatment Studies

The Biotechnology Research Centre has adopted a multi- disciplined approach to studies of waste water treatment systems particularly conventional and advanced activated sludge processes.

With decades of experience, and through extensive collaboration with leading research institutes around the world, the Centre has established an enviable track record in leading-edge research and industry application of wastewater management and control strategies.

Research into Wastewater Treatment

Members of the Centre have an international reputation for their work into the microbiology and chemistry of biological phosphorous removal processes, and their studies with the filamentous bacteria causing bulking and foaming in these systems. The results of this research are published extensively in internationally refereed journals, and members regularly present their work at national and international conferences.

The recently published book "Microbiology of Activated Sludge" was co-edited by a member of the research centre (Bob Seviour), and includes contributions by 4 members of the centre - Bob Seviour, Beth Seviour, Ken Lindrea and Jacques Soddell.

Fermentation Research

The Centre carries out research into the production of metabolites by microbes, and it has a particular interest in the growth kinetics and behaviour of filamentous bacteria and fungi in fermenters. Research interests have concentrated on the factors affecting production of several polysaccharides of fungal origin in sophisticated laboratory scale fermentation systems.

Postgraduate Training

The Centre places great importance on postgraduate training and has an active group of higher degree students. Past graduates are playing a key role in wastewater research and industry around the world. For enquiries about PhD and MSc by research programs in Activated Sludge and Fermentation Technology, email the BRC Centre.

Industry, Collaborative Projects and Sponsorship

The Centre works closely with industry and wastewater authorities in researching and resolving municipal and industrial wastewater issues. Areas of particular expertise include biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes, bulking, foaming, filaments, surfactants, toxicity/inhibition, microbiological investigations and probe technology.

Recent collaborative projects include aerobic sludge digestion processes, seasonal municipal plant foaming control strategies, anaerobic processing for food waste, pulp and paper mill effluent discharges, moving bed reactor troubleshooting and liaison on commercial gene probe development.

Opportunities for industry funding of collaborative projects, research scholarships and sponsorship packages are available from as little as $5K.

For details email the BRC Centre.

Courses and Workshops for the Wastewater industry

Staff at the Centre interact closely with industry and see technology transfer, through the running of short courses, as an important Centre activity. Examples of short courses and workshops which are offered regularly are:

• Microscopic Identification of Filamentous Bacteria in Activated Sludge.
• Activated Sludge, Conventional and Nutrient Removal Processes.

For latest course and workshop schedules click here

Colour Posters of Filamentous Bacteria and Protozoa in Activated Sludge

The Centre has produced two superb full colour posters of those microbes in activated sludge, and the posters are used by microbiology labs and wastewater treatment plants around the world, in identifying these organisms.

For purchasing details click here.

Consultancy Services for the Wastewater Industry

Microscopic Analysis
We provide a microscopic analysis for problems of bulking and foaming. This includes and assessment of filament and floc structure, higher organism population and identification of filamentous bacteria implicated in the bulking and/or foaming incident - at reasonable rates

For more information contact Beth Seviour

Trouble shooting for Wastewater Industry - Bulking and foaming problems

Does your plant have solid separation problems?

Do you know why?

We can provide not only a filament identification service, but with our plant visit, suggest how these problems may be sensibly addressed and overcome.

For more information contact Bob Seviour.

Page maintained by: Biotechnology Research Centre
Last Updated:August 23, 2006