Engineered Biological Systems
Engineered Biological Systems
Engineered biological treatments such as wastewater treatment plants are amazing. Thousands of different types of seemingly anonymous micro-organisms come together in an engineered space to remove pollutants.
Most of the time, these engineered systems work, but occasionally they fail. Successful biological treatment is critical as it remains one of the most cost-effective processes for pollutant removal.
We believe that all biological treatment plants operate to essentially the same rules. Therefore, understanding the rules that govern microbial communities is key to their successful design and operation.
Microbial ecology provides a new scientific basis for engineering better systems. We are applying a synthesis of ecological theories and DNA-based molecular measurement tools to understand and predict how microbial communities assemble, change over time and respond to nutrients and other resources.
In addition, our research focuses on integrating quantitative microbial data into simple process models for microorganisms involved in specific process functions or problems.
Projects
- ECOSERV - designed ecosystem services for biological treatment
- ENERMIN - energy-use minimisation in residuals management in the personal care product industry
- Wastewater treatment plant design
- Improving anaerobic digestion
- Cleaning wastewater with bacteria
Manpreet Bagga
Research Assistant
Email: manpreet.bagga@ncl.ac.uk
Professor Thomas Curtis
Professor of Environmental Engineering
Email: tom.curtis@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6690
Professor Russell Davenport
Engineering for the Environment and Human Health
Email: russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5544
Professor David Graham
Professor of Ecosystems Engineering
Email: david.graham@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7930
Dr Elizabeth Heidrich
Newcastle University Research Fellow
Email: elizabeth.heidrich@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8997
Dr Paola Meynet
Marie Curie and CEG School Fellow
Email: paola.meynet@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7091
Dr Dana Ofiteru
Senior Lecturer
Email: dana.ofiteru@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5618
Dr Mohammad Rajaeifar
Research Associate
Email: mohammad.rajaeifar@ncl.ac.uk
Dr Denis Taniguchi
Research Associate
Dr Pavlina Theodosiou
Research Associate
Professor David Werner
Environmental Systems Modelling
Email: david.werner@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5099