Dr Ka Yu Cheng

Dr Ka Yu Cheng is a Senior Research Scientist within Healthy Communities Impact Group in the Industry Environments Program of CSIRO Environment. He is leading the Waste Beneficitation & Storage Team of the Group. He obtained his B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Phil. Degrees (Environmental Science) in Hong Kong, and joined CSIRO in 2010 after obtaining his PhD from Murdoch University on developing biotechnical processes for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. His research has led to 80+ international journal publications (H-index 31), three patent applications and a water technology innovation award in 2008. He is the recipient of CSIRO Land & Water Young Scientist of the Year Award in 2012. In September 2018, he was named as the leading Australian researcher in the field of biotechnology in The Australian’s Research magazine. Currently, he develops innovative processes for PFAS and other contaminant degradation, and the treatment of mining and other wastes streams driving towards circular economy and the sustainability of industries.

Dr Cheng has conducted research projects with a range of industry and agencies including the Water Corporation of Western Australia, Victoria EPA, NSW Environmental Trust, Direct Nickel, St Barbara, Newcrest, Vintage94, Evolution Mining, South32, etc.

His research areas have included: (Bio)-treatment of municipal and industrial waste streams; biodegradation of contaminants and bioremediation of contaminated sites; sensors for monitoring biofilm formation; microbial electrochemical reactor technologies (e.g. microbial fuel/ electrolysis cells); mining biotechnology; and resource recovery.