Bioprocess research network for wastewater treatment
Bacteria are used by AD to break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen and convert it into biogases, such as hydrogen and methane. This approach can be applied to industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewater and offers opportunities for nutrient and energy recovery. It is now receiving growing interest as a core process for next-generation wastewater treatment systems. The BITA (Bioprocess and control engineering for wastewater treatment) project has investigated the use of modelling, monitoring and process control techniques in biological wastewater treatment. Project partners also studied microbial population dynamics and the recovery of energy from liquid and solid waste using different types of bioreactors. BITA facilitated the exchange of information through reciprocal visits by research staff. It also enhanced the professional development of MSc and PhD students through increased interaction with researchers in other groups working on similar topics. In addition, BITA enabled specific experimental modelling, monitoring and control tools held by one group of researchers to become available to other teams. The project will therefore play a significant role in improving wastewater treatment, while achieving a sustainable source of bioenergy in the form of biogas.
