Professor Paul Lant
Professor

Paul Lant

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56195

Background

Paul Lant is a Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland. Paul has a long history of teaching and research at UQ, and he has held a variety of roles. He was the Head of the School from 2009-2013, during which time he led the establishment of the new School, including the introduction of many new teaching, research and engagement activities. He has a history of successful start-up ventures across his portfolio of research, teaching and commercialisation. He has led many new teaching initiatives and been a key player in establishing UQ Chemical Engineering as a world leader in chemical engineering education innovation. He has started several commercial ventures and has been a Director of several companies. Paul was a Founder and Director of Wastewater Futures Pty Ltd for 20 years. Wastewater Futures is an Australian company that provides process engineering services throughout the entire life cycle. He has consulted widely to industry in Australia, including acting as an Expert Witness in Qld.

Paul is a Fellow of the IChemE and a Registered Professional Engineer Qld (RPEQ). Paul was a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors from 1998-2019.

RESEARCH:

Paul's research portfolio is diverse, and aimed at addressing some critical global challenges and also core challenges facing the hazardous industries. Currently, his major activities are:

The New Plastics Economy: Plastics and plastic waste are globally significant issues. Paul has been leading work at UQ for over 17 years investigating the production of PHA biopolymers. He established the PHA research group at UQ in 2003. Since then, UQ has conducted research on PHA with a total value of approximately $25m. The UQ PHA research group are now recognised as global leaders in biodegradable plastic research, and have had long term partnerships with international companies including Veolia and Norske Skog.

Urban Water Systems: Paul has an international reputation for his research work in the field of urban water systems. Current work focuses on water-carbon-energy linkages in cities.

Energy and Poverty: In 2014, Paul co-founded the Energy and Poverty Research Group at UQ. This is a pan-UQ initiative incorporating the disciplines of engineering, business, social science, environmental science, policy, communications and psychology. The mission is to support positive social, environmental and health outcomes that are vital for sustainable and productive livelihoods in energy impoverished communities in the developed and developing world.

UQ R!SK: Paul co-founded UQ R!SK in 2015 with his colleague A/Prof Maureen Hassall (Director). UQ R!SK is an interdisciplinary initiative to deliver practical, evidence-based outcomes that help hazardous industries address current and future risk challenges. The vision for UQ R!SK is to be a world leader in developing practical and innovative, human-centred operational risk management approaches that deliver real improvements in performance and sustainable competitiveness for hazardous industries.

Paul has a very successful track record of establishing productive collaborative partnerships with industry, and for winning competitive research funding. He has been a CI on 19 prestigious ARC projects, and he has also attracted significant support from industry for research. Paul has been a chief investigator on projects that have attracted in excess of $21 million in grant support from Govt and industry. Paul also led the bid to establish the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation in 2012. This was established with a $10M gift from Dow. Paul was also a lead CI on the ARC ITCC on Bioplastics and Biocomposites (2021-2026) which was established with $5m of ARC funding and $1.5m from industry and Government. Paul has been a co-author on over 150 journal publications and he has supervised 50 PhD students to date. He has an h-index of 54 and 11500 citations (Google Scholar, Aug 2021).

TEACHING AND LEARNING:

An established chemical engineering educator, Paul has received national awards for innovations in undergraduate teaching and supervision of postgraduate students. He was a member of teams winning national teaching awards for both undergraduate and postgraduate education in 2005 and 2006. Paul led the establishment of IWES in 2002. IWES is the leading provider of environmental short course training for Australian industry.

Availability

Professor Paul Lant is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Engineering Environmental engineering

Qualifications

  • Masters (Coursework) of Engineering, Newcastle University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Newcastle University
  • Masters (Coursework) of Business Administration, The University of Queensland

Search Professor Paul Lant’s works on UQ eSpace

249 works between 1990 and 2025
All (249) Journal Article (165) Book Chapter (6) Conference Publication (69) Book (2) Other Outputs (7)

141 - 160 of 249 works

2009

Conference Publication

Potential interactions between anammox and anaerobic methane utilizing denitrification (AnMUD) processes in nitrogen and carbon cycles

Zeng, R., Hu, S, Keller, J., Lant, P. and Yuan, Z (2009). Potential interactions between anammox and anaerobic methane utilizing denitrification (AnMUD) processes in nitrogen and carbon cycles. 6th IWA Leading-Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies, Singapore, 23-25 June, 2009.

Potential interactions between anammox and anaerobic methane utilizing denitrification (AnMUD) processes in nitrogen and carbon cycles

2009

Conference Publication

Energy Use in urban water in Australia - opportunity to move beyond carbon neutrality

Kenway, Steven, Priestley and Lant, Paul (2009). Energy Use in urban water in Australia - opportunity to move beyond carbon neutrality. Water and Energy 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark, 29-31 October 2009.

