My research group is currently investigating new wastewater treatment technologies for: (1) Nutrient removal/recovery; (2) Heavy metal removal; (3) Water reuse; and (4) Anaerobic digestion. We study bioelectrochemical systems and ion exchange membrane applications for energy-efficient recovery of nutrients from wastewater (e.g., source separated human urine, dewatering centrate). We also research bioelectrochemical systems for efficient separation of toxic heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, chromium) from wastewater. Anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge is another key area in my research program. To improve biogas production and sludge stabilization, we look into kinetics of various biological reactions in thermophilic pretreatment of wastewater sludge. We are also developing new numerical models and sludge characterization methods for reliable prediction in wastewater sludge treatment.
My group also researches fundamentals of bioelectrochemical systems or microbial electrochemistry cells, such as (1) Electron transfer models; (2) Kinetic constant estimation; and (3) Bioanode sensors. We are currently developing reliable enzyme kinetic models to understand electric current generation by exoelectrogenic bacteria. We also work on estimating kinetic constants for the growth and decay of exoelectrogenic bacteria in microbial electrochemistry cells. Bioanode sensors are an emerging technology as a water quality monitoring tool because bioanodes can create measurable electric signals by exoelectrogenic bacteria and the bacteria are sensitive to various water quality parameters, such as readily biodegradable organics, heavy metals, and nutrients. We are focusing on eliminating and controlling the hysteresis effect which is known to be one of the main challenges for accurate bioanode sensor applications.
PUBLICATIONS
B.E., M.S. (Korea University) Ph.D. (Texas at Austin)
Canada Research Chair Tier II in Water and Health
Code | Title | Instructor | Outline | Info |
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CIVENG 4V04 Technical Elective | Biological Aspects of Wastewater Treatment |
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CIVENG 6V04 Graduate | Biological Aspects of Wastewater Engineering |
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CIV ENG 749 Graduate | Numerical methods in water and wastewater treatment processes |
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CIV ENG 747 Graduate | Microbiology for Environmental Engineers |
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CIV ENG 735 Graduate | Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes |
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CIVENG 4V04 Undergraduate | Biological Aspects of Wastewater Treatment |
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CIVENG 3L03 Undergraduate | Water Quality |
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