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Associate Professor Nicola Brown staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517153

Associate Professor Nicola Brown BTech(Hons), PhD, AMIChemE

Leader of Science & Sustainability

Doctoral Supervisor
College of Sciences

My main area of expertise is Environmental Engineering. One area of my research focuses on recovering useful components from wastewater including nutrient and energy via biogas. I am also involved in a number of projects which are developing new biotechnologies for waste treatment.

The majority of my teaching is in project based learning courses for Engineering and Food Technology students. I enjoy using different teaching and assessment techniques. Recently this has also included developing engaging online content which encourages active learning. When possible, I publish my findings in Engineering Education journals.

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 84153
    Location: RC2.116, Riddet Building
    Campus: Turitea

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Technology (Honours) - 黑料网 (2004)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - 黑料网 (2009)

Fellowships and Memberships

  • Member, Institution of Chemical Engineers (Associate Member/Fellow) (2014)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Many of the projects I am working on are confidential as they have industrial partners. Below are some examples of previous projects where the findings have been published.

 

Previous Project: How do we trigger algae to be greedy for phosphorus? 

We have problems with too much phosphorus in our waterways but at the same time phosphorus is a nutrient that we are running out of. Currently large amounts of money are spent on removing phosphorus from wastewater without considering how we might be able to reuse this resource. 

Imagine if algae could be 'triggered' on demand to suck up large quantities of phosphorus from domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents. Algae can at times store phosphorus but there's a catch - we don't know how to reliably trigger this phenomenon. This research determined the environmental, process and biological conditions which 'trigger' phosphorus storage at an individual algal cell scale. A new process was proposed and initial results look promising.

This project is funded by the Marsden Fund. To see more about this project take a look at this episode of(at about 19 minutes along)

 

Previous Project: Recovering energy from waste

There are many high energy wastes which could be used to produce energy via anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion produces biogas high in methane which can then be used to produce heat and electricity using co-generation. This project involved surveying a range of wastes available and determining the right mix to use in the digesters. Anaerobic digesters use microorganisms to produce the biogas and they are quite sensitive to their environment so just the right mixture of ‘food’ is needed.

Another part of this project was to develop a new technology to allow anaerobic digestion of some of the more difficult waste products to digest. This involved laboratory studies and pilot scale work.

This project was funded by the Pre-Seed Accelerator Fund.

 

Thematics

Resource Development and Management

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Chemical Engineering (090400): Engineering (090000): Environmental Engineering (090700): Wastewater Treatment Processes (090409)

Research Projects

Completed Projects

Project Title: Establishing the engineering fundaments of a new algae based phosphorus removal process

According to a recent article in Nature, global phosphorus supply, on which New Zealand agriculture depends, could be exhausted in as little as 50 years time. Ironically, one of New Zealand's most serious environmental problems is that we have far too much phosphorus where we don't want it & 63% of New Zealand's rivers have a phosphorus concentration above guideline levels. Imagine if algae could be `triggered' to suck up large quantities of phosphorus from domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents on demand. 黑料网 researchers have shown that algae can, at times, accumulate much more phosphorus than needed for growth. However, we currently don't understand what conditions are needed to reliably `trigger' this phenomenon or which algae are responsible.
Read Project Description Hide Project Description

Date Range: 2012 - 2016

Funding Body: Marsden Fund - Full

Project Team:

Project Title: PSAF: Waste to Energy

Date Range: 2009 - 2011

Funding Bodies: Foundation for Research, Science & Technology; Palmerston North City Council

