From Australian Land Care
Australian Farm Journal
June 2006
http://www.farmonline.com.au/farmmags/australianlandcare/publication.aspx
Brunswick Valley Landcare and Byron Shire Council last March joined forces to hold their inaugural toad muster of the Far North Coast of NSW. The evening raised awareness of the impact cane toads (bufo marinus)were having on the environment, and educated people on the way to identify and control the pest. Community members were encouraged to bing in live toads. Prizes were offered for the most toads and the heaviest toad collected. Cane toads are believed to have been brought to Byron Bay in the 1960's and have been increasing in number since then. They began heading south and north-west from North Queensland after being released in a misguided attempt to rid canefields of the cane beetle in the 1930's. Since then, the poisonous and incredibly adaptive amphinbians have spread though out Queensland and the Northern Territory. The current southern limit of the Taods manace is around Yamba with isolated population around Port Macquarie. "The cane toad poses a serious threat to our local biodiversity ." Byron Shire Council's biodiversity extension officer,Wendy Neilan, says. "Most native animals that normally eat frogs die when they attempt to eat cane toads." Organisers of the toad muster were overwhelmed by it's success as about 60 people turned up for the event to deliver thousands of live toads in buckets, crates and boxes. Brunswick Catchment Landcare support officer, Dave Rawlins, says the final tally of the night came to 5890 adult and juvenile toads, with a combined weight of 77 kilograms. "We did not know how many toads or people would come along to the muster and this was a test to see if the community supported the concept," Rawlins says. "Feedback from the participants was that this should become a regular event . "We are now looking at ways to expand the muster so it can be in more locations and over a longer period of time to maximise the collecting and controlling of the toads." Prize for the biggest tally went to Alan Rayward and his granddaughter, Stacey Devine, for bringing in more than 3000 specimens, including juveniles. "I'd like to see Byron Shire free of cane toads," Reyward says. "I know what the fauna was like before. We used to have black bitterns and many more frogs. This year the toad population is totally out of control with the return of a real wet season." Brunswick Valley Landcare is also investigating the viability of cane toads traps. Devices bring used in Byron Shire are a mixture of components produced locally and by Frog Watch in the NT. These use a light to attract insects, which entice the cane toad through a one-way doors. Local landcarer, Greg McDonald, is using his electrical and engineering skills to design remote traps that can be powered by rechargeable batteries (either on the trap with solar panels or at home from mains electricity). McDonald is developing ingenious ways to reduce the light output but still attract insects. This would mean traps could run from smaller, cheaper solar panels, or if just using mains power, rechargeable batteries would last longer.
Contact Dave Rawlins or Wendy Neilan, Byron Shire Council, Phone (02) 66267000, email dave.rawlins@byron.nsw.gov.au or wendy.neilan@byron.nsw.gov.au
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Sustainable Designers of the Future
From Waste Streams June/July 2006
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
The 2006 Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award winners were announced on 19th May 2006.
Among the top 12 finalists was a dishwasher uses less water than hand washing and no detergent and a device that is intended to provide a reliable supply of clean water in developing countries. Included in the 21 short listed finalists was a grey water recycling system designed to reduce household water consumption. The Gold award was won by University of New South Wales student Tricia Ho for her ergonomically designed violin; a silver award went to University of South Australia student, Liam Fudali for his Flex – an improved harmless design for self-contained breathing apparatus; and Julie Frost’s water purifier took out the bronze award.
Steam Dishwasher
The ‘Swash’ dishwasher, designed by University of Technology Sydney student Alexandra Gilmour, Combines nanotechnology and high temperature steam and is claimed to be the first sustainable, self-sufficient dishwashing solution that sterilizes and reduces water usage. The unit won’t need to be connected to mains water - it wi8ll use only 6 L of water stored in an internal reservoir to do its cleaning, The water will be filtered, purified and returned to the reservoir with minimal loss, so the same water can be reused several times before it has to be toped up. “My aim was to develop a new cleaning method an innovative solution to existing models that would reduce water usage/wastage and provide a hygienically clean result. This was achieved by using high temperature steam as a cleaning agent which eliminates detergent use and nanotechnology for continual water filtration for reuse,” Alexandra said. “I wanted something that could be bought off the shelf like a microwave and all you had to do was take it home, find some bench space, plug it in and fill it with water.” She said.
