Overview
Background
Adrian Oehmen is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland. He leads research in the area of bioprocess engineering, particularly focussing on wastewater treatment and resource recovery. His research interests include enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR or BioP), metabolic modelling, biopolymer (polyhydroxyalkanoate – PHA) production, micropollutant removal and greenhouse gas (N2O) assessment and mitigation. He also focusses on other aspects of bioprocess engineering, including microbial encapsulation, bioprocess modelling and food and beverage applications. He has published more than 100 papers in international scientific journals, led or collaborated on more than 30 research projects (many with industry). He is active within the International Water Association (IWA), serving on specialist group and conference committees and is an Associate Editor of Water Research.
Availability
- Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Wastewater Treatment
Domestic and Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technologies
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Resource Recovery
Recovering Value-Added Products (e.g. Nutrients, Biopolymers) from Waste and Wastewater Streams
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Biological Nutrient Removal
Biological Processes for Removing Nutrients such as Phosphorus and Nitrogen from Wastewater
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Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal
Process Engineering, Microbiology and Metabolic Features associated with Biological Phosphorus Removal
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Biopolymer Production
Mixed Culture Technologies focussed on the Production and Recovery of Biopolymers (e.g. Polyhydroxyalkanoates - PHA) from Waste/Wastewater Feedstocks
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Greenhouse Gas Assessment and Mitigation
Measurement and Minimisation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Processes (e.g nitrous oxide - N2O)
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Micropollutant Removal
The Removal of Pharmaceutical Active Compounds, Heavy Metals, and other Hazardous Substances from Wastewater using Biological and Physical-Chemical Approaches
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Process Modelling
Process Modelling for Design, Optimisation and Control of Wastewater Treatment Processes.
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Metabolic Modelling
Modelling the Metabolism Associated with Biological Processes and their Application towards Process Engineering
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Anaerobic Digestion
Experimental and Modelling Studies focused on Fermentation and Biogas Production from Waste/Wastewater Feedstocks
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Drinking Water Treatment
Heavy Metal Removal (e.g. Arsenic) from Drinking Water Supplies. Application of Ion Exchange Membrane Process Technologies for Drinking Water Treatment.
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Phototrophic Processes
Light-Driven Biological Technologies for Value-Added Product Generation (e.g. PHA) from Wastewater
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Bioremediation
Removal of Herbicides/Pesticides from Contaminated Waters
Works
Search Professor Adrian Oehmen’s works on UQ eSpace
2016
Book Chapter
Electro-membrane processes for the removal of trace toxic metal ions from water
Velizarov, Svetlozar, Oehmen, Adrian, Reis, Maria and Crespo, João (2016). Electro-membrane processes for the removal of trace toxic metal ions from water. Membrane Technologies for Water Treatment: Removal of Toxic Trace Elements with Emphasis on Arsenic, Fluoride and Uranium. (pp. 73-87) edited by Alberto Figoli, Jan Hoinkis and Jochen Bundschuh. London, United Kingdom: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/b19227
2015
Journal Article
Nutrient removal via nitrite from reject water and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) storage during nitrifying conditions
Frison, Nicola, Katsou, Evina, Malamis, Simos, Oehmen, Adrian and Fatone, Francesco (2015). Nutrient removal via nitrite from reject water and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) storage during nitrifying conditions. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 90 (10), 1802-1810. doi: 10.1002/jctb.4487
2015
Journal Article
Development of a novel process integrating the treatment of sludge reject water and the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
Frison, Nicola, Katsou, Evina, Malamis, Simos, Oehmen, Adrian and Fatone, Francesco (2015). Development of a novel process integrating the treatment of sludge reject water and the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Environmental Science and Technology, 49 (18), 10877-10885. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01776
2015
Journal Article
Modelling the biodegradation kinetics of the herbicide propanil and its metabolite 3,4-dichloroaniline
Marques, Ricardo, Oehmen, Adrian, Carvalho, Gilda and Reis, Maria A. M. (2015). Modelling the biodegradation kinetics of the herbicide propanil and its metabolite 3,4-dichloroaniline. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22 (9), 6687-6695. doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-3870-z
2015
Journal Article