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Plouviez, M., & Brown, N. (2024). Polyphosphate accumulation in microalgae and cyanobacteria: recent advances and opportunities for phosphorus upcycling. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 90
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
Read article at Massey Research Online:
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Brown, N., Daborn, Z., Edwards, J., & Shamsulgafar, S. (2024). Coconut husks as a packing media in anaerobic filters for the treatment of septic tank effluent in Tonga. Journal of Humanitarian Engineering. 9(1), 32-40 Retrieved from https://jhe.ewb.org.au/index.php/jhe/article/view/204
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N., Sells, M., Jayamaha, N., & Shilton, A. (2024). Predicting phosphorus accumulation and proposing conditions needed for an algal-based phosphorus uptake process. Environmental Technology (United Kingdom). 45(21), 4408-4418
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N., Jayamaha, N.
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Cliff, A., Guieysse, B., Brown, N., Lockhart, P., Dubreucq, E., & Plouviez, M. (2023). Polyphosphate synthesis is an evolutionarily ancient phosphorus storage strategy in microalgae. Algal Research. 73
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N., Lockhart, P.
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Brown, N., & Tunnicliffe, M. (2022). Strategies for teaching idea generation for project-based learning and adapting these approaches to an on-line environment. Global Journal of Engineering Education. 24(1), 28-33
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N., Tunnicliffe, M.
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Brown, N. (2020). Practical solutions to manage staff and student workloads in project-based learning courses. Global Journal of Engineering Education. 22(1), 20-25
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, C., Davies, C., Brown, N., & Paterson, T. (2018). Sieving the class: Teaching particle size distributions and analysis. Education for Chemical Engineers. 23, 1-6 Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1749772818300058
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N., Güttler, J., & Shilton, A. (2019). Probiotic effects of anaerobic co-digestion substrates. Environmental Technology (United Kingdom). 40(18), 2455-2459
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Sells, MD., Brown, N., & Shilton, AN. (2018). Determining variables that influence the phosphorus content of waste stabilization pond algae. Water Research. 132, 301-308
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Crimp, A., Brown, N., & Shilton, A. (2018). Microalgal luxury uptake of phosphorus in waste stabilization ponds - frequency of occurrence and high performing genera. Water Science and Technology. 78(1), 165-173
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N. (2017). Updating assessment styles: Website development rather than report writing for project based learning courses. Advances in Engineering Education. 6(2)
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N., Güttler, J., & Shilton, A. (2016). Overcoming the challenges of full scale anaerobic co-digestion of casein whey. Renewable Energy. 96, 425-432
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N., & Shilton, A. (2014). Luxury uptake of phosphorus by microalgae in waste stabilisation ponds: Current understanding and future direction. Reviews in Environmental Science and Biotechnology. 13(3), 321-328
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Powell, N., Broughton, A., Pratt, C., & Shilton, A. (2013). Effect of whey storage on biogas produced by co-digestion of sewage sludge and whey. Environmental Technology (United Kingdom). 34(19), 2743-2748
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Powell, N., Broughton, A., Pratt, C., & Shilton, A. (2013). Effect of whey storage on biogas produced by co-digestion of sewage sludge and whey. Environmental Technology (United Kingdom).
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Shilton, A., Powell, N., Broughton, A., Pratt, C., Pratt, S., & Pepper, C. (2013). Enhanced biogas production using cow manure to stabilize co-digestion of whey and primary sludge. Environmental Technology (United Kingdom). 34(17), 2491-2496
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Shilton, AN., Powell, N., & Guieysse, B. (2012). Plant based phosphorus recovery from wastewater via algae and macrophytes. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 23(6), 884-889
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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92
Shilton, A., Powell, N., & Guieysse, B. (2012). Plant based phosphorus recovery from wastewater via algae and macrophytes. Current Opinion in Biotechnology.
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Powell, N., Shilton, A., Pratt, S., & Chisti, Y. (2011). Phosphate release from waste stabilisation pond sludge: Significance and fate of polyphosphate. Water Science and Technology. 63(8), 1689-1694
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Powell, N., Shilton, A., Pratt, S., & Chisti, Y. (2011). Luxury uptake of phosphorus by microalgae in full-scale waste stabilisation ponds. Water Science and Technology. 63(4), 704-709
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Powell, N., Shilton, A., Chisti, Y., & Pratt, S. (2009). Towards a luxury uptake process via microalgae - Defining the polyphosphate dynamics. Water Research. 43(17), 4207-4213
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Powell, N., Shilton, AN., Pratt, S., & Chisti, Y. (2008). Factors influencing luxury uptake of phosphorus by microalgae in waste stabilization ponds. Environmental Science and Technology. 42(16), 5958-5962
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Shilton, AN., Mara, DD., Craggs, R., & Powell, N. (2008). Solar-powered aeration and disinfection, anaerobic co-digestion, biological CO<inf>2</inf> scrubbing and biofuel production: The energy and carbon management opportunities of waste stabilisation ponds. Water Science and Technology. 58(1), 253-258
[Journal article]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Book

Powell, N., Shilton, AN., Pratt, S., & Chisti, Y. (2006). Luxury uptake of phosphorus by microalgae in waste stabilisation ponds. In R. Stuetz, & L. Teik Thye (Eds.) Young Researchers 2006. (pp. 249 - 256). London, UK: IWA Publishing
[Chapter]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Thesis

Powell, N. (2009). Biological phosphorus removal by microalgae in waste stabilsation ponds. (Doctoral Thesis, 黑料网, Palmerston North, New Zealand)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Brown, N.