Solar Water Purifier
Julie Frost’s water purifier design, Mvura is a household water purifier intended for use in developing countries such as Africa. Designed to be carried on the head the device can transport, purify, then store and dispense the water, reducing the risk of recontamination. This multi-function capability is possible because of the way it is designed. Solar energy is used in the purification pasteurisation process which requires the water to be heated to 65c. This is sufficient to kill all common bacteria. With its larger flat shape, the purifier maximises the potential surface area exposed to the sun rays combined with a minimum depth of water for the rays to pass through. It is insulated on the top by an air gap and on the bottom by a foam casing. Together these serve to create a product that takes less then two hours to heat 15 L of water to the required temperature. A wax melts at 65c to indicate that the water is pure. The purifier has a curved base which fits the profile of the head. The wide lip around the top gives the hand a good grip when lifting the container onto the head and handles incorporate into the band aid carrying. When the container is closed and filled with water, there will be no room for the water to ‘slosh’ about.
Grey Water Recycling System
Mandy Burns developed a Dual Wastewater Shower Diverter the consists of an interior grate which is located on the shower floor and allows residents to divert shower wastewater into separate locations through out their homes, for onsite grey water recycling, such as irrigation, laundry washing and toilet flushing.
Other Award finalists included : Wheeled Mobility for paraplegics who lived independently ; Medi-Vest ; Mardi; Water Pod; Kiss Tile (keep it simple solar tile); an ovarian cancer screening device; Mantra Kitesurfing Bar; and Insulaid.
“The Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award is an incredible program that puts student talents under the spotlight and provides a bridge from academia to industry,” says Stephanie Watson, Manager of the Australian Design Awards. The students have produced some innovative products the incorporate sustainable design features and offer benefits to the end user.
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
The 2006 Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award winners were announced on 19th May 2006.
Among the top 12 finalists was a dishwasher uses less water than hand washing and no detergent and a device that is intended to provide a reliable supply of clean water in developing countries. Included in the 21 short listed finalists was a grey water recycling system designed to reduce household water consumption. The Gold award was won by University of New South Wales student Tricia Ho for her ergonomically designed violin; a silver award went to University of South Australia student, Liam Fudali for his Flex – an improved harmless design for self-contained breathing apparatus; and Julie Frost’s water purifier took out the bronze award.
Steam Dishwasher
The ‘Swash’ dishwasher, designed by University of Technology Sydney student Alexandra Gilmour, Combines nanotechnology and high temperature steam and is claimed to be the first sustainable, self-sufficient dishwashing solution that sterilizes and reduces water usage. The unit won’t need to be connected to mains water - it wi8ll use only 6 L of water stored in an internal reservoir to do its cleaning, The water will be filtered, purified and returned to the reservoir with minimal loss, so the same water can be reused several times before it has to be toped up. “My aim was to develop a new cleaning method an innovative solution to existing models that would reduce water usage/wastage and provide a hygienically clean result. This was achieved by using high temperature steam as a cleaning agent which eliminates detergent use and nanotechnology for continual water filtration for reuse,” Alexandra said. “I wanted something that could be bought off the shelf like a microwave and all you had to do was take it home, find some bench space, plug it in and fill it with water.” She said.
Solar Water Purifier
Julie Frost’s water purifier design, Mvura is a household water purifier intended for use in developing countries such as Africa. Designed to be carried on the head the device can transport, purify, then store and dispense the water, reducing the risk of recontamination. This multi-function capability is possible because of the way it is designed. Solar energy is used in the purification pasteurisation process which requires the water to be heated to 65c. This is sufficient to kill all common bacteria. With its larger flat shape, the purifier maximises the potential surface area exposed to the sun rays combined with a minimum depth of water for the rays to pass through. It is insulated on the top by an air gap and on the bottom by a foam casing. Together these serve to create a product that takes less then two hours to heat 15 L of water to the required temperature. A wax melts at 65c to indicate that the water is pure. The purifier has a curved base which fits the profile of the head. The wide lip around the top gives the hand a good grip when lifting the container onto the head and handles incorporate into the band aid carrying. When the container is closed and filled with water, there will be no room for the water to ‘slosh’ about.
