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Anaerobic methane oxidation processes in wastewater management, as sustainable applications against climate change

Project description

Understanding anaerobic methane oxidation processes

Wastewater management and sewage treatment are important in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Technological advancements have led to qualitative steps taken during the last 20 years due to the discovery of the anaerobic oxidation processes of both ammonia and methane and their role in wastewater treatment. This is why understanding the microbial ecophysiology in full-scale engineered sewage systems is important. However, recent studies on physiology and microbial ecology have yielded limited results, although such studies could lead to sustainable wastewater management. The EU-funded MICROWATER project will apply innovative biological methodologies and advanced bio-reactor technology combined with the use of existing treatment systems as models to understand and disentangle the potential of the processes in wastewater management.

Objective

Microorganisms control the fluxes of geochemical cycles, and new anaerobic microbial processes are new. Only 20 years ago, the anaerobic oxidation processes of both ammonia and methane were discovered. Anammox bacteria discovered in 1999, became a successful application for ammonia removal in full-scale wastewater after 10 years of fundamental physiological studies in controlled bioreactors. Anaerobic processes integrated in oxygen-limited systems, offer significant engineering, financial and environmental advantages. 9 years ago, microorganisms that oxidize methane using nitrate and/or nitrite were discovered; these “anaerobic methane oxidizers” have the potential to revolutionize the current challenges in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in wastewater transport and sewage treatment. For that to happen, the understanding of the intricate microbial ecophysiology in full-scale engineered sewage systems is of extreme importance. Physiology and microbial ecology studies have yielded limited results in the last 5 years, and studies such as this proposal, are relevant to advance sustainable wastewater management. In this project, we apply state-of-the-art omics, modern bio-reactor technology, and use current real treatment systems as models; to unravel further their potential. The candidate Dr. Guerrero, has extensive knowledge in their physiology and enrichment crucial to expand the knowledge gap in this field needed to truly develop new applications. The supervisor Dr. Pijuan, has the experience and knowledge in applied engineering in sewage treatment and this proposal can enhance the leadership role of female mentors. ICRA as host institution, has a multidisciplinary team and extensive facilities to host the research and maximize its impact in the field. This proposal will focus on connecting research to an applied context by engaging leaders in water management, and developing international relationships, and forming new innovation human resource.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

FUNDACIO INSTITUT CATALA DE RECERCA DE L'AIGUA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 259 398,72
Address
CALLE EMILI GRAHIT EDIFICI H20 101
17003 Girona
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Girona
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 259 398,72
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