Our research focuses on the development of biotechnology approaches for the treatment of wastewater containing organic hazardous recalcitrant pollutants from different industries (textile, pulp and paper, petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical, etc.).
These compounds are difficult to remove by the traditional physicochemical and biological methods and, therefore, the development of novel alternative methods is required. In this sense, the utilization of redox enzymes produced by certain microorganisms seems particularly promising. The application of such enzymes on an industrial scale entails the design of processes that allows achieving high biodegradation levels at low cost. For this, different enzyme technology strategies are pursued.
Moreover, we integrate different enzyme technologies for the recovery of valuable products from wastewater and the valorization of lignocellulosic waste.
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To be acquired soon:
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Our goals
Environmental impact: reduction of waste disposal, highly yielded waste valorization, reduction of CO2 emissions, development of environmentally friendly (green) processes for the production of bioproducts, and effective biological wastewater treatment.
Economic impact: offering cost-effective green processes, creating new opportunities, increasing competitivity of the region, and generating additional revenue.
Social impact: dissemination of information and the creation of new job opportunities related to the developed technologies and products.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
- SDG 3 Good health and well-being
- SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
- SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 13 Climate action
- SDG 14 Life below water
- SDG 15 Life on land