Honorary Professor Zhiguo Yuan
Honorary Professor

Zhiguo Yuan

Email: 

Background

Prof Yuan received his PhD degree in aeronautical engineering in 1992 from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China. He changed research direction to wastewater management in 1994, when he took up a postdoctoral research fellow position at Ghent University, Belgium. He joined the Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), renamed as the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology in July 2021, at The University of Queensland in 1998. He served as the AWMC Deputy Director 2001-2014, and then the AWMC/ACWEB Director in 2015 to July 2022. His research focuses on development of innovative solutions for urban water management and environmental biotechnology through effective integration of fundamental science and applied engineering. He won over $50M in government, industry and university research funding including many ARC Discovery, Linkage and Fellowship grants, mostly as the lead Chief Investigator. Prof Yuan was one of the founding members of the $117m Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities. He has published intensively both in specialised journals such as Water Research and Environmental Science and Technology, and multidisciplinary journals including Nature and Science. He is the founder of three biotechnology businesses namely SeweX, Cloevis and Lodomat, and his research has delivered documented savings of hundreds of millions of dollars to the Australian water industry. His research achievements and leadership have been recognized through major national and international awards including the 2015 ATSE Clunies Ross Award and the International Water Association (IWA) 2014 Global Project Innovation Award (Applied Research Category). Prof Yuan was named as one of Engineers Australia’s Top 100 Most Influential Engineers for 2015. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), an IWA Distinguished Fellow, and was awarded the highly prestigious ARC Australian Laureate Fellowship in 2017. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in January 2019.

Availability

Honorary Professor Zhiguo Yuan is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Environmental biotechnology Environmental engineering

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Engineering, Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Research interests

  • Integrated Urban Water Management

    A whole-of-system approach to managing multiple water resources in an urban water cycle and multiple elements in an urban water system.

  • Digital water

    Descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive data analytics for proactive urban water management

  • Sustainable carbon bioeconomy

    Gas fermentation to convert organic wastes to carbon commodities

  • Corrosion and odour management in sewers systems

    Effective control of H2S production in sewer systems and minimise its effect on sewer corrosion and odour generation

  • Sludge management in wastewater treatment systems

    Innovative technologies for enhancing bioenergy recovery from wastewater and reducing sludge production

  • Greenhouse gas emissions from water and wastewater systems

    Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems including CH4 emission in sewers, N2O emission from wastewater treatment processes and CH4 and N2O emissions from estuaries, dams and bays

  • Biological nutrient removal and recovery

    Innovative technologies and fundamental science for biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal and recovery from wastewater

Research impacts

  • His research in sewer management has fundamentally changed practice of many Australian water utilities in corrosion and odour management in sewers. The documented savings to date for the water industry amounts to approximately $400 million, based on the testimonial letters provided by industry partners.
  • He has collaborated with almost all major water utilities in Australia through many ARC Industry Linkage projects as well as a large number of collaborative research projects.
  • He was a founding and Executive Committee member of the $117 million Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cites, with over 80 industry partners, and led the Future Technologies Program Leader.
  • Established SeweX, a consulting company under UniQuest Pty Ltd, in 2008. SeweX has undertaken over $3 million consulting work since 2009. Clients included both Australian water utilities and companies from overseas. SeweX has been recently licensed to Envirosuite, an ASX listed technology company.
  • Established Cloevis Pty Ltd, a spin-off company from my sewer research. The company has licenced its patented technology on biofilm removal from sewer pipes to USP Technologies (US).
  • His research on sludge treatment using free nitrous acid has led to the development of the patented Lodomat technology that substantially increases biogas production from wastewater sludge. The technology has recently attracted >$5M (+ >$4M in-kind) industry and government funding for pilot plant demonstrations.
  • His research has frequently attracted media attention, with many articles published in newspapers such as The Australian and The Courier Mail, the News Agency Websites (e.g. ABC, Xinhua Agency), and industry magazines, newsletters and websites. Five of his papers have Altmetric Attention Scores that are in the top 5% of the 6.4 million research outputs tracked.
  • He is an Editor of Water Research, a top journal in water science and technology.
  • He published over 500 papers in internationally leading journals (the full list and citation record: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1IPdGqkAAAAJ&hl=en)

Search Professor Zhiguo Yuan’s works on UQ eSpace

805 works between 1992 and 2025
All (805) Journal Article (623) Book Chapter (9) Conference Publication (169) Book (1) Other Outputs (3)

581 - 600 of 805 works

2010

Conference Publication

High rate electrochemical sulfide removal from synthetic feed and real domestic wastewater

pikaar, Ilje, Rozendal, Rene, Yuan, Zhiguo, Keller, Jurg and Rabaey, Korneel (2010). High rate electrochemical sulfide removal from synthetic feed and real domestic wastewater. 6th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia, Nov 7-10 2010.

