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Associate Professor Steven Pratt
Associate Professor

Steven Pratt

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54943

Overview

Background

Biography:

Associate Professor Steven Pratt is known internationally for his work on the development of polyhdroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics, and their associated wood-fibre composites, and nationally for his delivery of training courses to environmental professionals.

He has authored over 150 scientific publications, with his major contribution to the field of environmental biotechnology being the invention of the TOGA® Sensor for examination and control of biotech/bioprocess systems.

He leads the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites at UQ, and has won awards for his outstanding contribution to supervision and enhancing the research supervision culture.

Research:

Assocaite Professor Pratt is a research and education leader in environmental engineering, known internationally for his work on the development of polyhdroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics, and their associated wood-fibre composites, and nationally for his delivery of training courses to environmental professionals. His research is industrially relevant; he has published on models for effective industry-education partnerships.

He is now Director of the new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites. ARC Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites

Plastics are now ubiquitous in our lives, and the systems within our modern society could not function without these light weight, easily formable, strong, cheap, durable, and readily available materials. However, our success at engineering such useful materials has created a systemic problem, with more than 10 million tonnes of plastic leaking into the global environment annually. Urgent change is needed to address this ‘plastic crisis’, and biodegradable bioplastics, along with their natural fibre composites, will play a pivotal role in this transition to a more sustainable plastics economy. Already, we are witnessing unprecedented growth in the global bioplastics industry – the projected annual growth to 2030 is 16-30%, leading to an estimated global market value of US$40B. As the world transitions towards the integration of bioplastics into a more sustainable plastics economy, there is a real opportunity for Australia to transform our existing plastics industry. Australia is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in the emerging bioplastic and biocomposite industry this decade, supported by our abundance of the raw natural materials needed for their manufacture. The ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy.

Teaching and Learning:

Dr Pratt has taught a variety of courses in process engineering, including Environmental Systems Engineering, Wastewater Treatment, Clean Technology and Environmental Biotechnology.

Additionally, he has run the IWES Principles of Wastewater Treatment course, which has an intake of about 100 professionals each year.

Projects:

ARC ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposties.

Availability

Associate Professor Steven Pratt is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research impacts

Steven has authored nearly 150 scientific papers on related topics, with his major contribution to the field of environmental biotechnology being the invention of the TOGA® Sensor for examination and control of biotech/bioprocess systems. Widespread interest in TOGA® led to an agreement between Massey University and Scion for the commercialisation of the technology.

Works

Search Professor Steven Pratt’s works on UQ eSpace

152 works between 2000 and 2024

1 - 20 of 152 works

2024

Journal Article

Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments

Read, Tracey, Chaléat, Céline, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul and Chan, Clement Matthew (2024). Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 209 117114, 117114. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117114

Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments

2024

Journal Article

Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV

Lawless, Samuel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2024). Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 229 110976, 110976. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110976

Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV

2024

Journal Article

The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials

Read, Tracey, Chan, Clement Matthew, Chaléat, Céline, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul (2024). The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials. Science of The Total Environment, 931 172771, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172771

The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials

2024

Journal Article

The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown

Lawless, Samuel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2024). The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 227 110888, 110888. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110888

The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown

2024

Journal Article

Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review

Mai, Jingjing, Kockler, Katrin, Parisi, Emily, Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 263 (Part 1) 130204, 130204. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130204

Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review

2024

Journal Article

Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture

Witt, Torsten, Robinson, Nicole, Palma, Ana C., Cernusak, Lucas A., Pratt, Steven, Redding, Matthew, Batstone, Damien J., Schmidt, Susanne and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture. Journal of Environmental Quality, 53 (3), 287-299. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.20552

Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture

2024

Journal Article

Occurrence and behaviour of colloidal silica and silica-rich nanoparticles through stages of reverse osmosis treating coal seam gas associated water

Sarabian, Esmaeil, Birkett, Greg and Pratt, Steven (2024). Occurrence and behaviour of colloidal silica and silica-rich nanoparticles through stages of reverse osmosis treating coal seam gas associated water. Water Research, 249 120866, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120866

Occurrence and behaviour of colloidal silica and silica-rich nanoparticles through stages of reverse osmosis treating coal seam gas associated water

2024

Journal Article

Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent

Konarova, Muxina, Batalha, Nuno, Fraga, Gabriel, Ahmed, Mohamed H.M., Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent. Waste Management, 174, 24-30. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.023

Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent

2024

Journal Article

Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria

Hülsen, Tim, Venturato, Daniel, Chan, Clement, Vandi, Luigi, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Stegman, Samuel, van Loosdrecht, Mark and Batstone, Damien J. (2024). Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria. Journal of Cleaner Production, 434 140001, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140001

Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria

2023

Journal Article

Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents

Mai, Jingjing, Garvey, Christopher J., Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents. Chemical Engineering Journal, 475 146175, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.146175

Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents

2023

Journal Article

A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation

Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Halley, Peter (2023). A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation. Functional Composite Materials, 4 (1) 10. doi: 10.1186/s42252-023-00048-w

A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation

2023

Journal Article

Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments

Colwell, John, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments. Science of the Total Environment, 894 165025, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165025

Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments

2023

Journal Article

Synergistic effect of calcium and magnesium on silica polymerization ancolloidal silica fouling in bench-scale reverse osmosis filtration

Sarabian, Esmaeil, Birkett, Greg and Pratt, Steven (2023). Synergistic effect of calcium and magnesium on silica polymerization ancolloidal silica fouling in bench-scale reverse osmosis filtration. Desalination and Water Treatment, 308, 1-17. doi: 10.5004/dwt.2023.29923

Synergistic effect of calcium and magnesium on silica polymerization ancolloidal silica fouling in bench-scale reverse osmosis filtration

