Access profile

Given the goal of increasing internationalisation, and in line with the Pathway to Excellence quality requirements that apply to the doctoral programme in Environmental Engineering, the most suitable academic background for applicants is a master’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences or a related field (engineering, chemistry, physics, etc.). Applicants should be high academic achievers with the solid training needed to take a rigorous, high-quality approach to their proposed thesis topic. They should also have good oral and written communication skills, particularly in English, and be able to articulate and specify their main research interests in the field of environmental engineering.

Output profile

Doctoral candidates who complete a doctoral degree will have acquired the following competencies, which are needed to carry out quality research (Royal Decree 99/2011, of 28 January, which regulates official doctoral studies):

a) A systematic understanding of the field of study and a mastery of the research skills and methods related to the field.
b) An ability to conceive, design or create, put into practice and adopt a substantial process of research or creation.
c) An ability to contribute to pushing back the frontiers of knowledge through original research.
d) A capacity for critical analysis and an ability to assess and summarise new and complex ideas.
e) An ability to communicate with the academic and scientific community and with society in general as regards their fields of knowledge in the manner and languages that are typical of the international scientific community to which they belong.
f) An ability to foster scientific, technological, social, artistic and cultural progress in academic and professional contexts within a knowledge-based society.

The award of a doctoral degree must equip the graduate for work in a variety of settings, especially those requiring creativity and innovation. Doctoral graduates must have at least acquired the personal skills needed to:

a) Develop in contexts in which there is little specific information.
b) Find the key questions that must be answered to solve a complex problem.
c) Design, create, develop and undertake original, innovative projects in their field.
d) Work as part of a team and independently in an international or multidisciplinary context.
e) Integrate knowledge, deal with complexity and make judgements with limited information.
f) Offer criticism on and intellectually defend solutions.

Finally, with respect to competencies, doctoral students must:
a) have acquired advanced knowledge at the frontier of their discipline and demonstrated, in the context of internationally recognised scientific research, a deep, detailed and well-grounded understanding of theoretical and practical issues and scientific methodology in one or more research fields;
b) have made an original and significant contribution to scientific research in their field of expertise that has been recognised as such by the international scientific community;
c) have demonstrated that they are capable of designing a research project that serves as a framework for carrying out a critical analysis and assessment of imprecise situations, in which they are able to apply their contributions, expertise and working method to synthesise new and complex ideas that yield a deeper knowledge of the research context in which they work;
d) have developed sufficient autonomy to set up, manage and lead innovative research teams and projects and scientific collaborations (both national and international) within their subject area, in multidisciplinary contexts and, where appropriate, with a substantial element of knowledge transfer;
e) have demonstrated that they are able to carry out their research activity in a socially responsible manner and with scientific integrity;
f) have demonstrated, within their specific scientific context, that they are able to make cultural, social or technological advances and promote innovation in all areas within a knowledge-based society;
g) have demonstrated that they are able to participate in scientific discussions at the international level in their field of expertise and disseminate the results of their research activity to audiences of all kinds.

Number of places

10

Duration of studies and dedication regime

Duration
The maximum period of study for full-time doctoral studies is three years, counted from the date of admission to the programme to the date of submission of the doctoral thesis. The academic committee of the doctoral programme may authorise a doctoral candidate to pursue doctoral studies on a part-time basis. In this case, the maximum period of study is five years, counting from the date of admission to the programme to the date of submission of the doctoral thesis. For calculating these periods, the date of admission is considered to be the date of the first enrolment for tutorials, and the date of submission the moment in which the Doctoral School officially deposits the doctoral thesis.

For full-time doctoral candidates, the minimum period of study is two years, counted from the date of an applicant's admission to the programme until the date on which the doctoral thesis is deposited; for part-time doctoral candidates it is four years. When there are justified grounds for doing so, and the thesis supervisor and academic tutor have given their authorisation, doctoral candidates may request that the academic committee of their doctoral programme exempt them from the minimum period of study requirement.

The calculation of periods of study will not include periods of absence due to illness, pregnancy or any other reason provided for in the regulations in force. Students who find themselves in any of these circumstances must notify the academic committee of the doctoral programme, which, where appropriate, must inform the Doctoral School. Doctoral candidates may also temporarily withdraw from the programme for up to one year, and this period may be extended for an additional year. Doctoral candidates who wish to interrupt their studies must submit a justified request to the academic committee of the doctoral programme, which will decide whether or not to approve the request. Each programme will establish conditions for readmission to doctoral studies.

Extension
If full-time doctoral candidates have not applied to deposit their thesis by the end of the three-year period of study, the academic committee of the programme may authorise an extension of up to one year. In exceptional circumstances, a further one-year extension may be granted, subject to the conditions established by the corresponding doctoral programme. In the case of part-time doctoral candidates, an extension of two years may be authorised. In both cases, in exceptional circumstances a further one-year extension may be granted by the Doctoral School's Standing Committee, upon the submission of a reasoned application by the academic committee of the doctoral programme.

Dismissal from the doctoral programme
A doctoral candidate may be dismissed from a doctoral programme for the following reasons:

• The doctoral candidate submitting a justified application to withdraw from the programme.
• The maximum period of study and of extensions thereof ending.
• The doctoral candidate not having enrolled every academic year (unless he or she has been authorised to temporarily withdraw).
• The doctoral candidate failing two consecutive assessments.
• The doctoral candidate having disciplinary proceedings filed against him or her that rule that he or she must be dismissed from the UPC.

