Professor Steven Pratt
Professor

Steven Pratt

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54943

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

Professor Steven Pratt is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Engineering Environmental engineering Materials engineering Polymers and plastics

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.

Search Professor Steven Pratt’s works on UQ eSpace

158 works between 2000 and 2025
All (158) Journal Article (124) Book Chapter (4) Conference Publication (26) Other Outputs (4)

101 - 120 of 158 works

2014

Journal Article

Composting of waste algae: A review

Han, Wei, Clarke, William and Pratt, Steven (2014). Composting of waste algae: A review. Waste Management, 34 (7), 1148-1155. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.01.019

Composting of waste algae: A review

2014

Journal Article

Biodegradable polymers from pulp and paper wastewater streams - a critical review

Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Halley, Peter, Werker, Alan and Lant, Paul (2014). Biodegradable polymers from pulp and paper wastewater streams - a critical review. Appita Journal, 67 (4), 309-315.

Biodegradable polymers from pulp and paper wastewater streams - a critical review

2013

Journal Article

In-line monitoring of thermal degradation of PHA during melt-processing by Near-Infrared spectroscopy

Montano-Herrera, Liliana, Pratt, Steven, Arcos-Hernandez, Monica V., Halley, Peter J., Lant, Paul A., Werker, Alan and Laycock, Bronwyn (2013). In-line monitoring of thermal degradation of PHA during melt-processing by Near-Infrared spectroscopy. New Biotechnology, 31 (4), 357-363. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2013.10.005

In-line monitoring of thermal degradation of PHA during melt-processing by Near-Infrared spectroscopy

2013

Journal Article

Modelling microalgal activity as a function of inorganic carbon concentration: accounting for the impact of pH on the bicarbonate system

Keymer, Philip C., Lant, Paul A. and Pratt, Steven (2013). Modelling microalgal activity as a function of inorganic carbon concentration: accounting for the impact of pH on the bicarbonate system. Journal of Applied Phycology, Online First (3), 1-8. doi: 10.1007/s10811-013-0146-9

Modelling microalgal activity as a function of inorganic carbon concentration: accounting for the impact of pH on the bicarbonate system

2013

Journal Article

Development of a novel Electrochemical System for Oxygen Control (ESOC) to examine dissolved oxygen inhibition on algal activity

Keymer, Philip C., Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul A. (2013). Development of a novel Electrochemical System for Oxygen Control (ESOC) to examine dissolved oxygen inhibition on algal activity. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 110 (9), 2405-2411. doi: 10.1002/bit.24905

Development of a novel Electrochemical System for Oxygen Control (ESOC) to examine dissolved oxygen inhibition on algal activity

2013

Journal Article

Enhanced biogas production using cow manure to stabilize co-digestion of whey and primary sludge

Shilton, A., Powell, N., Broughton, A., Pratt, C., Pratt, S. and Pepper, C. (2013). Enhanced biogas production using cow manure to stabilize co-digestion of whey and primary sludge. Environmental Technology, 34 (17), 2491-2496. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2013.774032

Enhanced biogas production using cow manure to stabilize co-digestion of whey and primary sludge

2013

Journal Article

Physicochemical and mechanical properties of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV)

Arcos-Hernandez, Monica V., Laycock, Bronwyn, Donose, Bogdan C., Pratt, Steven, Halley, Peter, Al-Luaibi, Salah, Werker, Alan and Lant, Paul A. (2013). Physicochemical and mechanical properties of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV). European Polymer Journal, 49 (4), 904-913. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2012.10.025

Physicochemical and mechanical properties of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV)

2013

Journal Article

High pressure thermal hydrolysis as pre-treatment to increase the methane yield during anaerobic digestion of microalgae

Keymer, Philip, Ruffell, Ian, Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul (2013). High pressure thermal hydrolysis as pre-treatment to increase the methane yield during anaerobic digestion of microalgae. Bioresource Technology, 131, 128-133. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.12.125

High pressure thermal hydrolysis as pre-treatment to increase the methane yield during anaerobic digestion of microalgae

2013

Journal Article

The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates

Laycock, Bronwyn, Halley, Peter, Pratt, Steven, Werker, Alan and Lant, Paul (2013). The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates. Progress In Polymer Science, 38 (3-4), 536-583. doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2012.06.003

The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates

2013

Journal Article

Algal growth and community structure in a mixed-culture system using coal seam gas water as the water source

Buchanan, Jessica, Slater, Frances R., Bai, Xue and Pratt, Steven (2013). Algal growth and community structure in a mixed-culture system using coal seam gas water as the water source. Environmental Technology, 34 (6), 695-701. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2012.715676