Report

Brown, N., Edwards, J., Daborn, Z., Shamsulgafar, S., Bukasa, E., Yarita, S., . . . Chia, S. (2024). Evaluation of an anaerobic filter containing coconut husks for treatment of septic tank effluent in Tonga - Summary report.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, N., Daborn, Z., Edwards, J., & Shamsulgafar, S.(2022). Investigation on coconut husks in anaerobic filters as filling material for treatment of Tongan septic tank effluent.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N., & Shilton, AN. (2011). Leach bed technology: Energy recovery from solid wastes/feedstocks.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N., & Shilton, AN.Leach Bed Technology: Energy Recovery from Solids/Feedstocks.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Brown, N.

Conference

Brown, N., Bukasa, E., & Edwards, J.(2023). Coconut husk anaerobic filter to upgrade septic tanks in Tonga: Effect of hydraulic retention time. . Perth
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, N., & Edwards, J. (2022, December). Coconut husks for the treatment of Tongan septic tank effluent. Presented at DevNet 2022. Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, N.(2022). Integrating sustainable development into a first-year project- based learning engineering course. . Sydney
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, N.(2022). Teaching reflective practice in teams: In-person and virtual activities. Paper presented at the meeting of IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Tunnicliffe, M., Brown, N., & Shekar, A. (2021). Rapid Learning Cycles for project-based learning. 9th Research in Engineering Education Symposium and 32nd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, REES AAEE 2021: Engineering Education Research Capability Development. Vol. 2 (pp. 595 - 604).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N., Tunnicliffe, M.
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Brown, N., & Tunnicliffe, M. (2021). Development of and reflection on introducing a pass/fail course for first-year engineering students. 9th Research in Engineering Education Symposium and 32nd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, REES AAEE 2021: Engineering Education Research Capability Development. Vol. 1 (pp. 103 - 110).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N., Tunnicliffe, M.
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Cliff, A., Plouviez, M., Brown, N., & Guieysse, B. (2021, July). Comparison of polyphosphate accumulation between six species of microalgae. Presented at Plant Science Central Conference. 黑料网 (Palmerston North).
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, N. (2021). Assessing individuals within teams in project-based learning courses – Strategies, evaluation and lessons learnt. In T. Klinger, C. Kollmitzer, & A. Pester (Eds.) 2021 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON). (pp. 846 - 850).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N.(2021). Assessing individuals within teams in project-based learning courses - Strategies, evaluation and lessons learnt. Paper presented at the meeting of IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Edwards, J., Al-Bahadly, A., & Brown, N. (2018). An investigation into the access to clean water in Kiribati. , 2nd Pacific Climate Change Conference
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, C., Davies, C., Brown, N., & Paterson, T. (2018). Sieving the class: Teaching particle size distributions and analysis. Education for Chemical Engineers. Vol. 23 (pp. 1 - 6).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N., & Tunnicliffe, M. (2017). Staff competencies/capabilities required and challenges faced when delivering project based learning courses. In N. Huda, D. Inglis, N. Tse, & G. Town (Eds.) Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2017). (pp. 696 - 705). : 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Tunnicliffe, M., & Brown, N. (2017). Evaluation of a redesigned Engineering degree founded on project based learning. In N. Huda, D. Inglis, N. Tse, & G. Town (Eds.) Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2017). (pp. 503 - 511). : 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Brown, N., & Tunnicliffe, M. (2017). Staff competencies/capabilities required and challenges faced when delivering project based learning courses. 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2017) order of proceedings. (pp. 696 - 705). : 28th Australasian Association for Engineering Education
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N., Tunnicliffe, M.
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Tunnicliffe, M., & Brown, N. (2017). Evaluation of a redesigned Engineering degree founded on project based learning. In N. Huda, D. Inglis, N. Tse, & G. Town (Eds.) Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2017). (pp. 503 - 511). Sydney, Australia: 28th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2017)
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N., Tunnicliffe, M.
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Sells, M., Shilton, A., & Brown, N. (2016). Triggering luxury uptake of phosphorus in waste stabilization pond microalgae. , 11th IWA Specialist Group Conference in Wastewater Pond Technologies