Dismissal from the programme implies that doctoral candidates cannot continue studying at the UPC and the closing of their academic record. This notwithstanding, they may apply to the academic committee of the programme for readmission and the committee must reevaluate them in accordance with the criteria established in the regulations.

Organization

• Espino Infantes, Manolo

• Casals Casanova, Miquel
• Casanova Hormaechea, Ignasi
• Díaz Cruz, Silvia
• Espino Infantes, Manolo
• Ferrer Marti, Ivet
• Gibert Agullo, Oriol
• Gutierrez Bouzan, Maria Carmen
• Querol Carceller, Xavier
• Romeu Garbi, Jordi
• Sanchez Vila, Xavier

• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (PROMOTORA)
• Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology
• Department of Chemical Engineering
• Department of Fluid Mechanics
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Department of Project and Construction Engineering
• Terrassa Institute of Textile Research and Industrial Cooperation
• University Research Institute for Sustainability Science and Technology

Agreements with other institutions

1. BSC
2. GIRO
3. Mediterranean Office for Youth Label: MOY mobility grants
4. Cooperation agreement with the University of Aveiro (UA, Portugal)
5. Cooperation agreement with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH, Greece)
   

Access profile

Given the goal of increasing internationalisation, and in line with the Pathway to Excellence quality requirements that apply to the doctoral programme in Environmental Engineering, the most suitable academic background for applicants is a master’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences or a related field (engineering, chemistry, physics, etc.). Applicants should be high academic achievers with the solid training needed to take a rigorous, high-quality approach to their proposed thesis topic. They should also have good oral and written communication skills, particularly in English, and be able to articulate and specify their main research interests in the field of environmental engineering.

Access requirements

Applicants must hold a Spanish bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a Spanish master’s degree or equivalent, provided they have completed a minimum of 300 ECTS credits on the two degrees (Royal Decree 43/2015, of 2 February)

In addition, the following may apply:

• Holders of an official degree awarded by a university in Spain or any other country in the European Higher Education Area, pursuant to the provisions of Article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, of 29 October, which establishes official university course regulations, who have completed a minimum of 300 ECTS credits on official university degrees, of which at least 60 must be at the master's degree level.
• Holders of an official Spanish bachelor’s degree comprising at least 300 credits, as provided for by EU regulations. Holder of degrees of this kind must complete bridging courses unless the curriculum of the bachelor’s degree in question included research training credits equivalent in value to those which would be earned on a master's degree.
• Holders of an official university qualification who, having passed the entrance examination for specialised medical training, have completed at least two years of a training course leading to an official degree in a health-sciences specialisation.
• Holders of a degree issued under a foreign education system. In these cases, homologation is not required, but the UPC must verify that the degree certifies a level of training equivalent to an official Spanish master's degree and qualifies the holder for admission to doctoral studies in the country where it was issued. Admission on this basis does not imply homologation of the foreign degree or its recognition for any purpose other than admission to doctoral studies.
• Holders of a Spanish doctoral qualification issued under previous university regulations.

Note 1: Doctoral studies entrance regulations for holders of an undergraduate degree awarded before the introduction of the EHEA (CG 47/02 2014)

Note 2: Governing Council Decision 64/2014, which approves the procedure and criteria for assessing the fulfilment of academic admission requirements for doctoral studies by holders of non-homologated foreign degrees (CG 25/03 2014)

Admission criteria and merits assessment

In addition to the general admission requirements, the academic committee also considers the points listed below. Applicants are assigned a score for each criterion. The maximum total score possible is 200 points:

Criterion: A. Entrance qualification

Description: A master's degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences or a related field (engineering, chemistry, physics, etc.).
It is recommended that applicants hold a degree which ensures that they have the high level of training and specialisation required to successfully work on the specific research topics of the doctoral programme in Environmental Engineering.

Weighting: maximum 10 points

Criterion: B. Academic record:

Description: Applicants should have an average mark of 1.60 or higher on their academic record, based on the following 1–4 scale: 

Pass = 1. 

Good = 2.

Excellent = 3. 

Distinction = 4, in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 1497/1987, partially amended by Royal Decree 1044/2003, of 1 August

Weighting: maximum 25 (minimum 7)

Criterion: Assessment of the institution where the entrance qualification was obtained

Description: A score is assigned for the quality of the institution(s) where the applicant completed the bachelor’s and/or master's degree that qualifies them for admission to the doctoral programme (based on the rankings indicated on http://www.webometrics.info)

Weighting: maximum 10 points

Criterion: D. Level of English

Description: Applicants who are not natives of English-speaking countries (listed at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/admissions/how-to-apply/apply-toefl.html) must demonstrate proficiency in this language: (e.g. IELTS, min. 6.0; TOEFL, min. 170 CBT, 500 PBT, 60 iBT; Cambridge, min. FCE, ISE mid-intermediate or equivalent).
The doctoral programme is carried out in an international context in which doctoral students are required to have oral and written communication skills in English.

Weighting: maximum 15 points (minimum: 5 points)


Criterion: E. Motivation and topics of interest

Description: Assessment of the applicant's motivation to pursue doctoral studies and the fit between the topics they are interested in and the research areas and projects carried out on the programme.

Weighting: maximum 7 points


Criterion: F. Other aspects of the applicant’s CV

Description: Previous research experience, professional qualifications, other degrees, other languages, etc.

