CEEES - Enhancing the microbial community of a novel biofilm reactor for improved performance

Wastewater treatment accounts for around 4% of all electrical power consumption in the United States, and also is a significant direct source of greenhouse gases (GHG).  A novel bioreactor, the membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR), can significantly reduce energy consumption and direct emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful GHG with a global warming potential of 310 times that of CO2.  We currently are working with an global environmental firm to develop new applications for the MABR.  In particular, we are trying to manipulate the biofilm microbial community structure to enhance "partial nitritation-anammox."   The student would work under the direction of a doctoral student in operating an lab-scale MABR reactor and analyzing samples.  Modeling may also be part of the work.