2023

Journal Article

Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry

Mai, Jingjing, Pratt, Steven, Laycock, Bronwyn and Chan, Clement Matthew (2023). Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry. Polymers, 15 (15) 3257. doi: 10.3390/polym15153257

Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry

2023

Other Outputs

Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland

Camenzuli, Louise, Syme, Rosie, Downie, Rachelle, McKinley, Belle, Chan, Jennifer, Lant, Paul, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Chan, Clement (2023). Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/20d45a9

Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland

2023

Journal Article

Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate

Mai, Jingjing, Chan, Clement Matthew, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2023). Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate. Macromolecules, 56 (6), 2328-2338. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02513

Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate

2022

Journal Article

Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate

Chan, Clement Matthew, Lyons, Rebecca, Dennis, Paul G., Lant, Paul, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate. Environmental Science andTechnology, 56 (24), 17732-17742. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06583

Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate

2022

Journal Article

Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites

Chan, Clement Matthew, Martin, Darren, Gauthier, Emilie, Jensen, Paul, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2022). Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites. Polymers, 14 (18) 3704, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/polym14183704

Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites

2022

Journal Article

Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions

Liu, Yiting, Li, Wen, Li, Kai, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Pratt, Steven, Hassanpour, Morteza, Lu, Haiqin and Zhang, Zhanying (2022). Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions. Carbohydrate Polymers, 291 119602, 119602. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119602

Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions

2022

Journal Article

Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol

Mai, Jingjing, Chan, Clement Matthew, Colwell, John, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 205 110123, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110123

Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol

Funding

Current funding

  • 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
  • 2019 - 2024
    Efficient CO and CO2 conversion to biopolymers using phototrophic bacteria
    ARC Discovery Projects
    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
  • 2018 - 2023
    MLA - Wastes to Profits (Meat and Livestock Australia grant administered by Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Tough bio-derived and biodegradable wood plastic composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Mitigation of silica nanoparticle scaling in water treatment
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Environmentally responsive biocomposite fertilisers
    Queensland Government Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Novel catalytic process for sustainable diesel production from waste (CRC-P administered by Eco Fuel Innovations Ptd Ltd)
    Eco Fuel Innovations Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    More profit from Nitrogen - New technologies and managements: transforming nitrogen use efficiency in cane production
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Fertilisers from piggery liquid effluent and solids via nutrient extraction and solid formulations
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Intracellular manufacturing - high performance biomaterials from methane
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Mitigation of silica-associated scaling in CSG water treatment facilities
    QGC Pty Limited
    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
  • 2012 - 2015
    Adsorption on activated alumina: mitigating fouling of water treatment processes caused by deposition of silica, organics and hardness ions
    ARC Linkage Projects
    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
  • 2012
    Potential for mass algal production in Rio Tinto Alcans's wastewater ponds
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    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 - 2012
    Testing the removal of organic compounds from highly saline water
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Queensland-China Climate Change Fellowship Program: Sino-Australian academic exchange on watershed water quality management
    Queensland-China Climate Change Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Next generation bioplastics: Production of PHA bioplastics from organic waste
    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
  • 2008 - 2009
    Microstructure of PHA bioplastics produced in mixed cultures
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Steven Pratt is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • PhD scholarships in Bioplastics

    Scholarships available, up to $45,000 p.a. tax free

    12-month industry placements

    There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. The new ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. We are a collaboration between industry, The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Our vision is to perform leading edge research and to develop industry-ready specialists to underpin Australia’s transition to a globally significant bioplastics and biocomposites industry.

    Up to 3 scholarships are available for outstanding PhD candidates to work in a multidisciplinary research team, embedded in industry. PhD projects are available in each of the following themes: Bioresource transformation, Bioplastic manufacture, Bioplastics applications, Effecting change and sustainability assessment.

    We have a critical focus on providing an exceptional PhD experience. We will deliver targeted training and development opportunities including: leadership, innovation, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and project management.

    As a Centre student you will receive mentoring from academic and industry leaders, access internal funding opportunities, and gain real world experience through extensive industry placements.

  • Green additives and fillers

    ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites - Fully funded PhD Scholarship of $35,000 pa (with potential for a top up of $10,000 pa for outstanding students). Applicants with skills/experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or material processing are encouraged to apply.

    There is booming demand for eco-materials, based on biodegradation polymers. But commercially relevant bioplastics are much more than the biopolymers upon which they are based.

    This project considers the impact of additives and fillers on degradation rates of bioplastics (and the mobilisation of those additives and fillers to the environment) – with the aim of developing alternative ‘green’ fillers and additives.

    This project is developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, with the view to facilitating the transition to a ‘greener’ plastics future.

  • Sustainable bioplastics

    ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites - Fully funded PhD Scholarship of $35,000 pa (with potential for a top up of $10,000 pa for outstanding students). Applicants with skills/experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or material processing are encouraged to apply.

    Bioplastics are forecast to play an increasingly important role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. However, not all bioplastics are necessarily benign – even biodegradable bioplastics.

    The aims of this project are to develop commercially relevant bioplastic products from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and to understand the (bio)degradation and potential impacts of those bioplastics in various environments.

    The project is developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, with the view to facilitating production of environmentally benign alternatives to conventional packaging materials.

  • Sustainable bioplastics

    Bioplastics are forecast to play an increasingly important role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. However, not all bioplastics are necessarily benign – even biodegradable bioplastics.

    This project facilitates bringing PHA bioplastics, which are bioderived and truly biodegradable, to market.

    Contact me for further info.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Steven Pratt directly for media enquiries about:

  • biomaterials
  • bioplastics
  • wastewater
  • water
  • wood plastic composites

Need help?

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

communications@uq.edu.au