Weighting: maximum 4 points

Criterion: G. Recommendations

Description: Assessment of the applicant, carried out by other professors or researchers who can prove that they have had an academic or professional relationship with the applicant.

Weighting: maximum 4 points


Criterion: H. Availability of grants or other sources of funding for the preparation of the applicant’s thesis

Description: The aim is to prioritise applicants who have financial resources or sources of funding to complete their doctoral studies: grants, scholarships or financial aid provided by national or international bodies or by the applicant’s previous university, funding provided under the terms of cooperation agreements or within the framework of research projects, etc.

Weighting: 25 points (if the applicant has funding)


Criterion: I. Interview

Description: The interview will focus on the applicant’s interests in relation to the development of their thesis, the topics they are interested in, and questions based on the content of their CV. Interviews will be conducted by at least one member of the academic committee, either in person or via remote video connection (if necessary) to assess each applicant’s capabilities and how well their interests and expertise align with the research topics the programme focuses on.

Weighting: maximum 100 points (minimum 75)

Applications must be submitted electronically at https://www.upc.edu/preinscripcio/home_candidat.php?idioma=2, together with the following attached documents:
• A covering letter in which the applicant indicates the research topic or area they are interested in
• Letters of reference (at least 2)
• A photocopy of the applicant's passport or national identity document
• Photocopies of the university degrees that qualify the applicant for admission to the doctoral programme
• A photocopy of the applicant's academic record (official academic transcript with marks obtained)
• Documentation substantiating the applicant’s level of English or in other languages ​​(if available)
• Documentary evidence of any sources of funding for the thesis
All applications received will be assessed before each enrolment period (twice during the academic year). The academic committee will decide which applicants to admit and will communicate its decision via the same intranet used for the application process. Admissions will only be valid for the academic year in which the corresponding application was submitted.

Assessment and selection
The assessment and selection process will be conducted in two stages:
1. Assessment and scoring of points A to H by the academic committee (maximum possible score: 100 points). Applicants who obtain a score of less than 75 points will not progress to the next stage and will not be admitted to the doctoral programme in Environmental Engineering.

2. In the second stage, the remaining applicants will be interviewed (criterion I). The maximum possible score for the interview is 100 points. Applicants who receive a score of less than 75 points will not be admitted to the programme.
At the end of the selection process, applicants with a score of 150 or more out of 200 will be deemed eligible for admission to the doctoral programme in Environmental Engineering. The list of eligible applicants (ordered by score) will be published.
Applicants will be admitted to the doctoral programme in the order in which they appear on this list until all available places are filled. Eligible applicants who are not admitted to the programme will be placed on a reserve list in order of the score obtained. These applicants may be admitted to the programme if any of the admitted applicants give up their places.

Training complements

Applicants who have completed a master's degree in environmental engineering, environmental sciences or a related field (engineering, chemistry, physics, etc.) do not need to take any bridging courses.
In the case of students admitted with other degrees, the academic committee will review each student's curriculum vitae and indicate the bridging courses that they must take from among subjects of the master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. Bridging courses may provide research or cross-disciplinary training, but in no case may doctoral students be required to enrol for 60 or more ECTS credits. In such cases, the committee will keep track of the bridging courses completed and establish appropriate criteria to limit their duration.
Taking into account the doctoral student activity report, the academic committee may propose measures that complement those specified in these regulations and which result in doctoral students who do not meet the specified requirements being excluded from the programme.
As indicated at the start of this section, when students are admitted, the academic committee of the doctoral programme may define requirements for additional methodological or scientific training on a case-by-case basis according to each student’s academic background and experience. The bridging courses students are required to take will be subjects of the master's degree linked to the programme: the UPC’s master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. Thesis supervisors who note gaps in a student’s training or believe they need additional advanced training in one or more subjects related to their doctoral thesis may require that the student concerned complete additional training specific to their needs. This additional training will involve students attending specialised courses, seminars and/or workshops, and/or completing stays at research centres to complete their training in specific areas related to their thesis topic.
Any bridging courses specified by the academic committee of the doctoral programme as a condition for admission must be completed within a year and a half (18 months). Students who have not successfully completed any bridging courses required within their first 18 months in the programme may be excluded by the academic committee.
In the case of additional training required by thesis supervisors or academic tutors, the time limit is 12 months from the time that students are informed of this requirement. Thesis supervisors or academic tutors may request that the academic committee exclude students who do not meet training requirements within this time period.

Enrolment period for new doctoral students

In September and October (dates to be confirmed each academic year). Extraordinary enrolment period in February.

More information at the registration section for new doctoral students

Enrolment period

In September and October (dates to be confirmed each academic year).

More information at the general registration section

Procedure for the preparation and defense of the research plan

Doctoral candidates must submit a research plan, which will be included in their doctoral student activity report, before the end of the first year. The plan may be improved over the course of the doctoral degree. It must be endorsed by the tutor and the supervisor, and it must include the method that is to be followed and the aims of the research.

At least one of these annual assessments will include a public presentation and defence of the research plan and work done before a committee composed of three doctoral degree holders, which will be conducted in the manner determined by each academic committee. The examination committee awards a Pass or Fail mark. A Pass mark is a prerequisite for continuing on the doctoral programme. Doctoral candidates awarded a Fail mark must submit a new research plan for assessment by the academic committee of the doctoral programme within six months.