Energy Use in urban water in Australia - opportunity to move beyond carbon neutrality

2009

Conference Publication

The Potential for generating algae derived biofuels using coal seam gas water as the growth media

Pratt, Steven, Keymer, Philip, Lant, Paul and Keller, Jurg (2009). The Potential for generating algae derived biofuels using coal seam gas water as the growth media. Water & Industry 2009 Conference, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 30 November - 2 December. New Zealand: International Water Association.

The Potential for generating algae derived biofuels using coal seam gas water as the growth media

2008

Journal Article

Biodegradability of DOC and DON for UV/H202 pre-treated melanoidin based wastewater

Dwyer, Jason and Lant, Paul (2008). Biodegradability of DOC and DON for UV/H202 pre-treated melanoidin based wastewater. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 42 (1), 47-54. doi: 10.1016/j.bej.2008.05.016

Biodegradability of DOC and DON for UV/H202 pre-treated melanoidin based wastewater

2008

Journal Article

The degradation of dissolved organic nitrogen associated with melanoidin using a UV/H2O2 AOP

Dwyer, Jason, Kavanagh, Lydia and Lant, Paul (2008). The degradation of dissolved organic nitrogen associated with melanoidin using a UV/H2O2 AOP. Chemosphere, 71 (9), 1745-1753. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.11.027

The degradation of dissolved organic nitrogen associated with melanoidin using a UV/H2O2 AOP

2008

Journal Article

Decreasing activated sludge thermal hydrolysis temperature reduces product colour, without decreasing degradability

Jason Dwyer, Starrenberg, Daniel, Stephan Tait, Barr, Keith, Batstone, Damien J. and Lant, Paul A. (2008). Decreasing activated sludge thermal hydrolysis temperature reduces product colour, without decreasing degradability. Water Research, 42 (18), 4699-4709. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2008.08.019

Decreasing activated sludge thermal hydrolysis temperature reduces product colour, without decreasing degradability

2008

Conference Publication

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems

Foley, J., Lant, P. A., Yuan, Z., Keller, J. and Donlon, P. (2008). Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems. 6th IWA World Water Congress, Vienna, Austria, 7-12 September, 2008.

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems

2008

Conference Publication

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants: putting a measure on them

Jeffrey Foley and Lant, Paul A. (2008). Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants: putting a measure on them. Accounting for Carbon in the Water Industry, Sydney, 27-28 February, 2008. Sydney: AWA.

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants: putting a measure on them

2008

Journal Article

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems

Foley, Jeffrey, Lant, Paul A. and Donlon, P. (2008). Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems. Water, 38 (2), 18-23.

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems

2007

Other Outputs

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems

Foley, Jeff and Lant, Paul (2007). Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems. WSAA Literature Review; 01 Melbourne, Vic., Australia: Water Services Association of Australia.

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems

2007

Journal Article

Solids characterisation in an anaerobic migrating bed reactor (AMBR) sewage treatment system

Lant, P and Hartley, K (2007). Solids characterisation in an anaerobic migrating bed reactor (AMBR) sewage treatment system. Water Research, 41 (11), 2437-2448. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2007.02.056

Solids characterisation in an anaerobic migrating bed reactor (AMBR) sewage treatment system

2007

Conference Publication

Can the development of mixed culture PHAs be justified?

Gurieff, N. and Lant, P. A. (2007). Can the development of mixed culture PHAs be justified?. 4th IWA Leading-edge Conference and Exhibition on Water and Wastewater Technologies, Singapore, Republic of Singapore, 3-6 June 2007. Singapore, Republic of Singapore: IWA-International Water Association.

Can the development of mixed culture PHAs be justified?

2007

Journal Article

Developing Professional researchers: Research students' graduate attributes

Catherine Manathunga, Paul Lant and George Mellick (2007). Developing Professional researchers: Research students' graduate attributes. Studies in continuing Education, 29 (1), 19-36. doi: 10.1080/01580370601146270

Developing Professional researchers: Research students' graduate attributes

2007

Journal Article

Thiocyanate degradation during activated sludge treatment of coke-ovens wastewater

Staib, C and Lant, P (2007). Thiocyanate degradation during activated sludge treatment of coke-ovens wastewater. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 34 (2), 122-130. doi: 10.1016/j.bej.2006.11.029

Thiocyanate degradation during activated sludge treatment of coke-ovens wastewater

2007

Journal Article

Comparative life cycle assessment and financial analysis of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate production

Gurieff, N and Lant, P (2007). Comparative life cycle assessment and financial analysis of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate production. Bioresource Technology, 98 (17), 3393-3403. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2006.10.046

Comparative life cycle assessment and financial analysis of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate production

2006

Journal Article

Balancing curriculum processes and content in a Project Centred Curriculum: in pursuit of graduate attributes

Crosthwaite, C., Cameron, I., Lant, P. and Litster, J. (2006). Balancing curriculum processes and content in a Project Centred Curriculum: in pursuit of graduate attributes. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 84 (7 A), 619-628. doi: 10.1205/cherd.ecesample0607

Balancing curriculum processes and content in a Project Centred Curriculum: in pursuit of graduate attributes

