2024 RTP round - IoT framework for real-time monitoring and control for reused water fit-for-purpose

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

As reported by United Nations University, Institute for Water, Environment and Health in Global Water Security 2023 Assessment, out of 7.8 billion people worldwide, over 70% of the population is living in water insecurity that includes most of Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Water reuse is one of the ways to manage the rising water insecurity, particularly in the areas classified as water-scarce or drought driven. Wastewater treatment supports the reuse of water for a range of purposes including industrial processes, irrigation, agriculture, and groundwater recharging. Addressing the challenges related to water reuse will require continuous (real-time) water quality monitoring and control enabling water reuse Fit-for-Purpose.
The existing solutions are based on collecting and analysing water quality parameters in the lab using spectroscopy. The spectroscopy method uses principles of absorption or fluorescence to analyse the water contaminants. A recent study on IoT-based water management concluded that lab-based water quality testing and analysis is expensive and impractical on a large scale. Also, highlighted by one of the studies on the role of water quality monitoring, there is a need for the development of near real-time water quality monitoring and control at a large scale suitable for domestic, irrigation, and industrial use or fit-for-use.
The proposal aims to develop an IoT framework to continuously monitor the quality of recycled (or wastewater) and investigate various modelling techniques including mathematical models such as ASM1 and data-driven models to obtain a better state estimator to control the quality of water in the water treatment plant suitable for industrial and irrigation purposes. The proposed PhD research leads to developing an understanding of applying various simulations and modelling techniques used to measure the state of wastewater quality and develop a suitable modelling technique. 

• Develop real-time monitoring of recycled water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, and total dissolved solids.
• Apply mathematical modelling techniques.
• Develop an IoT framework enabling real-time data reporting and compliance tracking so that the water quality meets the required fit-for-purpose specifications. 

• Developing optimal sensor and communication networks for monitoring 
• To explore and apply a simplified mathematical model (reduced ASM1 model) suitable to accurately model the variability in the quality of recycled water for fit-for-use.
• Evaluation of IoT-based low-cost sensors for recycled water quality monitoring.
• Development of IoT framework for monitoring and control of water recycling for fit-for-use 

Comprehensive assessment of water quality is identified as one of the challenges in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6). The report highlights the gaps regarding the availability of insufficient data on wastewater treatment both from domestic and industrial wastewater. Fit-for-use water by recycling and reusing water is an important step toward water security in the future. IoT, Sensors, and Control can play an important role in achieving the reusing and recycling of water for fit-for-use. The proposed IoT framework for wastewater quality monitoring and control aims to benefit industry, Govt., and policymakers for large-scale deployments in the water treatment process.
The research team previously collaborated with IITM to submit a joint research proposal on a similar theme and hence this research will extend to develop a strategic research partnership between Australia and India and allow us to submit a grant proposal. 

This project may provide an internship. Student will get the opportunity to conduct PhD internship with Water Corporation or Local city councils that are interested in similar research and applications.

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6-month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023. 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

The candidate should be motivated and have perseverance in doing research. It is desirable that:
• the candidate should have an appropriate academic qualification to enrol in a PhD,
• the candidate has a background in electrical and computer engineering, 
• has problem-solving ability, 
• fair understanding of project management skills. 

Application process

If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. ahead of the closing date. Please note you should apply as soon as possible, as once a suitable candidate has been identified this opportunity will no longer be available to receive an EOI.

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 months of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead, Himanshu Himanshu  via the EOI form above.

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