The committee assesses the research plan every year, in addition to all of the other activities in the doctoral student activity report. Doctoral candidates who are awarded two consecutive Fail marks for the research plan will be obliged to definitely withdraw from the programme.

If they change the subject of their thesis, they must submit a new research plan.

Formation activities

a) Tutorial

• 288 hours.

Type: compulsory.

b) Programme-specific seminars and workshops

• 18 hours.

Type: optional.

c) Publications

• 280 hours.

Type: optional.

d) Periods of mobility

• 480 hours.

Type: optional.

e) Training in information skills

• 1.5 hours.

Type: optional.

f) Research methodology

• 12 hours.

Type: optional.

g) Innovation and creativity

• 8 hours.

Type: optional.

h) Language and communication skills

• 18 hours.

Type: optional.

i) Conferences

• 48 hours.

Type: optional.

j) Assessment based on doctoral student activity report (DAD) and research plan

• 4 hours.

Type: compulsory.

Procedure for assignment of tutor and thesis director

The academic committee of the doctoral programme assigns a thesis supervisor to each doctoral candidate when they are admitted or enrol for the first time, taking account of the thesis supervision commitment referred to in the admission decision.

The thesis supervisor will ensure that training activities carried out by the doctoral candidate are coherent and suitable, and that the topic of the candidate’s doctoral thesis will have an impact and make a novel contribution to knowledge in the relevant field. The thesis supervisor will also guide the doctoral candidate in planning the thesis and, if necessary, tailoring it to any other projects or activities undertaken. The thesis supervisor will generally be a UPC professor or researcher who holds a doctoral degree and has documented research experience. This includes PhD-holding staff at associated schools (as determined by the Governing Council) and UPC-affiliated research institutes (in accordance with corresponding collaboration and affiliation agreements). When thesis supervisors are UPC staff members, they also act as the doctoral candidate’s tutor.

PhD holders who do not meet these criteria (as a result of their contractual relationship or the nature of the institution to which they are attached) must be approved by the UPC Doctoral School's Standing Committee in order to participate in a doctoral programme as researchers with documented research experience.

The academic committee of the doctoral programme may approve the appointment of a PhD-holding expert who is not a UPC staff member as a candidate’s thesis supervisor. In such cases, the prior authorisation of the UPC Doctoral School's Standing Committee is required. A UPC staff member who holds a doctoral degree and has documented research experience must also be proposed to act as a co-supervisor, or as the doctoral candidate’s tutor if one has not been assigned.

A thesis supervisor may step down from this role if there are justified reasons (recognised as valid by the committee) for doing so. If this occurs, the academic committee of the doctoral programme will assign the doctoral candidate a new thesis supervisor.

Provided there are justified reasons for doing so, and after hearing any relevant input from the doctoral candidate, the academic committee of the doctoral programme may assign a new thesis supervisor at any time during the period of doctoral study.

If there are academic reasons for doing so (an interdisciplinary topic, joint or international programmes, etc.) and the academic committee of the programme gives its approval, an additional thesis supervisor may be assigned. Supervisors and co-supervisors have the same responsibilities and academic recognition.

The maximum number of supervisors of a doctoral thesis is two: a supervisor and a co-supervisor.

For theses carried out under a cotutelle agreement or as part of an Industrial Doctorate, if necessary and if the agreement foresees it this maximum number of supervisors may not apply. This notwithstanding, the maximum number of supervisors belonging to the UPC is two.

More information at the PhD theses section

Permanence

The academic committee of the programme may authorise an extension of up to one year for full-time doctoral candidates who have not applied to deposit their thesis by the end of the three-year period of study, in the terms outlined in the Academic Regulations for Doctoral Studies of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. In the case of part-time candidates, an extension of two years may be authorised. In both cases, in exceptional circumstances a further one-year extension may be granted by the Doctoral School's Standing Committee, upon the submission of a reasoned application by the academic committee of the doctoral programme.

A doctoral candidate may be dismissed from a doctoral programme for the following reasons:

• The doctoral candidate submitting a justified application to withdraw from the programme.
• The maximum period of study and of extensions thereof ending.
• The doctoral candidate not having enrolled every academic year (unless he or she has been authorised to temporarily withdraw).
• The doctoral candidate failing two consecutive assessments.
• The doctoral candidate having disciplinary proceedings filed against him or her that rule that he or she must be dismissed from the UPC.

Dismissal from the programme implies that doctoral candidates cannot continue studying at the UPC and the closing of their academic record. This notwithstanding, they may apply to the academic committee of the programme for readmission and the committee must reevaluate them in accordance with the criteria established in the regulations.

International Mention

The doctoral degree certificate may include International Doctorate mention. In this case, the doctoral candidate must meet the following requirements:

a) During the period of study leading to the award of the doctoral degree, the doctoral candidate must have spent at least three months at a respected higher education institution or research centre outside Spain to complete courses or do research work. The stays and activities carried out must be endorsed by the thesis supervisor and authorised by the academic committee of the programme. The candidate must provide a certifying document issued by the person responsible for the research group of the body or bodies where the stay or activity was completed. This information will be added to the doctoral student’s activity report.
b) Part of the thesis (at least the summary and conclusions) must be written and presented in one of the languages commonly used for science communication in the relevant field of knowledge, which must not be an official language of Spain. This rule does not apply to stays and reports in Spanish or to experts from Spanish-speaking countries.
c) At least two PhD-holding experts belonging to a higher education institution or research centre outside Spain must have issued officially certified reports on the thesis.
d) The thesis examination committee must have included at least one PhD-holding expert from a higher education or research institution outside Spain who was not responsible for the candidate’s stay abroad (point a) above).
e) The thesis defence must have taken place on UPC premises or, in the case of joint programmes, at the location specified in the collaboration agreement.

