Dr William Scott

Room: EnvSc/2.056

Research

Environmental modelling; computer-aided learning; groundwater hydrology

Projects

Maple and Environmental Science

Evolution of a working book on the use of the symbolic manipulator Maple. Includes writing Maple codes for applications in hydrogeology, physical chemistry and atmospheric science. The study component applies the techniques to all aspects of environmental science as well as the development of new application methods. The thrust is toward the teaching of symbolism and numeracy at all levels in science. Two working volumes have been completed, the first volume was published by Springer Verlag in 2001.

Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS)

ASS are produced when sulfidic underground strata are disturbed and oxidised in the air, through excavations, dewatering or aerated rainwater. Sulfuric acid is produced and waters of extreme acidity ((pH ~ 2) results in the mobilisation of heavy metals including As, Cd, Pb and Al, a toxic brew. In mining this appears as 'acid mine drainage'. ASS are common in Perth, from marine, industrial or wetland origins; they can occur at depths (>10m) because of the ancient geology. Development affects ASS and mitigation is expensive, if not impossible. The surrounds and waters downstream become acid or are poisoned; there is also damage to the infrastructure of bridges and foundations. Elsewhere and in the East legislation has been used to stop/limit development in ASS. ASS need to be defined in WA, maps prepared. A specific project in a problem area might be supported by the Water and Rivers Commission, local government or developers.

Capel Wetlands Groundwater Study

The mining of mineral sands produces a disturbed landscape without vegetation, a separation of fine and coarse materials, pits or hillocks, and contamination. A shining example of restoration is the Capel Wetlands Centre, a lake chain of more than a dozen decent sized lakes, about 300 km south of Perth, on Geographe Bay. The lakes are now vegetated and colonised, a habitat for many native and migrating animals. Support from the mining industry, the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union and government has also meant that the site has a documented background and is ideal for studying surface and groundwater movement and contamination effects, in an artificial geology.

Radioactivity in Homes in the Foothills

The granite clay and lateritic material in the foothills are often associated with increased radiation from the noble gases radon and thoron. This often leads to high levels of radiation in homes, either because of location or building materials; a well-known effect around the world. There are a number of ways of dealing with it; good design with appropriate air exchange are normally sufficient. Another observation is that very high levels of radiation occur at odd times. The purpose of this study is to document these observations and relate them, as possible, to the local meteorological situation.

Heat transfer in compost heaps

(In collaboration with The Centre for Organic Waste Management)

Application of heat and mass balance principles to compost heaps, with the symbolic manipulator Maple. This is a living ecosystem, with oxygen, nutrient and thermal requirements; a simplest solution will remain complex and maybe chaotic. The hope is to treat simple shapes and revise the mathematical solutions already known to include simultaneous heat and mass transfer, in several dimensions. With some parameterization and fitting the algorithms to data from real heaps, a general working model should evolve, one that allows engineering design within some certainty.

Modern Composting Toilets

(In collaboration with Dr Kuruvilla Mathew)

Such toilets do not need to be 'hidden' or 'smelly'; some are used on commercial trains and boats in Europe. With the intentions of use in Australia, this study would collect together information and attempt a design suitable for Australia and perhaps, Perth. It would also look into perceptions and approval difficulties, including requirements for use. One possible design has already been drafted.

Physical Chemistry of Kidney Stones

Murdoch has a deep experience in waste and wastewater management, soils and biology. One relates to struvite, magnesium ammonium phosphate, a primary component of some phosphate rocks, an expensive slow-release fertilizer, as well as a contaminant of canned seafoods and important material in kidney stones. The equilibrium and kinetics of this material and the calcium counterpart are not well known and application of the symbolic manipulator Maple has revealed many interesting solid/liquid/ionic species. The intent of this study is to produce solutions including a wide variety of metals, ligands and organic complexes and verify the results with observations.

Iron Bacteria

Exploration of bacteria affecting the delivery of groundwater in Perth, in terms of pumping costs, the invasion of the 'country' and irrigation. Perhaps pumping costs are doubled because of bacteria have invaded pumps, pipes and even clogged the aquifer.

The Real Cost of Water

General overviewof personal, industrial and government costing of water in Perth. Would require a deep search through archives to reveal the agreements made by governments and industry as well as a look at environmental costs, past, present and future. Are the people of Perth really the worst wasters of water in the world? Is this simply because water costs so little?

Groundwater under Murdoch

Complile the data on groundwater required to upgrade the measured water table values. Run a simplest model of groundwater flow and attempt to predict future effects of climate or altered pumping. Murdoch has started a 'Murdoch Water Strategy'. How is it going? Does it need upgrading? What are the economics?

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