Faculty/School

Faculty of Engineering

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy

Supervisors

Professor Yang Liu
Position
Professor and Chair of Sustainable Water Technologies
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Engineering

Overview

The stability of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) poses a critical challenge in mining, frequently leading to significant environmental issues including acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metals mobilisation, contaminating water bodies and soil. Current technologies like dry stacking and thickening while effective, can be energy-intensive and costly. This underscores the need for innovative technologies to ensure TSF stability and protect ecosystems and communities from the harmful impacts of mining activities.

Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is a promising process that utilises microbial activities to precipitate calcite, capturing atmospheric CO2 and solidifying loose sediments. MICP can be injected as a liquid, offering greater versatility and easier application. This method has demonstrated effectiveness in soil consolidation and ground improvement, but it has not yet been applied to TSFs. This project seeks to demonstrate MICP as a sustainable method for enhancing the structural and environmental stability of TSFs, reducing AMD risks, contributing to CO2 sequestration, and promoting safer mining practices.

Research engagement

lab-based work

Research activities

The student will be working with Dr Mahsa Abbasabadi and will be involved in the laboratory operations and testings.

Outcomes

This project aims to utilise MICP for concurrent consolidation of TSFs, prevention of AMD, sequestration of CO2, and promoting safer mining practices.

Skills and experience

A background in civil/chemical engineering, or microbiology/biotechnology is highly preferred, but all interested applicants are encouraged to send an enquiry email describing their motivation and suitability.

Start date

1 November, 2024

End date

28 February, 2025

Location

GP Campus, Q Block, Level 2, WISE Laboratory

Keywords

Contact

Dr Mahsa Abbasabadi, mobile: 0414251991, email: m.abbasabadi@qut.edu.au