Food waste is a problem worldwide due to the volume generated by rich countries and the environmental threat that it represents. Food waste has a strong potential to be transformed into valuable by-products. This research will investigate the hydrolysis of food waste to generate a novel fermentation medium containing sugars, amino acids and essential minerals. Sugars can then be converted by fermentation to biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel or biogas) or platform chemicals (succinic acid, lactic acid and many others).

We have all the equipments and resources to carry out this research including: autoclave, 5L Sartorius automated fermenter, GC for gas analysis and HPLC for analysis of chemicals in the fermentation broth.

• School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Environmental Engineering

• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)

Please review the admission requirements for the academic program associated with this Thesis Topic

Essential requirements include:
- Master degree in chemical/environmental engineering or microbiology
- some experience in aseptic techniques and fermentation is desirable
- publication track record will be considered favourably
- strong motivation and a commitment to work hard