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Research - Current Projects

Current projects also involve the following research projects:

  • Development of heterogeneous photocatalytic water purification technology for re-use and recycling of storm/waste-water
  • An experimental and computational investigation of performance of a new stormwater quality improvement device: Green Gully  Assessment of sustainability of community forestry in Nepal
  • Effect of vermicast (vermiculture effluent) on the yield and uptake of nutrients in hydroponically grown plants for commercially adopted NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) systems
  • Practical aspects of oxygation
  • Native ground cover species for revegetation under high voltage powerlines in Queensland
  • Biodiesel potential of Beauty leaf  tree (Calophyllum inophyllum)
  • Phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated site using arsenic hyperaccumulating plants
  • Development and evaluation of a solar photocatalytic disinfection (SPCD) apparatus for treatment of aquaculture systems
  • Extension of the use of the KEWT system, including filtration
  • Eucalypt woodland stand structure: effect of management practices
  • Plant salinity tolerance mechanisms and the effects of sub-surface aeration on growth, water use efficiencies and salinity tolerance
  • Autoecological role of steviol glycosides in Stevia rebandiana
  • A study of microfungi in Rockhampton reticulated water
  • Compost teas: their biology and activity
  • A study of the Dee River system, to explore the utilisation of fish parasites as bio-indicators of freshwater pollution, and an evaluation of the abilities of plants in the phytoremediation of heavy metals
  • Aspects of oxygation
  • Phytoremediation of landfill sites Non-invasive technologies for the assessment of fruit internal quality
  • Green roof-tops and self sufficient food production
  • Evaluation bio-diesel potential of Australian native plants
  • Studies on multigation under controlled conditions
  • Aeration of irrigation water for improvements in pineapple crop health and yield
  • Benefits of oxygation, Aeration of sub-surface drip irrigation
  • Field aspects of multigation - fertigation and oxygation
  • NIR - HAL Sensing Technology
  •  A study of microfungi in Rockhampton reticulated water
  • Technology Training Program to Improve Calypso Mango Eating Quality
  • Nutrient management of Asian vegetables 
  • Solar Powered Nano-Sensors
  • Optimising delivery and benefits of aerated irrigation water
  • Optimising soil moisture concentration
  • Further development of the Stevia natural sweetener industry 
  • Greenwaste feasibility study
  • Environmental studies - in mangroves and pyrolysis of biomass for bio-oils.
  • Screening of tomato germplasm for drought tolerance and high lycopene content.

Past Research Projects

  • Autecology of Cassia brewsteri.Characterisation of the molecular phytopathology of phytoplasmas;
  • Ecophysiology of the flora of serpentinate habitats; 
  • Epidemiology of papaya dieback disorder;
  • Erosion control and reafforestation in vegetable-based production systems in Mindanao, Philippines;
  • Erosion control on Queensland railway embankments;
  • Establishment of drier zone rainforest tree species for farm forestry;
  • Establishment of native plant seedbank and database for Central Queensland;
  • Farming systems approach to sustainable grain production in Central Queensland;
  • High temperature fruit set in tomato;
  • In vitro culture of rare, endangered and protected native species; 
  • In vitro propagation of mangroves; 
  • Irrigation on nutrition requirements of tropical navy bean;
  • Legume nodule physiology;
  • Natural products from Australian native plants eg essential oils and gums;
  • Onsite decentralised wastewater treatment reuse;
  • Physiology and agronomy of bamboo shoot production in Queensland and Northern Territories;
  • Production and marketing strategies for Chinese water chestnut and other aquatic Asian vegetables;
  • Revegetation of disturbed mangrove habitats; 
  • Selection of plants and agronomical treatments for revegetation of nickel tailings; 
  • Simple non-circulating hydroponics;
  • Technical basis for emergence of Central Queensland as a significant exporter of traditional (e.g. onions) and new (e.g. leafy) vegetables to Asia;
  • Use of soil profiles of 13C abundance to infer floristic change.