List of authorized thesis for defense

• BELOHLAV, VOJTECH: lntensification of mixing and homogenisation of culture medium in photobioreactors for microalgae production
  
  Author: BELOHLAV, VOJTECH
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Change of supervisor
  Deposit date: 07/09/2021
  Reading date: pending
  Reading time: pending
  Reading place: pending
  Thesis director: UGGETTI, ENRICA | JIROUT, TOMAS | KRATKY, LUKAS
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: SKOCILAS, JAN
       SECRETARI: BLANCO AGUILERA, RICARDO
       VOCAL: PETERA, KAREL
       VOCAL: FEKETE, ROMAN
       VOCAL: ¿ULC, RADEK
  Thesis abstract: Due to the large volume of the processed medium in pilot or industrial cultivation systems, it is difficult to illuminate the entire layer of the culture medium, which results in the formation of dark zones. Due to insufficient mixing, also an unbalanced utilization of nutrients contained in the culture medium or formation of temperature gradients can occur. Microalgal biofilm formation attached to the transparent walls of closed photobioreactors (PBRs) is also a significan! limitation associated with scaling-up, since it can significantly reduce the intensity of incident light. According to those factors, the hydrodynamic conditions of the culture medium are an importan! parameter in the scaling-up of cultivation systems, since it affects the mixing and the homogeneity of the culture medium. Efficient mixing can: 1) allow all microalgal cells to reach the irradiated area (light zone) of the culture medium; 2) prevent the formation of temperature gradients or sedimentation of microalgal cells; 3) intensify mass transfer resulting in more efficient utilization of nutrients. Moreover, the intensification of flow in the a rea clase to the transparent walls of the cultivation system can also result in an in crease of wall shear stress and a reduction of biofilm formation. The aim of this thesis was to study the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on parameters affecting the production of microalgae in two cultivation systems: a hybrid horizontal tubular photobioreactor (HHT PBR) and a closed flat panel photobioreactor (FP PBR). To this end, a multi-physical model was created to study the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on microalgae cultivation. Based on the experimental measurements, a numerical model simulating the hydrodynamic conditions in transparent HHT PBR tubes was validated. Through the model, the influence of different operating conditions on the mixing of the culture medium were investigated. The developed multi-physical model allowed to investigate the influence of operating conditions on the distribution of light in the culture medium and the production of microalgae, The model showed that, in systems working with a large !ayer of culture medium or a high concentration of microalgae, the intensification of mixing increases the production of microalgae. To do this, the hydrodynamic conditions in the cultivation system should be brought as clase as possible to the state where the entire volume of the culture medium is ideally mixed. This state can be achieved by increasing the flow rate in the tubes or by using static mixers installed in the tubes of the PBR. Hydrodynamics in FP PBR were more complex than in HHT PBR. By comparing the created ydrodynamic model with experimental measurements, the influence of hydrodynamics on the prevention of biofilm formation was specified as well. The created hydrodynamic model allowed to optimize the operating and design parameters of the FP PBR. In arder to intensify the mixing and homogenize the flow of the culture medium in the FP PBR, a static mixer was designed. Compared to the empty FP PBR chamber, the homogenization time was reduced and the homogenous flow in the chamber was ensured by the installed static mixer The multi-physical model developed in this thesis has preved to be an efficient tool to understand the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on microalgae production. Based on experimental measurements and numerical models, the operating conditions of HHT PBR and FP PBR were optimized. To further intensify the mixing and homogenize the flow of the culture medium, a static mixer was designed, which demonstrated a positive effect on the hydrodynamic conditions of the culture system. Overall, the created numerical model is a useful tool to improve existing cultivation systems, to acquire knowledge during the scale-up of cultivation systems or for designing novel PBRs.
  
• CARNERERO QUINTERO, CRISTINA: Dynamics of ultrafine particles and tropospheric ozone episodes
  
