Overview
Topic status: In progress
Overview
Rocky Point Green Power (RPGP) is presently the only 24/7 baseload producer of “Green Energy” in Queensland. Approximately 30 MW of electricity is produced each day using a mixture of bagasse and wood waste as the feed source to conventional boilers which drive a turbine to generate power. At present, Rocky Point Green Power burns about 200,000 tonnes per annum of green waste and has a net accumulation of 400,000 tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide credits. Presently, RPGP is suffering from the severe problem of high concentrations of arsenic in the water effluent and is in excess of EPA discharge limits. This project is designed to control arsenic concentrations in the effluent water to comply with EPA discharge regulations by applying cutting edge technology solutions.
Research activities
A holistic view to arsenic removal will be attempted with the student evaluating all potential methods for controlling excess arsenic levels in contaminated water. This project will involve, among other aspects, testing of novel materials and optimisation of performance in relation to capturing arsenic species from water produced at the Rocky Point Green Power site in Woongoolba. These materials will be characterised and the techno-economic viability assessed. Students working on this project will coordinate tests with Rocky Point Green Power.Expected outcomes
The project objectives are to:- evaluate the different technologies available for arsenic removal and identify the most promising for testing
- discover means of removing arsenic from the contaminated water at Rocky Point Green Power
- estimate the feasibility of the identified technical solution.
Duration of project
Up to 8 weeks; specific times can be tailored to the individual needs of the student (generally between the hours of 9am and 5pm) within the general time period mid-November 2011 to mid-February 2012.
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact a supervisor for enquiries.
Dr Sara Couperthwaite
Professor Graeme Millar
Emeritus Professor Ray Frost
