With the advancement of water analysis methods and technology, our understanding of the presence of man-made pollutants in low-concentration water sources (“micro-pollutants”) originating in various industries has grown. These pollutants do not come directly from industry. It derives, however, through personal use, namely: analgesic drugs, hormones, antiepileptic drugs, and antibiotics from drug use; disinfectants, sunscreen agents and fragrances from personal care products; plasticizers, fire retardants and microplastics from household products; pesticides, herbicides and plant growth regulators from fruits and vegetables consumption.
Laboratory Goals
- Sensing and monitoring micro-pollutants in water and wastewater systems
- Modeling removal processes of micro-pollutants in water and wastewater systems
- Development of models that link the microbial community composition in biological wastewater treatment for the removal of micro-pollutants
- Integrating these models in the operation of water and wastewater treatment plants using simple sensors