  Author: CARNERERO QUINTERO, CRISTINA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Article-based thesis
  Deposit date: 21/07/2021
  Reading date: 30/09/2021
  Reading time: 11:00
  Reading place: ETSECCPB- Defensa per videoconferència per COVID-19 Enllaç: https://meet.google.com/tcw-cdir-yrf
  Thesis director: QUEROL CARCELLER, XAVIER | ALASTUEY UROS, JOSE ANDRES
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: ARTIÑANO RODRÍGUEZ DE TORRES, BEGOÑA
       SECRETARI: PEY BETRÁN, JORGE
       VOCAL: PIÑEIRO IGLESIAS, MARIA
  Thesis abstract: Atmospheric aerosol particles, particularly ultrafine particles (UFPs; particles with less than 100 nm in diameter), and tropospheric ozone (O3) are atmospheric pollutants highly influenced by photochemical reactions, i.e., processes initiated by the absorption of solar radiation. High concentrations of ambient UFPs and O3 have important adverse effects on human health and impact on climate.Areas with high insolation and atmospheric dynamics favoring the accumulation of pollutants by vertical recirculation of air masses, such as the Western Mediterranean and other regions of Southern Europe, often register episodes with high concentrations of UFPs and O3, especially in spring and summer. UFPs episodes might be caused by the emission and accumulation of particles or by the photochemical formation of particles from gaseous precursors (new particle formation; NPF).The objective of this thesis is to characterize the relationship between UFPs and O3 in areas and periods with important photochemical activity. More specifically, this thesis aims at (i) identifying the atmospheric patterns causing the episodes, (ii) establishing whether these pollutants are driven by the same processes or occurring in parallel and (iii) describing how UFP concentrations have evolved over the last years.Based on these objectives, we analyzed data gathered during intensive field campaigns of simultaneous surface-level and vertical measurements, as well as long-term series of continuous measurements. Combining these, we focus on evaluating the seasonality and simultaneity of UFPs and O3 episodes, identifying the key contributing atmospheric factors and providing insights on the influence of NPF on the concentration of UFPs.We found that two distinct scenarios govern the formation and transport of UFPs and O3: recirculation of air masses and venting. The occurrence of either scenario is determined by large-scale meteorology, whereas the magnitude of concentrations is modulated by the availability of precursors and local atmospheric and orographic conditions. Our results indicate that acute UFPs episodes are undoubtedly linked with O3 episodes. Yet, the episodes may or may not be simultaneous on the same day. The occurrence of an O3 episode seems to be always concurrent with an UFPs episode caused by accumulation of primary and secondary particles during recirculation periods. However, high UFPs concentrations caused by NPF are mainly occurring with lower (but relatively high in absolute values) O3 concentrations during venting periods.When considering the average annual UFPs concentrations in urban locations, primary traffic emissions have a greater contribution to the total number of particles than NPF. Yet, on days with NPF events, the contribution from NPF to UFPs might be higher than that from primary emissions.Although NPF events do not occur in most of the days, the number of days with NPF events is increasing, probably due to a decreasing trend in the anthropogenic atmospheric emissions in recent years, which caused a decline in the particle sinks. Thus, the contribution of NPF to the number concentration of UFPs is also increasing. The total concentration of UFPs may either increase or decrease, depending on the local conditions and precursor emissions. In urban environments, the decline in anthropogenic emissions causes a direct decrease in the concentration of UFPs. In rural environments, NPF becomes more favorable and the concentration of UFPs increases. This might be related to increasing local biogenic emission of precursors, as well as a reduction of sinks due to a decline in transported anthropogenic emissions.Abatement policies implemented in recent years aiming at decreasing anthropogenic emissions of atmospheric pollutants have had a major impact in the concentration of UFPs at urban environments. However, these policies have not had a significant impact in the regional background, where UFPs have increased.
  
• FLORES ROSELL, LAURA: Constructed wetlands for winery wastewater treatment: Sustainability and circular economy in the wine sector
  
  Author: FLORES ROSELL, LAURA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 12/07/2021
  Reading date: 01/10/2021
  Reading time: 11:00
  Reading place: ETSECCPB- Defensa per videoconferència per COVID-19 Enllaç: https://meet.google.com/mvj-ixdf-swc
  Thesis director: GARFI, MARIANNA | GARCIA SERRANO, JOAN
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: VYMAZAL, JAN
       SECRETARI: CORBELLA VIDAL, CLARA
       VOCAL: GRAS MOREU, ANNA
  Thesis abstract: The wine industry generates large volumes of wastewater originating from various processes and operations carried out during wine production. Winery wastewater (WWW) is characterized by highly variable flows and loadings. Indeed, more than half of the annual wastewater flow and load is produced during the vintage season, when grape is harvested and grape juice is handled and managed. Spain is one of the world's largest wine-producing countries. Nevertheless, in most of the Spanish wineries wastewater is still not properly treated or managed. In this context, constructed wetlands (CWs) constitute a suitable alternative to conventional systems (e.g. activated sludge systems, membrane bioreactors) for WWW treatment due to their low cost, low energy requirement, easy operation and maintenance and their integration into the landscape. From a technical point of view, full-scale applications of CWs have demonstrated to reduce more than 90% of the organic pollutants and solids from WWW producing suitable water for multiple reuse purposes such as irrigation. Moreover, primary treatments of CWs can produce sludge which can be stabilised in sludge treatment wetlands (STWs) producing biofertilizers and soil conditioners. The production of reclaimed water and biofertilizers from WWW can promote the circular economy in the wine sector increasing their sustainability. Although CWs application in the wine sector has been widely proved from a technical point of view, there are still no studies which assess and quantify their environmental benefits in the context of circular economy.This PhD Thesis aims to assess and quantify the environmental benefits of CWs for WWW treatment compared with existing and conventional solutions. To address this objective, a life cycle assessment (LCA), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurements and a carbon footprint (CFP) evaluation were carried out comparing CW systems with conventional technologies and other existing alternatives (i.e. activated sludge system and third-party management). This research has been carried out in the frame of the WETWINE project (http://wetwine.eu/) which aimed to promote environmentally friendly and innovative solutions to treat effluents produced by wine industries in the South-West of Europe. Thus, this research was based on the study of different full-scale systems implemented in wineries located in Galicia (Spain), Portugal and Southern France. In particular, a CW system has been designed and implemented in a winery located in Galicia, in which experimental activities have been carried out. The results of the LCA showed that the environmental impacts of CWs were between 1.5 and 180 times lower than the third-party management alternative and between 1 and 10 times lower than the activated sludge system. GHG emissions (carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4)) were monitored in a CW and an activated sludge systems using an on-site Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) gas analyser. Results highlighted that surface emission rates from the CW system were lower than those released by the activated sludge system. Furthermore, seasonally, daily and instantaneous variability in emissions as well as spatial variability were recorded and reported. The CFP of the CW system was up to 42 times lower in comparison with the third-party management and up to 4 times lower than the activated sludge system. Finally, an economic assessment was conducted. CWs can reduce winery costs associated with WWW treatment up to 50% for the construction and up to 98% for the operation and maintenance. Finally, this PhD Thesis assessed and quantified, for the first time, the environmental benefits of CWs for WWW treatment. CWs were proven to be a sustainable solution for WWW and sludge treatment, since they are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative which can promote the circular economy in wineries enabling sludge and water treatment and reuse on-site.
  