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Brown, N.
Crimp, A., Brown, N., & Shilton, A.(2015, June). Luxury uptake of phosphorus widespread in full-scale waste stabilisation ponds. .
[Conference]Authored by: Brown, N.
Brown, N., Davies, CE., & Davies, R. (2015). Project learning opportunities with biodiesel. , APCChE Congress
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Brown, N.
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Davies, C., Brown, N., Brown, C., & Davies, RYG. (2015). Project learning opportunities with biodiesel. Proceedings Asia Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Congress 2015 Congress incorporating Chemeca 2015. (pp. 433 - 443). Melbourne, Australia: Asia Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Congress 2015 incorporating Chemeca 2015
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N., Davies, R.
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Gray-Stuart, EM., Davies, CE., Brown, C., Brown, N., & Grinding, C. (2015). Grinding characteristics and energy consumption of two bench top grinders. In Asia Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Congress 2015 (APCChE 2015) Incorporating CHEMECA 2015(pp. 685 - 690). , APCChE Congress: Engineers Australia
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Brown, N., Gray-Stuart, E.
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Lau, J., Margerison, JK., Hedley, MJ., Horne, DJ., Hanly, JA., Powell, N., . . . Shilton, AN. (2013). Behaviour of New Zealand pasture-based cows offered access to free stalls fitted with sand or waterbeds, compared with cows at pasture. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. Vol. 73 (pp. 186 - 188).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N., Hanly, J., Horne, D.
Powell, N., & Shilton, AN.Luxury uptake of phosphorus via microalgae - current understanding and future direction. : International conference on Environmental (Bio)Technologies
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N., Shilton, AN., Pratt, S., Chisti, MY., & Grigg, NP. (2006). Factors effecting biological phosphorus removal in waste stabilisation ponds: A statistical analysis. 7th IWA Specialist Conference on Waste Stabilization Ponds: Proceedings.
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N., Shilton, AN., Pratt, S., & Chisti, MY. (2006). Luxury uptake of phosphorus by microalgae in wastestabilisation ponds. In R. Stuetz, & L. Teik Thye (Eds.) Young Researchers 2006: Proceedings of the 3rd IWA Young Researchers Conference. (pp. 249 - 256).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
Shilton, AN., Chisti, Y., Rehm, BH., Powell, N., & Pratt, S. (2005). Polyphosphate harvesting from waste stabilisation ponds. In S. Pratt, & CED. Eds (Eds.) The Fifth Asia Pacific Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Technologies: Proceedings. (pp. 237 - 241). Palmerston North, NZ
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N., Shilton, AN., Pratt, S., & Chisti, YY. (2005). Phosphorus removal in waste stabilisation ponds. Poster session presented at the meeting of Macdiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. Auckland, NZ
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N., Shilton, AN., Pratt, S., Chisti, Y., Bilby, SC., & Pepper, C. (2005). Upgrading waste stabilisation ponds for phosphorus removal. EnvironNZ05: Water Matters: Conference Proceedings ( incorporating NZ Water & Wastes Association 47th Annual Conference and Expo, ASTT Annual Conference and No Dig Live). (pp. 1 - 8). Wellington, NZ
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Brown, N.

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Other

Powell, N. (2011, August). Standoff Facility Update. In P21 Project team.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Brown, N.
Shilton, AN., & Powell, N. (2011). Extracting value from waste organics - a 'heads up' on a paragigm shift. Presented at WasteMINZ Workshop.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Brown, N.
Powell, N. (2010, December). Developing a new phosphorus removal process. In School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 黑料网.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Brown, N.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Teaching and Supervision

Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 1
Co-supervisor 0 2

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Emma Muir - Doctor of Philosophy
    Understanding microalgae self-aggregation for economic and sustainable harvesting.

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2024 - William Wilson - Doctor of Philosophy
    Quality Improvement Interpreted as a Complex Adaptive System: Implications and Opportunities

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2023 - Alexander Cliff - Doctor of Philosophy
    Environmental influences on polyphosphate accumulation in microalgae: an investigation into species differences and transcriptional responses
  • 2019 - Matthew Sells - Doctor of Philosophy
    Elevating phosphorus accumulation in waste stabilisation pond algae

Media and Links

Media

  • 27 Mar 2013 - Television
    Global Radar
  • 21 Nov 2013 - Radio
    Algae, phosphorus and effluent
    Our Changing World, Radio NZ