High rate electrochemical sulfide removal from synthetic feed and real domestic wastewater

2010

Journal Article

Development and optimization of a sequencing batch reactor for nitrogen and phosphorus removal from abattoir wastewater to meet irrigation standards

Pijuan, Maite and Yuan, Zhiguo (2010). Development and optimization of a sequencing batch reactor for nitrogen and phosphorus removal from abattoir wastewater to meet irrigation standards. Water Science and Technology, 61 (8), 2105-2112. doi: 10.2166/wst.2010.973

Development and optimization of a sequencing batch reactor for nitrogen and phosphorus removal from abattoir wastewater to meet irrigation standards

2010

Journal Article

Modelling and simulation revealing mechanisms likely responsible for achieving the nitrite pathway through aeration control

Guisasola, A., Marcelino, M., Lemaire, R., Baeza, J. A. and Yuan, Z. (2010). Modelling and simulation revealing mechanisms likely responsible for achieving the nitrite pathway through aeration control. Water Science and Technology, 61 (6), 1459-1465. doi: 10.2166/wst.2010.017

Modelling and simulation revealing mechanisms likely responsible for achieving the nitrite pathway through aeration control

2010

Conference Publication

Sewer odour & corrosion (SCORe) project - Delivering outcomes to the water industry

Rootsey, Ray and Zhiguo, Yuan (2010). Sewer odour & corrosion (SCORe) project - Delivering outcomes to the water industry. Sustainable Infrastructure and Asset Management Conference, Sydney , Australia, 23-24 November 2010.

Sewer odour & corrosion (SCORe) project - Delivering outcomes to the water industry

2010

Conference Publication

A laboratory assessment of the impact of brewery wastewater discharge on sulfide and methane production in a sewer

Sudarjanto, Gatut, Sharma, Keshab R., Gutierrez, Oriol and Yuan, Zhiguo (2010). A laboratory assessment of the impact of brewery wastewater discharge on sulfide and methane production in a sewer. 6th IWA Specialist Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia, 7-10 November 2010. Brisbane, Australia: IWA Publishing.

A laboratory assessment of the impact of brewery wastewater discharge on sulfide and methane production in a sewer

2010

Conference Publication

Application of the aerobic granular technology to treat domestic wastewater for biological nutrient removal

Verawaty, Marieska, Coma, Marta, Yuan, Zhiguo, Pijuan, Maite and Bond, Philip (2010). Application of the aerobic granular technology to treat domestic wastewater for biological nutrient removal. Ozwater'10, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 8-10 March 2010. Artarmon, N.S.W., Australia: Australian Water Association.

Application of the aerobic granular technology to treat domestic wastewater for biological nutrient removal

2010

Conference Publication

Investigation of the effects of chemical dosing in sewer using integrated modeling of sewer system and wastewater treatment plant

Sharma, K. R., Gutierrez, O., Corrie, S., O'Halloran, K., Capati, B. and Yuan, Z. (2010). Investigation of the effects of chemical dosing in sewer using integrated modeling of sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. 6th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks (SNP6), Gold Coast , Qld., Australia, 7-10 November 2010. London, United Kingdom: IWA Publishing.

Investigation of the effects of chemical dosing in sewer using integrated modeling of sewer system and wastewater treatment plant

2010

Conference Publication

New insights into sewer odour and corrosion

Rootsey, Ray and Yuan, Zhiguo (2010). New insights into sewer odour and corrosion. 6th International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks (SPN6), Gold Coast , Queensland, Australia,, 7-10 November 2010.

New insights into sewer odour and corrosion

2009

Journal Article

Enrichment of denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing microorganisms

Hu, Shihu, Zeng, Raymond J., Burow, Luke C., Lant, Paul, Keller, Jurg and Yuan, Zhiguo (2009). Enrichment of denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing microorganisms. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 1 (5), 377-384. doi: 10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00083.x

Enrichment of denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing microorganisms

2009

Journal Article

Gel-forming exopolysaccharides explain basic differences between structures of aerobic sludge granules and floccular sludges

Seviour, T., Pijuan, M., Nicholson, T., Keller, J. and Yuan, Z.G. (2009). Gel-forming exopolysaccharides explain basic differences between structures of aerobic sludge granules and floccular sludges. Water Research, 43 (18), 4469-4478. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.07.018

Gel-forming exopolysaccharides explain basic differences between structures of aerobic sludge granules and floccular sludges

2009

Journal Article

Sulfur transformation in rising main sewers receiving nitrate dosage

Jiang, Guangming, Sharma, Keshab Raj, Guisasola, Albert, Keller, Jurg and Yuan, Zhiguo (2009). Sulfur transformation in rising main sewers receiving nitrate dosage. WATER RESEARCH, 43 (17), 4430-4440. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.07.001

Sulfur transformation in rising main sewers receiving nitrate dosage

2009

Journal Article

Inhibition of sulfate-reducing and methanogenic activities of anaerobic sewer biofilms by ferric iron dosing

Zhang, Lishan, Keller, Jurg and Yuan, Zhiguo (2009). Inhibition of sulfate-reducing and methanogenic activities of anaerobic sewer biofilms by ferric iron dosing. Water Research, 43 (17), 4123-4132. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.06.013