• GASPARINI, ANDREA: Experimental and numerical modelling of CO2 behaviour in the soil-atmosphere interface. lmplications far risk assessment of carbon capture storage projects.
  
  Author: GASPARINI, ANDREA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Article-based thesis
  Deposit date: 07/02/2020
  Reading date: pending
  Reading time: pending
  Reading place: pending
  Thesis director: GRANDIA I BORRÀS, FIDEL | BRUNO I SALGOT, JORGE
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: VOLTATTORNI, NUNZIA
       SECRETARI: FOLCH DURAN, ARNAU
       VOCAL: MAZADIEGO MARTINEZ, LUIS FELIPE
  Thesis abstract: CO2 geological storage is considered one of the options technologically viable in order to decrease the industrial emissions of this gas species that strongly contribute to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere (IPCC, 2005). As naturally, oil and gas are stored in porous rocks that have the same key geological features required for CO2 storage, so CCS aim to recreate a natural process to trap carbon dioxide for millions of years into deep saline aquifer or depleted oil and gas fields. Episodic release of CO2 from underground can occur from either natural processes (i.e., mantle degassing, thermal decarbonation, volcanic areas) or industrial (geological storage of CO2, CCS). Because of leakage can occur at every step of a CCS project, monitoring assumes an important role not only during and after injection but also before in order to know the state of the entire site from deep underground (reservoir level) to surface. In this respect, the use of atmospheric dispersion numerical models helps predicting the dispersion of the CO2-enriched gas plume once emitted from underground and allows an accurate map of risk level through time under particular meteorological conditions. The aim of this PhD. project is to give a better understanding of CO2 behaviour in the unsaturated zone and its atmospheric dispersion. The results are obtained from experimental and numerical modelling of CO2 leakage from an artificial leakage site and from natural analogues applied to risk assessment for CCS sites. To reach the above-mentioned targets and to prove results, this research plan combines experimental activity on site and numerical modelling. The first part of the research plan consisted of a contribution in the PISCO2 project at the ES.CO2 facilities placed in Ponferrada (Spain). The objective of this project was to predict how the injected CO2 will move laterally and vertically in the unsaturated zone and to determine the critical parameters that will affect the ecosystems. This part has been published in a peer review journal and presented in an international congress.The second part of the PhD. project has focused on the study of two natural analogues in volcanic areas. Natural analogues provide evidences of the impact of CO2 leakage, for both sites two approaches have been followed: a) direct measurement of air concentration and b) numerical atmospheric modelling with the TWODEE2 code. The study of CO2 emissions in natural systems provides a valuable information on the assessment and quantification of potential risks related to underground carbon storage leakage. Emissions of CO2 are studied in a large variety of geological environments, i.e., sedimentary basins, active andnon-active volcanic areas, seismically-active regions, and geothermal fields. Because of the physics of carbon dioxide gas, e.g., colourless, odourless, higher density compared to air, its accumulation may result hazardous and even lethal for life. The objective of atmospheric dispersion modelling is to predict how will move the plume, generated by a leakage in natural degassing systems and CCS sites.Results obtained from this doctorate provide:¿Coupling experimental and numerical data in order to test new methods and/or numerical codes;¿New elements to the knowledge of CO2 behaviours in the unsaturated zone as seen at PISCO2;¿New clues on non-invasive monitoring techniques for CCS sites and natural analogues;¿The usefulness of studying natural analogues;¿The usefulness of the SAP system, as a good method to evaluate high gas emissions from underground;¿The efficiency of atmospheric modelling as a valuable methodology in the risk assessment;¿The importance of risk assessment maps in active degassing areas;¿The need of production of forecasting maps to evaluate dangerous scenarios.¿Numerical models (multiphase transport and atmospheric gas dispersion) are proved to be useful tools to predict gas behaviour inthe vadose zone and in the near-grou
  
• MEDINA MIJANGOS, RUBI ALEJANDRA: Sistemas de Gestión de Residuos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU). Metodología para el análisis técnico-económico con valoración de las externalidades y Casos de Estudio
  