Grey Water Recycling System
Mandy Burns developed a Dual Wastewater Shower Diverter the consists of an interior grate which is located on the shower floor and allows residents to divert shower wastewater into separate locations through out their homes, for onsite grey water recycling, such as irrigation, laundry washing and toilet flushing.
Other Award finalists included : Wheeled Mobility for paraplegics who lived independently ; Medi-Vest ; Mardi; Water Pod; Kiss Tile (keep it simple solar tile); an ovarian cancer screening device; Mantra Kitesurfing Bar; and Insulaid.
“The Australian Design Award-Dyson Student Award is an incredible program that puts student talents under the spotlight and provides a bridge from academia to industry,” says Stephanie Watson, Manager of the Australian Design Awards. The students have produced some innovative products the incorporate sustainable design features and offer benefits to the end user.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Drown-proof Tank
From Waste Streams June/July 2006
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
Action talks' underwater tank design has a 152mm hole as it's largest entry point whereas the average tank on the market has an inspection hole of 400mm. The tank was designed to prevent drowning in the tank after an 11-month evaluation of every underground rainwater tank in Australia. The above-ground tanks are also drown-proofed with a strainer screwed in place, and under that is an internal flush diverter. If a child manages to kick a hole in the strainer, access to water is barred by the diverter.
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
Action talks' underwater tank design has a 152mm hole as it's largest entry point whereas the average tank on the market has an inspection hole of 400mm. The tank was designed to prevent drowning in the tank after an 11-month evaluation of every underground rainwater tank in Australia. The above-ground tanks are also drown-proofed with a strainer screwed in place, and under that is an internal flush diverter. If a child manages to kick a hole in the strainer, access to water is barred by the diverter.
Grey Water Treatment Technology
From Waste Streams June/July 2006
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
The Aqua Reviva system is designed to treat household grey water without the need to intrusive excavation. Grey water from the bathroom and laundry can be treated and recycled to health regulations standards so that it can be reused in washing machines, toilets, as well as for use in the garden and for washing for the car. Treated water can be stored for an unlimited period of time, unlike diversion systems where the water must be used within 24 hours. The system generates water that is Class A standard and also removes other harmful nutrients. The system has the protential to save an average home 500L of water per day. This, applied to the 125,000 new homes built around Australia this year, saves 62 million letres of water per day or the equivalent of a swimming pool stretching from Melbourne to Darwin. This also entails an energy saving by reducing the need for sewerage processing. The system uses a naturally occurring biological process supported by a light bromine disinfection stage. The system incorporates automatic overflows to sewer. The system is self-contained, involves no maintenance or adjustments from the householder and should anything not work exactly as planned then it automatically diverts all water to sewer with out any personal intervention. The system uses a 12v power source that can be operated usinf solar power is desired. The installation is not intrusive and has the option to be fitted under a house or deck.
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
The Aqua Reviva system is designed to treat household grey water without the need to intrusive excavation. Grey water from the bathroom and laundry can be treated and recycled to health regulations standards so that it can be reused in washing machines, toilets, as well as for use in the garden and for washing for the car. Treated water can be stored for an unlimited period of time, unlike diversion systems where the water must be used within 24 hours. The system generates water that is Class A standard and also removes other harmful nutrients. The system has the protential to save an average home 500L of water per day. This, applied to the 125,000 new homes built around Australia this year, saves 62 million letres of water per day or the equivalent of a swimming pool stretching from Melbourne to Darwin. This also entails an energy saving by reducing the need for sewerage processing. The system uses a naturally occurring biological process supported by a light bromine disinfection stage. The system incorporates automatic overflows to sewer. The system is self-contained, involves no maintenance or adjustments from the householder and should anything not work exactly as planned then it automatically diverts all water to sewer with out any personal intervention. The system uses a 12v power source that can be operated usinf solar power is desired. The installation is not intrusive and has the option to be fitted under a house or deck.