Ecotoxicity of ketoprofen, diclofenac, atenolol and their photolysis byproducts in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Diniz, M. S., Salgado, R., Pereira, V. J., Carvalho, G., Oehmen, A., Reis, M. A. M. and Noronha, J. P. (2015). Ecotoxicity of ketoprofen, diclofenac, atenolol and their photolysis byproducts in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Science of the Total Environment, 505, 282-289. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.014.09.103
2015
Journal Article
Polyhydroxyalkanoate granules quantification in mixed microbial cultures using image analysis: Sudan Black B versus Nile Blue A staining
Mesquita, Daniela P., Luis Amaral, A., Leal, Cristiano, Oehmen, Adrian, Reis, Maria A. M. and Ferreira, Eugenio C. (2015). Polyhydroxyalkanoate granules quantification in mixed microbial cultures using image analysis: Sudan Black B versus Nile Blue A staining. Analytica Chimica Acta, 865 (1), 8-15. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.01.018
2014
Journal Article
The impact of aeration on the competition between polyphosphate accumulating organisms and glycogen accumulating organisms
Carvalheira, Monica, Oehmen, Adrian, Carvalho, Gilda, Eusebio, Mario and Reis, Maria A. M. (2014). The impact of aeration on the competition between polyphosphate accumulating organisms and glycogen accumulating organisms. Water Research, 66, 296-307. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.08.033
2014
Journal Article
Novel microelectrode-based online system for monitoring N2O gas emissions during wastewater treatment
Marques, Ricardo, Oehmen, Adrian and Pijuan, Maite (2014). Novel microelectrode-based online system for monitoring N2O gas emissions during wastewater treatment. Environmental Science and Technology, 48 (21), 12816-12823. doi: 10.1021/es504061h
2014
Journal Article
Modelling the metabolic shift of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms
Acevedo, B., Borras, L., Oehmen, A. and Barat, R. (2014). Modelling the metabolic shift of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms. Water Research, 65, 235-244. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.07.028
2014
Journal Article
The effect of substrate competition on the metabolism of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs)
Carvalheira, Monica, Oehmen, Adrian, Carvalho, Gilda and Reis, Maria A.M. (2014). The effect of substrate competition on the metabolism of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs). Water Research, 64, 149-159. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.07.004
2014
Journal Article
Metabolic modelling of full-scale enhanced biological phosphorus removal sludge
Lanham, Ana B., Oehmen, Adrian, Saunders, Aaron M., Carvalho, Gilda, Nielsen, Per H. and Reis, Maria A.M. (2014). Metabolic modelling of full-scale enhanced biological phosphorus removal sludge. Water Research, 66, 283-295. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.08.036
2014
Journal Article
Survival strategies of polyphosphate accumulating organisms and glycogen accumulating organisms under conditions of low organic loading
Carvalheira, M., Oehmen, A., Carvalho, G. and Reis, M. A. M. (2014). Survival strategies of polyphosphate accumulating organisms and glycogen accumulating organisms under conditions of low organic loading. Bioresource Technology, 172, 290-296. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.09.059
2014
Journal Article
Photosynthetic mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production from individual and mixed volatile fatty acids (VFAs): Substrate preferences and co-substrate uptake
Fradinho, J. C., Oehmen, A. and Reis, M. A. M. (2014). Photosynthetic mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production from individual and mixed volatile fatty acids (VFAs): Substrate preferences and co-substrate uptake. Journal of Biotechnology, 185, 19-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.05.035
2014
Journal Article
The relationship between mixed microbial culture composition and PHA production performance from fermented molasses
Carvalho, Gilda, Oehmen, Adrian, Albuquerque, Maria G.E. and Reis, Maria A.M. (2014). The relationship between mixed microbial culture composition and PHA production performance from fermented molasses. New Biotechnology, 31 (4), 257-263. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2013.08.010
2014
Journal Article
The impact of pH control on the volumetric productivity of mixed culture PHA production from fermented molasses
Oehmen, Adrian, Pinto, Fatima V., Silva, Vera, Albuquerque, Maria G. E. and Reis, Maria A. M. (2014). The impact of pH control on the volumetric productivity of mixed culture PHA production from fermented molasses. Engineering in Life Sciences, 14 (2), 143-152. doi: 10.1002/elsc.201200220
2014
Journal Article
Mercury removal from water streams through the ion exchange membrane bioreactor concept
Oehmen, Adrian, Vergel, Dario, Fradinho, Joana, Reis, Maria A. M., Crespo, Joao G. and Velizarov, Svetlozar (2014). Mercury removal from water streams through the ion exchange membrane bioreactor concept. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 264, 65-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.10.067
2014
Journal Article
Monitoring intracellular polyphosphate accumulation in enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems by quantitative image analysis
Mesquita, Daniela P., Amaral, A. Luís, Leal, Cristiano, Carvalheira, Mónica, Cunha, Jorge R., Oehmen, Adrian, Reis, Maria A.M. and Ferreira, Eugénio C. (2014). Monitoring intracellular polyphosphate accumulation in enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems by quantitative image analysis. Water Science and Technology, 69 (11), 2315-2323. doi: 10.2166/wst.2014.146
2013
Journal Article
