The water and wastewater sector are responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Every day, large volumes of sludge are generated, which must be treated to reuse standard but the sector is constrained on the amount of waste it can process due to the poor biodegradability of solids.
One approach to reducing waste quantities and associated emissions is integrating CO2 removal technologies e.g. coupling electro-methanogenesis, direct interspecies electron transfer materials, exogenous injection of CO2 etc to enhance sludge biological activity. In this context, simultaneous CO2 capture and utilisation show great promise because it enables sustainable conversion of organic waste streams to value-added products. This project will explore established and emerging methods in biogenic carbon capture and utilisation for sustainable value recovery from waste. The biological, physical and chemical mechanisms governing simultaneous CO2 Capture and utilisation will be examined using experimental and modelling approaches. The originality of the work lies in an integrated approach to wastewater treatment and optimisation of operational conditions for sludge digestibility, solubilisation, dewaterability and stabilisation.
Project outcomes are expected to inform the design and development of advanced waste-to-energy technologies for wastewater, providing opportunities for resource recovery and decarbonisation.
In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.
Information about the host department can be found by visiting:
www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering
www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/
Continue with Facebook