Turning Wastewater into Watts
From Waste Streams June/July 2006
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
UQ Research uses microbial fuels cells
Your dirty dishwater could soon be providing the electricity to power wastewater treatment plants if University of Queensland researchers have their way. The UQ team has developed a technique that removes pollutants and organic compounds from wastewater and turns them into environmentally friendly electricity. The researchers will receive $1,300,000 in funding over five years as part of the Australian Research Council's Discovery Projects Grants. PhD student Freguia from the University's Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (AWMC) said there was still more research to be carried out before the power source could be commercialised. "Our experiments have shown that the chemical energy contained in the organic matter present in wastewater can be recovered as electricity by using microbial fuel cells," he said. Microbial fuel cells are similar to common chemical fuel cells but use microbes as catalysts and can therefore untilise wastewater pollutants for energy production rather then a chemical fuel such as hydro hydrogen or methane. Mr Freguia is currently completing his PhD at UQ examining power production from wastewater using micobial fuel cells."In micobial fuel cells the electron donor is an organic substrate and bacteria are used as catalysts for it oxidation to carbon dioxide," he said. AWMC director Professor Jurg Keller said the cells should be used to generate renewable electricity to power wastewater treatment plants while at the same time removing the pollutants. "You should be able to generate sufficient energy from pollutants in wastewater to run the entire treatment process," Professor Keller said. "The technology could significantly reduce the operating cost of wastewater treatment plants." Not only is the new power source cheap and readily available, it is also environmentally friendly. "All of our power that is produced is from renewable sources - the pollutants is the wastewater," Professor Keller said. "It's all happening in a thin biofilm, a sort of slime layer on the electrode where bacteria are growing and directly producing electrical current." Professor Keller and Mr Freguia are continuing their research in to the microbial fuel cells and expect there to be early applications arising from the technology with in five years.
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
UQ Research uses microbial fuels cells
Your dirty dishwater could soon be providing the electricity to power wastewater treatment plants if University of Queensland researchers have their way. The UQ team has developed a technique that removes pollutants and organic compounds from wastewater and turns them into environmentally friendly electricity. The researchers will receive $1,300,000 in funding over five years as part of the Australian Research Council's Discovery Projects Grants. PhD student Freguia from the University's Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (AWMC) said there was still more research to be carried out before the power source could be commercialised. "Our experiments have shown that the chemical energy contained in the organic matter present in wastewater can be recovered as electricity by using microbial fuel cells," he said. Microbial fuel cells are similar to common chemical fuel cells but use microbes as catalysts and can therefore untilise wastewater pollutants for energy production rather then a chemical fuel such as hydro hydrogen or methane. Mr Freguia is currently completing his PhD at UQ examining power production from wastewater using micobial fuel cells."In micobial fuel cells the electron donor is an organic substrate and bacteria are used as catalysts for it oxidation to carbon dioxide," he said. AWMC director Professor Jurg Keller said the cells should be used to generate renewable electricity to power wastewater treatment plants while at the same time removing the pollutants. "You should be able to generate sufficient energy from pollutants in wastewater to run the entire treatment process," Professor Keller said. "The technology could significantly reduce the operating cost of wastewater treatment plants." Not only is the new power source cheap and readily available, it is also environmentally friendly. "All of our power that is produced is from renewable sources - the pollutants is the wastewater," Professor Keller said. "It's all happening in a thin biofilm, a sort of slime layer on the electrode where bacteria are growing and directly producing electrical current." Professor Keller and Mr Freguia are continuing their research in to the microbial fuel cells and expect there to be early applications arising from the technology with in five years.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Saving the River Red Gums
From Waste Streams June/July 2006
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
Coats Shorco assists in water management project
With drought gripping much of Australia, even hardy natives species have fallen victim to it's effects. Among them, the majestic River Reg Gums that line the dry creek beds, or anabranches, adjoining the Murry River. A unique and beatiful part of the Murry landscape, the River Red Gumshad become increaingly stresses by dwinding water supplies in the Murry River floodplain, with large numbers dying as a result. In an effort to save them, the Department od Sustainability and Environment commenced a successful Emergency Watering Program in 2004 to provide crrucial water supplies to the gums lining the anabranches during the spring and autumn seasons. Of great assistants in the succes of the task has been Coates Shorco. Having successfully tendered for the Living Murry Project, Simon Panther, pump manager of Coates Shorco Victoria, and his team set about specifically engineering a solution that most effectively and economically met the requirements of this important task. Using predominanty 300mm high-flow diesel pumps, with much equipment built or modified specifically for the project, Coates Shorco will have assisted in pumping approximently 7.5 billion litres of water to the anabranches by june 2006. While providing equipment, sevice, mantenance and monitoring of flow, Coates Shorco has also ensured the environmental safety of the work using its bunding to contain fuel and oil around the pump. As a result of the efforts, the future now looks much brighter for these glorious Australian giants.