Metabolic versatility in full-scale wastewater treatment plants performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal
Lanham, Ana B., Oehmen, Adrian, Saunders, Aaron M., Carvalho, Gilda, Nielsen, Per H. and Reis, Maria A. M. (2013). Metabolic versatility in full-scale wastewater treatment plants performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Water Research, 47 (19), 7032-7041. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.08.042
2013
Journal Article
Determination of the extraction kinetics for the quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoate monomers in mixed microbial systems
Lanham, Ana B., Ricardo, Ana Rita, Albuquerque, Maria G. E., Pardelha, Filipa, Carvalheira, Monica, Coma, Marta, Fradinho, Joana, Carvalho, Gilda, Oehmen, Adrian and Reis, Maria A. M. (2013). Determination of the extraction kinetics for the quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoate monomers in mixed microbial systems. Process Biochemistry, 48 (11), 1626-1634. doi: 10.1016/j.procbio.2013.07.023
2013
Journal Article
Effect of dark/light periods on the polyhydroxyalkanoate production of a photosynthetic mixed culture
Fradinho, J. C., Oehmen, A. and Reis, M. A. M. (2013). Effect of dark/light periods on the polyhydroxyalkanoate production of a photosynthetic mixed culture. Bioresource Technology, 148, 474-479. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.09.010
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
A sustainable biological nutrient removal and recovery process for cost-effective wastewater treatment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho, Professor Liu Ye
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Master Philosophy
Biological methods to identify and quantify PAO/GAO microorganisms and their activity in wastewater treatment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
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Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic Modelling of Fermentative and Conventional Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone
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Doctor Philosophy
The development of process control strategies to optimise biological phosphorus removal and recovery
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho, Professor Liu Ye
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Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic Modelling of Fermentative and Conventional Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone
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Master Philosophy
Biological methods to identify and quantify PAO/GAO microorganisms and their activity in wastewater treatment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
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Doctor Philosophy
Integrated model-based assessment of the impact of sidestream biological phosphorus removal processes on resource recovery in wastewater treatment systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone
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Doctor Philosophy
Application of novel immobilized microbial enrichment for intensified removal of nutrients from water
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable and cost-effective biological phosphorus removal technology in urban water systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho, Professor Liu Ye
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Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic Modelling of Fermentative and Conventional Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel halophilic biotechnology for PHA production from sugar
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Lisa Bai, Dr Ian Levett
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Doctor Philosophy
Application of novel immobilized microbial enrichment for intensified removal of sulfate from mining influenced waters and recovery of metals
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating novel microbes for simultaneous nutrient removal from wastewater in Carbon Neutral era
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Liu Ye, Dr Zhiyao Wang
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Doctor Philosophy
Enzyme-assisted deconstruction of lignocellulose and reconstruction into high value bio-derived advanced materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa, Professor Darren Martin
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel Phosphorous accumulating organisms in next generation wastewater treatment systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Liu Ye
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing a novel taste and odour removal process for drinking water
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shihu Hu, Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic Modelling of Fermentative and Conventional Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The return activated sludge sidestream process and the role of Tetrasphaera, a fermenting polyphosphate accumulating organism
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Liu Ye
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Achieving and Understanding Combined Biological Phosphorus Removal and Short-cut Nitrogen in Wastewater Treatment Processes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Zhiguo Yuan, Professor Liu Ye
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen directly for media enquiries about:
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment
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