DC5: Novel functionalized carriers to induce specific biofilm formation and promote biotransformation efficiency (WP2)
Host institution: KU Leuven (Belgium)
Supervisor: Lise Appels (PhD promoter)
Objectives: To innovate the encapsulation of micro-nutrients within functionalized carriers, facilitating biofilm formation and promoting biotransformation of micropollutants and wastewater compounds.
DC5 will study the encapsulation of essential micro-nutrients within novel, carbon-based carriers, aiming to significantly amplify the anaerobic biodegradation of persistent micropollutants. By designing carriers tailored to the needs of the microbial consortia under scrutiny, the project will explore the optimization of nutrient delivery on the microorganism level, thereby enhancing the metabolic breakdown of key priority pollutants. DC5 will conduct a series of experiments to assess the impact of these carriers on the biodegradation kinetics of various micropollutants, investigating the potential for scaling up the technology for real-world water treatment scenarios. The project seeks not only to bridge the gap between materials science and environmental engineering but also to set a new standard for resource-efficient, sustainable water purification methods.
Expected results: Lower required dosage of micronutrients, Insights into the relationship between encapsulation parameters and the controlled release of micronutrients for efficient biodegradation.
Planned secondments:
- BVE A/S (Sup.: Chitra Raju): M30-32, 3 months: Application of functionalized materials in pilot-scale reactors;
- UPatras (Sup.: D. Mantzavinos): M18-21; 4 months: Design and synthesis of noval catalytically-coats carriers.
Enrolment in Doctoral degree: KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School of Science, Engineering and Technology (BE)
Ideal candidate profile:
- Having a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Experience in microbial processes, biofilm formation, and wastewater treatment processes especially using biological techniques.
- Skills and knowledge in biotransformation, nutrient delivery systems, and biodegradation kinetics. Having skills in encapsulation techniques is a plus.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.
Recruited candidate: Sofia Contarini