Research Projects

In the proposed process bacteria will be used for separation of aromatic hydrocarbons. The aerogel/xerogels will be used as matrix to form a biofilm and then it will be utilized for pollutants separation. This process will be efficient and cost effective among the other methods (such as precipitation, ion exchange, etc.). The main advantage of the present proposal is on its porous aerogel based support/carrier and biological components: bacteria that produce large amounts of EPS could capture aromatic hydrocarbons and degrade them. The novelty of the work is based on the use of silica-aerogel to trap Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp in situ and Grow them inside the aerogel to form a biofilm. A major advantage of aerogel use is the opportunity to design almost any desired surface property without difficulty. By entrapping bacteria, and bio-organics on aerogel matrixes, it is easier to capture and bio-remediate the aromatic hydrocarbon from wastewater in situ. The aerogel with bacterial biofilm would aid in treating aromatic hydrocarbon contaminated wastewater. Both Sol-gel and aerogel technique can be a solution for better treatment of industrial wastewater containing organic materials.

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