Population increase and economic development are placing considerable pressure on freshwater resources and the ecosystem that they sustain. In many countries and basins the state of aquatic ecosystems and their functions and services has been deteriorating, with detrimental influence on human wellbeing. Monitoring the state of water streams represents an increased cost and is normally not done continuously.

The proposed project will research the development of electrochemical biosensors for non-expensive and continuous water monitoring. Electrochemical devices are based in biofuel cells, a technology that can facilitate the on-line monitoring of compounds in streams. Biofuel cells convert the chemical energy contained in water into electrical current using bacteria as catalyst. The electrical current can be proportional to different compounds such as organic matter, metals or nutrients enabling their detection.

This is a multidisciplinary project which derives from current laboratory work. The candidate will further develop knowledge in bioprocess engineering, bioelectronics, biotechnology and environmental engineering. Communication, management and organizational skills will be also further developed when engaging with our current industrial and overseas partners.

This project will investigate the production of biodiesel and/or bioethanol from mixed cultures of microalgae grown using wastewater. The student undertaking this work will characterize the types of microalgae and macronutrients (lipids, carbohydrate and proteins) present in mixed cultures. This will lead to an assessment of the potential fuels to be derived from mixed microalgae.

Experiments will require laboratory work and will start with the production of microalgae using wastewater and specified conditions. After this, the student will harvest the microalgae, dry and characterize macronutrients.

During this stage, appropriate characterization techniques will be assessed and further improved. Once the macronutrients are obtained, the student will investigate the most suitable biofuel to be produced from these microalgae and, undertake experiments for the production of biodiesel and/or bioethanol