2006

Journal Article

Imagining an interdisciplinary doctoral pedagogy

Manathunga, Catherine, Lant, Paul and Mellick, George (2006). Imagining an interdisciplinary doctoral pedagogy. Teaching In Higher Education, 11 (3), 365-379. doi: 10.1080/13562510600680954

Imagining an interdisciplinary doctoral pedagogy

2006

Journal Article

Introduction to Chemical Product Design: A Hands On Approach

Kavanagh, Lydia and Lant, Paul (2006). Introduction to Chemical Product Design: A Hands On Approach. Education for chemical engineers: Trans IChemE, Part D, 1 (1), 66-71. doi: 10.1205/ece.05001

Introduction to Chemical Product Design: A Hands On Approach

2006

Journal Article

Balancing curriculum processes and content in a project centred curriculum - In pursuit of graduate attributes

Crosthwaite, C A, Cameron, I T, Lant, P A and Litster, J D (2006). Balancing curriculum processes and content in a project centred curriculum - In pursuit of graduate attributes. Education for Chemical Engineers, 1 (1), 39-48. doi: 10.1205/ece.05002

Balancing curriculum processes and content in a project centred curriculum - In pursuit of graduate attributes

2006

Journal Article

How do we ensure good PhD student outcomes?

Manathunga, C. E. and Lant, P. A. (2006). How do we ensure good PhD student outcomes?. Education for Chemical Engineering, 1 (1), 72-81. doi: 10.1205/ece.05003

How do we ensure good PhD student outcomes?

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Biodegradable and bioderived coatings for controlled release fertilisers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2028
    Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable polymers in natural environments
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    EAP - Biopolymers to deliver bioactive compounds that reduce enteric methane
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023
    Opportunity for PHA Production from Corn - A Preliminary Concept Evaluation
    Lihua Starch Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    PHA Bioplastic from Qld Sugar - Pilot Plant Development Project
    Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Development of novel biodegradable packaging for marine products
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    A roadmap to tackle marine plastic pollution in Malaysia
    Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
    Open grant
  • 2021
    PHA Meat Tray Prototype
    The Minderoo Foundation Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Bioplastics in the environment: lifetimes and toxicology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Facilitating LPG fuel transitioning in crises
    Spectrum Sustainable Development Knowledge Network
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Tough bio-derived and biodegradable wood plastic composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Opportunities and Barriers for Distributed Energy Resources Development at Water and Wastewater Utilities
    Water Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Enhanced modelling capacity for the Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (ARC LIEF project administered by the University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Intracellular manufacturing - high performance biomaterials from methane
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Novel bioderived and biodegradable wood plastic composites from wastes
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Generating advanced bioplastics from pulp and paper waste streams - technology for making PHA from C1 carbon
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Water-energy-carbon linkages in households and cities: a new paradigm
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    The Industrial Ecology Lab - Integrating data and tools for powerful sustainability analysis (a NeCTAR Virtual Laboratory 201 sub-project administered by the University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Stabilisation of algal biomass harvested from coal seam gas associated water to generate a renewable, high nutrient resource
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Adsorption technologies for minimisation of fouling and scaling by the combined removal of hardness, silica and organics
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Stabilisation of algal biomass harvested from CSG produced water holding ponds and water treatment facilities
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Isotropic fractionation and assimilation of fossil carbon in wastewater treatment plants
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Use of CSG water in Algal systems - Literature/technical review project
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Next generation bioplastics: Production of PHA bioplastics from organic waste
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Transformation and Distribution of Fossil Carbon in Wastewater Treatment Pathway, from Input to Discharge
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Understanding and mitigating nitrous oxide emission from wastewater treatment plants
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Production of algae biofuel: a multi-benefit solution for managing coal seam gas (CSG) water
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Understanding Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems for Reliable Accounting and Effective Mitigation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems
    Water Services Association of Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Advanced environmental and process analysis facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2012
    Evaluation methods for evidence-based total water cycle management planning (SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance)
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Trust
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    A Fundamental Understanding of Methane Driven Denitrification
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Australia's Future Research Leaders: Are they coming from CRCs?
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Determination of the fate of dissolved organic nitrogen in biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes and development of appropriate treatment technologies
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Development of a Nitrogen Removal Technology to Integrate with the Novel EnRec Energy Recovery Sewage Treatment Process
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Production of Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoate Polymers using Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Process Technology
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Improving biological nitrogen removal by enhanced mixing in non-aerated bioreactors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    A Fundamental Understanding of Activated Sludge Flocculation
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2002
    Understanding bacterial growth and flocculation in activated sludge systems
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Novel process design
    Sydney Water Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Checks with no balance: Governance and organisational influences on the escalation of commitment in multi-organisation activities
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    SMACS: A prototype settling measurement and control system for activated sludge wastewater treatment processes
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Environmental Engineering Research Event: A National Research Event for Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers
    ARC Special Initiative
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Paul Lant is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Paul Lant directly for media enquiries about:

  • Chemical engineering
  • Industrial wastewater treatment
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water treatment

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