Algal growth and community structure in a mixed-culture system using coal seam gas water as the water source

2013

Journal Article

Active slag filters: rapid assessment of phosphorus removal efficiency from effluent as a function of retention time

Shilton, Andy, Chen, Leon, Elemetri, Ibrahim, Pratt, Chris and Pratt, Steven (2013). Active slag filters: rapid assessment of phosphorus removal efficiency from effluent as a function of retention time. Environmental Technology, 34 (2), 195-200. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2012.689365

Active slag filters: rapid assessment of phosphorus removal efficiency from effluent as a function of retention time

2013

Conference Publication

Biodegradable polymers from pulp and paper wastewater streams

Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Halley, Peter, Werker, Alan and Lant, Paul (2013). Biodegradable polymers from pulp and paper wastewater streams. 2013 Appita Annual Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 8-10 May 2013. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Appita.

Biodegradable polymers from pulp and paper wastewater streams

2012

Journal Article

Phosphorus recovery from wastewater through microbial processes

Yuan, Zhiguo, Pratt, Steven and Batstone, Damien J. (2012). Phosphorus recovery from wastewater through microbial processes. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 23 (6), 878-883. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2012.08.001

Phosphorus recovery from wastewater through microbial processes

2012

Journal Article

Waste activated sludge as biomass for production of commercial-grade Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

Arcos-Hernandez, M. V., Pratt, S., Laycock, B., Johansson, P., Werker, A. and Lant, P. A. (2012). Waste activated sludge as biomass for production of commercial-grade Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Waste and Biomass Valorisation, 4 (1), 117-127. doi: 10.1007/s12649-012-9165-z

Waste activated sludge as biomass for production of commercial-grade Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

2012

Journal Article

Biodegradation in a soil environment of activated sludge derived polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV)

Arcos-Hernandez, Monica V., Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Donose, Bogdan C., Nikolić, Melissa A. L., Luckman, Paul, Werker, Alan and Lant, Paul A. (2012). Biodegradation in a soil environment of activated sludge derived polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV). Polymer Degradation and Stability, 97 (11), 2301-2312. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.07.035

Biodegradation in a soil environment of activated sludge derived polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV)

2012

Journal Article

Inhibition by fatty acids during fermentation of pre-treated waste activated sludge

Pratt, S., Liew, D., Batstone, D. J., Werker, A. G., Morgan-Sagastume, F. and Lant, P. A. (2012). Inhibition by fatty acids during fermentation of pre-treated waste activated sludge. Journal of Biotechnology, 159 (1-2), 38-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.02.001

Inhibition by fatty acids during fermentation of pre-treated waste activated sludge

2012

Journal Article

Gas controlled hydrogen fermentation

Bastidas-Oyanedel, Juan-Rodrigo, Mohd-Zaki, Zuhaida, Zeng, Raymond J., Bernet, Nicolas, Pratt, Steven, Steyer, Jean-Philippe and Batstone, Damien John (2012). Gas controlled hydrogen fermentation. Bioresource Technology, 110, 503-509. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.122

Gas controlled hydrogen fermentation

2012

Journal Article

Microaerophilic conditions support elevated mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) yields, but result in decreased PHA production rates

Pratt, S., Werker, A., Morgan-Sagatume, F. and Lant, P. (2012). Microaerophilic conditions support elevated mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) yields, but result in decreased PHA production rates. Water Science and Technology, 65 (2), 243-246. doi: 10.2166/wst.2012.086

Microaerophilic conditions support elevated mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) yields, but result in decreased PHA production rates

2012

Journal Article

Microbial community analysis during continuous fermentation of thermally hydrolysed waste activated sludge

Cirne, D. G., Bond, P., Pratt, S., Lant, P. and Batstone, D. J. (2012). Microbial community analysis during continuous fermentation of thermally hydrolysed waste activated sludge. Water Science and Technology, 65 (1), 7-14. doi: 10.2166/wst.2011.705

Microbial community analysis during continuous fermentation of thermally hydrolysed waste activated sludge

2011

Journal Article

Chemical techniques for pretreating and regenerating active slag filters for improved phosphorus removal

Pratt, C., Shilton, A., Haverkamp, R. G. and Pratt, S. (2011). Chemical techniques for pretreating and regenerating active slag filters for improved phosphorus removal. Environmental Technology, 32 (10), 1053-1062. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2010.525749

Chemical techniques for pretreating and regenerating active slag filters for improved phosphorus removal

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 - 2024
    Efficient CO and CO2 conversion to biopolymers using phototrophic bacteria
    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

Availability

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

Enquiries

Contact 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