About PETLab
The Process and Environmental Technology Lab (PETLab) is a leading research group within the Chemical Engineering Department of KU Leuven. PETLab has built extensive expertise in resource recovery, as well as the production of renewable chemicals and energy carriers from waste, by-products, and biomass streams. The group also pioneers advanced physico-chemical processes for the treatment of diverse wastewaters. PETLab’s interdisciplinary team currently includes 4 Professors, 16 PhD researchers, and 11 Post-doctoral researchers, who are engaged in innovative research and teaching activities that bridge environmental sustainability and technological development.
Our Mission
PETLab is dedicated to addressing the challenges of resource recovery and the development of sustainable energy solutions. Our mission is to design, optimize, and implement cutting-edge technologies that convert waste into valuable resources for real-world applications. Our work is strongly technology-driven, ensuring practical benefits for end-users and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Research Areas
- A) Biochemical Conversion
- Advanced biological wastewater treatment using methods like MBBR, CASP, UASB, and MBR.
- Anaerobic fermentation to produce biogas and other value-added compounds.
- Nutrient recovery, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and volatile fatty acids (VFA).
- B) Supporting Methods
- Pre- and post-treatment of wastewaters and organic by-products.
- In-depth analysis of complex wastewater and characterization of influents and effluents.
- Microbial identification of key species, genes, and enzymes.
- C) Chemical Processes
- Advanced oxidation and reduction processes for removing micro- and macro-pollutants.
- Hydrothermal extraction of valuable compounds from biomass.
- Electrochemical processes and corrosion studies.
PETLab remains committed to advancing the science and technology that enables cleaner water, better resource management, and a sustainable energy future.
