New PhD student Oscar Santiago is at the vortex of the quest for sustainable treatment methods for coal seam gas (CSG) water.

His research site will be located at Westside's gas lease near Moura, using a pilot plant developed in concert with previous CQUniversity research focused on the management of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and salinity and other contaminants of concern in CSG 'associated water'.

Oscar Santiago (centre) with Ben Kele (left) and Jim Kelly from Arris Water

CQUniversity researcher Ben Kele has paved the way for the fresh PhD study, building on his own projects and experiences running his own company specialising in water treatment (previously known as Midell Water but now rebadged as Arris Water). For details visit http://water.arris.com.au/

Arris, which has an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding with the University, has now bought into Midell Water. The combined companies have a wide range of research and communication skills.

The new-look Arris Water is now sponsoring two research scholarships at CQUniversity, including support for Oscar to complete his PhD project.

While not on site at the Westside gas lease, Oscar will be based at CQUniversity's CQ Innovation and Research Precinct (CQIRP) in Rockhampton.

Mr Kele noted that Oscar is a past student of the ICEWaRM program, for which CQUniversity has provided key content on the formation, production, treatment and management of water associated with coal seam gas (CSG) operations.