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
Coats Shorco assists in water management project
With drought gripping much of Australia, even hardy natives species have fallen victim to it's effects. Among them, the majestic River Reg Gums that line the dry creek beds, or anabranches, adjoining the Murry River. A unique and beatiful part of the Murry landscape, the River Red Gumshad become increaingly stresses by dwinding water supplies in the Murry River floodplain, with large numbers dying as a result. In an effort to save them, the Department od Sustainability and Environment commenced a successful Emergency Watering Program in 2004 to provide crrucial water supplies to the gums lining the anabranches during the spring and autumn seasons. Of great assistants in the succes of the task has been Coates Shorco. Having successfully tendered for the Living Murry Project, Simon Panther, pump manager of Coates Shorco Victoria, and his team set about specifically engineering a solution that most effectively and economically met the requirements of this important task. Using predominanty 300mm high-flow diesel pumps, with much equipment built or modified specifically for the project, Coates Shorco will have assisted in pumping approximently 7.5 billion litres of water to the anabranches by june 2006. While providing equipment, sevice, mantenance and monitoring of flow, Coates Shorco has also ensured the environmental safety of the work using its bunding to contain fuel and oil around the pump. As a result of the efforts, the future now looks much brighter for these glorious Australian giants.
School's Sewage Bills Flushed
From Waste Streams June/July 2006
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
KEWT wastewater treatment systems installed
A Queensland reseacher's wastewater treatment invention has been installed at Greenbank State School, on the outskirts of Brisbane. The KEWT (Kele Effluent Wastewater Treatment) system, developed by Ben Kele from CQU in Rockhampton and commercialised by GBG Project Management Pty Ltd, will treat and reuse the wastewater from over 1000 students and staff at a site cost of $340,000. Not bad considering the school has been paying $80,000 a year to pump out all of its sewage. The site will have remote monitoring and will provide recycled water for oval irrigation and cabinet timber plantation. Glenbank State School is believed to be the first Australian school to be fitted with a 'green' wastewater treatment system. The site was recently opened by the Minister for Education, Rod Welford. Mr Welford said he was positive the KEWT system was the "way of the future". The system will also be used as an education tool for students at the school to learn about water cycle and sustainable technologies. It will also be used as a site for Mr Kele's PhD research. KEWT is an unique system for the treatment of wastewater and effluent. It uses a mixture of biological treatment systems and reuses effluent through a self -contained recirculatory form of sub-surface irrigation. Me Kele is currently working on a number of other projects including sustainable housing development, holistic water management frameworks for local governments and biological firltration projects.
http://www.wastestreams.com.au/
KEWT wastewater treatment systems installed
A Queensland reseacher's wastewater treatment invention has been installed at Greenbank State School, on the outskirts of Brisbane. The KEWT (Kele Effluent Wastewater Treatment) system, developed by Ben Kele from CQU in Rockhampton and commercialised by GBG Project Management Pty Ltd, will treat and reuse the wastewater from over 1000 students and staff at a site cost of $340,000. Not bad considering the school has been paying $80,000 a year to pump out all of its sewage. The site will have remote monitoring and will provide recycled water for oval irrigation and cabinet timber plantation. Glenbank State School is believed to be the first Australian school to be fitted with a 'green' wastewater treatment system. The site was recently opened by the Minister for Education, Rod Welford. Mr Welford said he was positive the KEWT system was the "way of the future". The system will also be used as an education tool for students at the school to learn about water cycle and sustainable technologies. It will also be used as a site for Mr Kele's PhD research. KEWT is an unique system for the treatment of wastewater and effluent. It uses a mixture of biological treatment systems and reuses effluent through a self -contained recirculatory form of sub-surface irrigation. Me Kele is currently working on a number of other projects including sustainable housing development, holistic water management frameworks for local governments and biological firltration projects.
Pineapple Farm enjoys the fruits of eco-efficiency
Reducing water use by 50%
Find the article here.
http://www.buynet.com.au/ws/case_studies/case_062006a.asp
Find the article here.
http://www.buynet.com.au/ws/case_studies/case_062006a.asp
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