Critical review of Australian and international biodegradability standards for bioplastic bags and their performance in home compost conditions
Emily Bryson, CQ University
With rising demand for compostable plastics, increased consumer awareness is needed to ensure products are disposed of as intended. This poster summarises Australian and international certification standards and test methods for bioplastic degradation. Recent peer-reviewed literature is examined to determine the fate of home certified compostable plastics in household systems
Emily Bryson – Research Higher Degree Candidate, Central Queensland University
Emily is a research higher degree candidate at Central Queensland University where she is investigating the potential for canine faeces to be composted on a home scale for use in edible food production. She is passionate about exploring the use of compost to improve ecosystem health and sustainability. Emily studied science and visual art/design as an undergraduate and completed a Graduate Certificate in Permaculture Design in 2017. She lives in Adelaide with her human partner and canine research assistant.
Closing the Loop on Food and Garden Organics: Evaluating the experience of at-scale food and garden-waste composting in South East Queensland
Dr Savindi Caldera, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University
This paper highlights the current divergence of attention between technology and processes to manage garden and food organics, and opportunities arising through this appreciation. Our findings can guide academics, industry practitioners and government decision makers to collaborate and achieve sustainable resource management outcomes aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
Dr Savindi Caldera – Research Fellow -Cities Research Institute, Griffith University
Dr Savindi Caldera is a Research Fellow at the Cities, Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. She has been working with colleagues to build capacity for lean and green thinking, resource efficiency and sustainable business practice, to foster resilient natural and built environments. Her research focuses on developing pragmatic approaches to increase SME’s contribution towards sustainable development. She has industrial experience as a sustainability specialist in the manufacturing industry in Australia and overseas.
The effect of lignite and modified coal on nitrogen loss from broiler litter
Brendon Costello & Clayton Butterly, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Poultry litter, which consists of manure, bedding material (e.g. wood shavings), feathers and spilt feed, is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients that may be used as a fertiliser or soil amendment to improve soil chemical and biological properties. This research aims to investigate innovative methods to reduce N loss from poultry litter in broiler houses, improve the nutrient value of the waste material and facilitate increased reuse of this important source of nutrients and soil organic matter.
Clayton Butterly – Lecturer, School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Clayton is a Lecturer in Soil Science in the School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. His research interests include soil organic matter and nutrient cycling, soil acidity, soil-plant interactions and climate change in Agricultural systems. He is particularly interested in expanding research activity and developing new linkages in the areas of nutrient re-use and recycling, agricultural waste management, soil contamination/remediation and sustainability. Clayton has a BSc (Hons) from Murdoch University and a PhD in Soil Science from The University of Adelaide. Prior to joining The University of Melbourne, Clayton held post-doc positions at La Trobe University and worked on a number of research projects in cropping systems across Australia. He is the current Treasurer of the Victorian Branch of Soil Science Australia and holds Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) accreditation.
Brendon Costello – School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Brendon is currently completing an Honours degree by research in the School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne. His research involves using novel amendments to reduce nitrogen loss from poultry litter in broiler houses. He is interested in soil science, nutrient use efficiency and animal agriculture based organic waste management. He has a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience from La Trobe University and hopes to continue his current research by undertaking a PhD in 2020.
Modification of Coal to Mitigate Ammonia Emissions from Feedlots
Dr Bing Han, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne
The Australian beef production system is one of the major sources for organic waste. This research aims to investigate innovative methods to mitigate N loss from cattle feedlot waste, improve the nutrient value of the waste material and facilitate increased reuse of this important source of nutrients and soil organic matter.
Dr Bing Han – Research Fellow, School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne
Dr Bing Han is currently a research fellow in the School of Agriculture and Food in the University of Melbourne. He got his PhD in Michigan Tech University in 2016 and had post doc training in Florida University during 2016-2017. Then he joined UoM to work on modification of waste material for N mitigation to reduce greenhouse emission. His expertise include material engineering, nanotechnology and chemical engineering.
Recycling Organic Wastes by Biogas Technology to Produce Clean Biogas Methane, With Compost as By-product & also Mitigating Global Warming
Brijalkumar Soni, Aventia Institute
Biogas Technology integrates Aerobic, Anaerobic & Vermicomposting Technologies by Earthworms for effective utilization of Organic Wastes to produce Clean Biogas Methane & Vermicompost. Wastes are Composted Anaerobically for high Methane emission (9.5 mg m-2 hr-1) & then Vermiprocessed. Vermicompost give 5-7 times higher Food productivity over other Composts & even Chemical Fertilizers.
Brijalkumar Soni – Trainer and assessor, Aventia Institute
Brijal did a Master of Environmental Engineering from Griffith University in 2010 andwas Manager (Training), at Aventia Institute, Brisbane from 2017.
Brijal’s area of Research is ‘Recycling of Organic Wastes by Vermiculture Technology’ using Earthworms to convert Wastes into Valuable Resources for Sustainable Development. Brijal has published 17 Papers in International Journals & a Book on ‘Cleaner Production for Sustainable Development & Safe Future: The Policy Measures and Technological Innovations’ from USA in 2017.