Traces of pharmaceuticals increasingly contaminate water through human use and improper disposal. This research studies advanced oxidation processes—using UV light, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide—to break down these persistent pollutants. Optimizing these treatments helps protect ecosystems and public health by ensuring clean, safe, pharmaceutical-free drinking water.

This research develops stable-isotope tools to measure how microbes—the Earth’s “lungs”—breathe CO₂ in and out. Microbes are massively abundant and shape global climate. Findings show deep subsurface environments slowly emit CO₂, a process that may influence future climate dynamics as human-driven environmental changes accelerate.

Textile waste in Australia decomposes slowly and releases toxic chemicals. Natural fibres like cotton could be composted, but dyes and treatments hinder breakdown. This PhD develops a new compost-testing method, measures dye impacts, and identifies toxic residues. The work will inform Australia’s first composting standard and help industry choose safer, circular textile dyes.