Inhibition of sulfate-reducing and methanogenic activities of anaerobic sewer biofilms by ferric iron dosing

2009

Journal Article

Impact of nitrate addition on biofilm properties and activities in rising main sewers

Mohanakrishnan, J., Gutierrez, O., Sharma, K.R., Guisasola, A., Werner, U., Meyer, R.L., Keller, J. and Yuan, Z. (2009). Impact of nitrate addition on biofilm properties and activities in rising main sewers. Water Research, 43 (17), 4225-4237. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.06.021

Impact of nitrate addition on biofilm properties and activities in rising main sewers

2009

Journal Article

Effect of long term anaerobic and intermittent anaerobic/aerobic starvation on aerobic granules

Pijuan, Maite, Werner, Ursula and Yuan, Zhiguo (2009). Effect of long term anaerobic and intermittent anaerobic/aerobic starvation on aerobic granules. WATER RESEARCH, 43 (14), 3622-3632. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.05.007

Effect of long term anaerobic and intermittent anaerobic/aerobic starvation on aerobic granules

2009

Journal Article

Variation in Biofilm Structure and Activity Along the Length of a Rising Main Sewer

Mohanakrishnan, Janani, Sharma, Keshab Raj, Meyer, Rikke Louise, Hamilton, Geoff, Keller, Jurg and Yuan, Zhiguo (2009). Variation in Biofilm Structure and Activity Along the Length of a Rising Main Sewer. Water Environment Research, 81 (8), 800-808. doi: 10.2175/106143008X390771

Variation in Biofilm Structure and Activity Along the Length of a Rising Main Sewer

2009

Journal Article

Decolorization of azo dyes in bioelectrochemical systems

Mu, Yang, Rabaey, Korneel, Rozendal, Rene A., Yuan, Zhiguo and Keller, Jurg (2009). Decolorization of azo dyes in bioelectrochemical systems. Environmental Science and Technology, 43 (13), 5137-5143. doi: 10.1021/es900057f

Decolorization of azo dyes in bioelectrochemical systems

2009

Journal Article

Electrochemical regeneration of sulfur loaded electrodes

Paritam, K. Dutta, Rozendal, Rene A., Yuan, Zhiguo, Korneel, Rabaey and Keller, Jurg (2009). Electrochemical regeneration of sulfur loaded electrodes. Electrochemistry Communications, 11 (7), 1437-1440. doi: 10.1016/j.elecom.2009.05.024

Electrochemical regeneration of sulfur loaded electrodes

2009

Journal Article

Electron fluxes in a microbial fuel cell performing carbon and nitrogen removal

Virdis, Bernardino, Rabaey, Korneel, Yuan, Zhiguo, Rozendal, Rene A. and Keller, Jurg (2009). Electron fluxes in a microbial fuel cell performing carbon and nitrogen removal. Environmental Science and Technology, 43 (13), 5144-5149. doi: 10.1021/es8036302

Electron fluxes in a microbial fuel cell performing carbon and nitrogen removal

2009

Journal Article

A sequencing batch reactor system for high-level biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from abattoir wastewater

Lemaire, Romain, Yuan, Zhiguo, Bernet, Nicolas, Marcos, Marcelino, Yilmaz, Gulsum and Keller, Jurg (2009). A sequencing batch reactor system for high-level biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from abattoir wastewater. Biodegradation, 20 (3), 339-350. doi: 10.1007/s10532-008-9225-z

A sequencing batch reactor system for high-level biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from abattoir wastewater

2009

Journal Article

An improved process of filtering polluted NHD decarburizing solution by ceramic membrane

Shen, Hong-Yan, Liu, You-Zhi, Yuan, Zhi-Guo, Gao, Jing and Gu, Lei (2009). An improved process of filtering polluted NHD decarburizing solution by ceramic membrane. Xiandai Huagong/Modern Chemical Industry, 29 (6), 74-76.

An improved process of filtering polluted NHD decarburizing solution by ceramic membrane

Availability

Honorary Professor Zhiguo Yuan is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Airflow and temperature modelling for sewers

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jiuling Li

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding of Ventilation-Based Drying for Sewer Corrosion Control

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jiuling Li, Dr Zhetai Hu

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Data quality assurance in digitalisation of urban water management

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Helen Huang, Dr Jiuling Li, Dr Ruihong Qiu

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Understanding of Condensation-induced Concrete Corrsoion in the Sewer Crown Region

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone, Dr Jiuling Li

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Integrated use of magnesium and iron chemicals in urban wastewater systems

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Zhetai Hu

  • Doctor Philosophy

    In-depth understanding of bioprocess and microbial community in a novel methane-based membrane biofilm reactor

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jianhua Guo

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Extracellular Electron Transfer-Facilitated Microbial Conversion of Methanol by Eubacterium limosum

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Xueqin Zhang, Dr Bernardino Virdis

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Honorary Professor Zhiguo Yuan directly for media enquiries about:

  • Corrosion - sewers
  • Odour - sewers
  • Sewers
  • Wastewater management
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water treatment

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au