Saving our ocean must remain a priority. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet.
– United Nations

Environmental research related to water systems at VU has a practical focus, resulting in quantitative information provided to state, federal and international environmental agencies. It is used to positively influence the protection, rehabilitation and resilience of threatened species, ecosystems and human communities.

In addition to this collaborative and impactful contribution to environmental protection, we conduct our own University business in a responsible way, creating positive ecological effects through practical intiatives.

14 Life below water (fish & water icon)

Research, engagement & education 2020-21

Research with impact

Our water researchers work with government agencies to decontaminate water supplies.

Dr Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq joined researchers from Pakistan and China to tackle the serious problem of marine pollution. The study assessed the relationship between knowledge, perception, and attitude of the stakeholders in relation to behaviours contributing to marine pollution using a case study of the Karachi area in Pakistan. Law enforcement approaches have thus far been ineffectual in curbing activities leading to the pollution of the city’s sea area. The study concludes that education and social action programs to increase collective awareness, mobilization, and reforms are needed to address the issue of chronic marine pollution.
Read 'Multi-Criteria Relationship Analysis of Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude of Stakeholders for Engagement towards Maritime Pollution at Sea, Beach, and Coastal Environments'

An outcome of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Research team’s project on Next Generation Water Management in the Werribee River Catchment was to form a longer term alliance with the Werribee River Association. The Werribee River Association is dedicated to protect the water quality in the Werribee River and associated waterways, for the conservation of river and land flora and fauna, the platypus, frogs and other wildlife.
Read about the Next Generation Water Management in the Werribee River Catchment

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl compounds) contamination is a developing crisis, as the chemicals are toxic, highly persistent and accumulate in the bodies of fish, animals and people.  The water researchers continue their work on methods for the removal of PFAS contaminants from wastewater by using in-situ formed ferric nanoparticles. This work involved a collaboration of researchers from VU’s Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, University of Melbourne, CSIRO and the South East Water Corporation.

Linda Diep is currently undertaking a doctorate on Management of volatiles and use of pelts in the magnetic cleaning of oiled wildlife process, supervised by John Orbell, furthering his work on using magnets to safely clean oil from spills off marine animals 

Professor John Orbell, in conjunction with the researchers at the Penguin Foundation, developed the magic oil spill wand to safely clean oil from spills off marine animals. Oil spills can have a devastating effect on the environment, but the team is now working on further development of the Oil Spill Wand to be able to dramatically reduce the impact oil spills have on wildlife. The project team hopes to make the Oil Spill Wand available to Wildlife Rescue Centres across the world within three years.

Engagement

We collaborate with Environmental Group Limited’s EGL Water to test new technology.

VU is the research partner to Environmental Group Limited’s EGL Water, for testing a new technology for removing harmful per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated wastewater, soil and groundwater. The testing found the small-scale laboratory rig successfully removed more than 80% of PFAS from contaminated soil and water. This indicates the technologies potential to cost-effectively remove PFAS from the environment. 

Victoria University’s Footscray Park Campus is situated on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. VU Students and staff regularly work as volunteers to clean up rubbish from the banks of the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers that converge a short distance south of the campus. The clean ups prevent plastic waste from travelling down stream into Port Phillip Bay, to reduce microplastics in our oceans and the threat of plastic entanglement and ingestion by wildlife. Between April 2018 and February 2020, students and staff participated in the Yarra River Blitz to undertake an audit of rubbish along the river system and to clean up millions of litter items, using the innovative boat mounted vacuum system, removing approximately 38,000kg of litter from the reed beds, rock walls and riverbanks of the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers.

The Plastic Solutions Project, an EnactusVU initiative for VU students to target the UN Sustainable Development Goals, takes VU’s commitment to the environment one step further by investing in clean up events across Victoria and reusing the plastic rubbish gathered to make useful objects. In addition, the project works to inform youth and the community of the economic, social and environmental benefits of responsible plastic management through a school’s program.

Education

Courses and student groups aim to conserve and rehabilitate the environment.

The Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science and the Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership engage students in study of the natural environment, environmental rehabilitation, conservation and sustainability.

The student driven STEM Club, was formed to enable VU’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) students to come together, build their professional skills and to connect with industry.  The idea was proposed by Professor Thomas Yeager, a researcher in the Applied Ecology & Environmental Change research team. 

Victoria University volunteers clean up river banks.

Sustainability on campus

VU has a backwash water treatment plant with all mains water connections to closed-loop mechanical systems and laboratories/potential contamination areas protected with backflow devices. Backflow devices are tested annually.

Research groups addressing Goal 14

Sustainable futures innovation hub

This collaborative hub researches responsible consumption and production practices in key industry sectors, in-line with the State Government’s Recycling Victoria strategy and the objectives of reducing waste and progressing the circular economy.

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Water & wastewater treatment research

This research group finds solutions to water contamination through expertise in water use, environment assessment and ecology.

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Applied ecology & environmental change research group

Finding environmentally sound solutions at the local, national and international level, including for ecosystem management, inland and coastal wetland systems, and estuaries.

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Programs addressing Goal 14

University sustainability initiative

Our dedication to creating a sustainable campus includes rainwater harvesting and backwash treatment, which saves approximately 2 million litres of water annually.

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VU researcher shake hands with City West Water

Greater Western Water collaboration

Greater Western Water (formerly City West Water) and VU collaborate on a number of research projects in the areas of water treatment and sustainable water resource management.

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Green roof designers in the new garden

Green roof garden on campus

Our “living lab” roof garden improves the water quality of roof run-off, and reduces occurrences of flash-flooding by absorbing rain that would otherwise flow into stormwater drains.

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Student stories

Jacinta's making a splash in sustainability

The Bachelor of Science at VU was super hands-on, which I loved. In my job now I get to help conserve this extraordinary place.

Jacinta Early — Bachelor of Science
Read Jacinta's story
Flow-on effect: Water researcher sets sights on the future

As a researcher, every day is a dream come true. Only 12% of engineers in Australia are female, so I strive to achieve, and hope that I can motivate future generations.

Zohreh Rajabi — Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering), Doctor of Philosophy
Zohreh's story
Saving fur seals through research

I spent four months in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island. I received a VU postgraduate scholarship and the New Zealand study became the basis for my masters degree.

Mary Cowling — Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (Research)
Mary's story