Brett Turner

Professor Brett Turner from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of Technology Sydney is a leading expert in geo-environmental remediation, PFAS contamination, and geochemical kinetics with over 20 years of experience. He heads a state-of-the-art emerging contaminant analysis laboratory equipped with LC/MSMS, FTIR, and Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) instruments.

• PhD Environmental Engineering (University of Newcastle, 1999-2003)
• B.Sc (Hons 1) (University of Newcastle, 1994-1999)

His research focuses on PFAS remediation using natural materials like hemp protein, fluoride removal via calcite permeable barriers, and soil stabilization in coastal environments. Recent publications examine pollen bioaccumulation of PFAS, salinity effects on clay plasticity, and metal ion impacts on defluoridation.

Current funding includes an ARC Discovery Indigenous grant (2024-2027) for protein-enhanced landfill clay liners to manage PFAS transport. Awards include the 2015 Discovery Indigenous Research Fellowship and the 2017 Newcastle University Chancellor’s Award for Innovation Excellence.

He teaches 49116 Contaminated Site Remediation and Waste Management, emphasizing practical skills in GIS, contaminant transport modeling, and remediation strategies under ASTM standards. His laboratory investigates emerging contaminants through advanced analytical techniques and field testing (CPTu, zeta-potential).