  Author: MEDINA MIJANGOS, RUBI ALEJANDRA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Article-based thesis
  Deposit date: 05/07/2021
  Reading date: 05/10/2021
  Reading time: 18:00
  Reading place: ETSECCPB- Defensa per videoconferència per COVID-19 Enllaç:https://meet.google.com/tcq-pdvu-map
  Thesis director: SEGUI AMORTEGUI, LUIS ALBERTO
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: JUÁREZ RUBIO, FRANCISCO
       SECRETARI: ALFRANCA BURRIEL, OSCAR
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: MOELLER CHAVEZ, GABRIELA ELEONORA
  Thesis abstract: Currently, there is a serious problem due to the large generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) due to the high consumption rates of the population and the short time of use of the products. Moreover, there is poor waste management,because, in various countries and cities, the deposit of waste in landfills is still used to a great extent, a system that can cause various damages to the environment and society. Worldwide, pproximately 69.7% of the MSW generated is deposited in some type of landfill. Generally, when a MSW management system is implemented, it causes impacts that can be reflected as costs or revenues,depending on whether these impacts have a negative or positive effect, respectively. The economic aspects are of great relevance because most of the decisions related to MSW management systems are made based on economic results.Through the analysis of state of the art, it was determined that various authors only consider the private impacts, which are related to the costs and revenues of Investment, Operation and aintenance. Furthermore, authors who have analyzedexternalities (costs and revenues related to environmental and social aspects) generally focus on specific cases or only consider a few external impacts. This doctoral thesis aims to develop a methodology based on sustainable cost-benefit analysis, since it considers the private and external impacts caused by MSW management systems. In addition, under the principles of sustainability, it isconsidered that the best project will be the one that balances its three dimensions: economic, environmental and social. A fundamental part of the methodology developed is determining and discussing the most relevant impacts related to MSW management systems. It constituted a reference guide for future researchers and decision-makers who economically analyze any MSW management system. These impacts are classified into different groups such as infrastructure, reuse, recycling and recovery of waste, use of materials, environment, public health, education and quality of life. The methodology's main objective is to determine the Private Benefit (BP) and the Total Benefit (BT) to conclude if the evaluated system or projectis economically profitable or viable from the private and/or external point of view. A project will be viable from a private point of view if BP is greater than 0, and if BT is greater than 0, the project is viable from an economic, environmental, and socialperspective. Finally, some case studies were analyzed where the methodology developed was applied to an energy recovery facility (ERF)and a sorting and treatment facility of light packaging waste and bulky waste (STF) in Barcelona, Spain. The results show thatboth facilities are profitable from a private and external perspective, that is, they are economically, socially and environmentally profitable. In addition, it is observed that the STF is a facility with greater social and environmental benefits compared to the ERF, which coincides with the current waste hierarchy established by the European Commission.
  
• PIZARRO LOAIZA, CARLOS ALEXANDER: Biogás para cocción a partir de la digestión anaerobia de pastos en zonas rurales de clima tropical.
  
  Author: PIZARRO LOAIZA, CARLOS ALEXANDER
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 20/07/2021
  Reading date: 30/09/2021
  Reading time: 16:00
  Reading place: Sala d'Actes IRTA Torre Marimon 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona.
  Thesis director: BONMATÍ BLASI, AUGUST | PALATSI CIVIT, JORDI
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: FLOTATS RIPOLL, XAVIER
       SECRETARI: FONT SEGURA, XAVIER
       VOCAL: ANTÓN VALLEJO, MARÍA ASUNCIÓN
  Thesis abstract: Energy for cooking is the most essential energy service for peasants in countries with tropical climates such as Colombia where a large number of families can only access to firewood as energy source. An alternative energy source is the production of biogas, with an estimated consumption of 0.68 m3·d-1 per dwelling unit. The lowest cost and most universal biomass that exists is grass, natural or cultivated, while Anaerobic Digestion (AD) can be a very attractive technology to generate renewable energy due to the versatility and potential uses of the generated biogas, to the continuous optimization of the process and to the possibilities of its application at a domestic level with low-cost reactors. The use of grass or forage as substrate for AD is especially interesting in areas with high agricultural productivity, where the main challenges consist of producing grass in a sustainable way at the lowest cost and having the appropriate technology to produce biogas from grass at an acceptable investment and operation cost. The objective of this research was to study an alternative proposal for the production of cooking energy for rural areas with a tropical climate, from the biogas resulting from AD from pastures. In a first evaluation stage, assays of specific methane yield (mLCH4·g-1SV), methane yield per hectare (m3CH4·ha-1) and agronomic yield (tMS·ha-1·ha-1·y-1), were conducted with three types of grass widely distributed in the equatorial zone of the American continent (King Grass, Elephant Grass and Star Grass), cultivated in the Andean zone of Valle del Cauca This screening showed that, among the grasses with the highest yield under these conditions, Pennisetum purpureum species are the most suitable in Valle del Cauca (Colombia) due to its dry tropical climate conditions. Furthermore, King Grass was the one with the highest methane yield per hectare and mostfeasible for harvesting and chopping due to its morphology. The next stage at pilot scale evaluation, allowed to conclude that AD of pastures in domestic digesters type Discontinuous Dry Bio-digestion System (SDBS) of a single phase, without heating or temperature control, is viable with and without recirculation of leachate at a mean digestion temperature of 24°C, using King Grass as substrate, being the option without recirculation of leachate the most sustainable. Complementary tests of Bio Methane Potential (BMP) allowed to detect a s ignificant increas e in AD yield with harves ting ages lower than 60 days and to conclude that the ¿m achine chopped¿ methodof size reduction (1-10 cm) was the most efficient pretreatment. Two options for the production of cooking energy were designed and evaluated economically and environmentally from the biogas resulting from the AD of grasses: one of themwith organic cultivation (BOFG) and the other with complementary mineral fertilization (BMFG). Although the investment cost of the biogas cooking alternative was high for the target population, its annual operating costs was lower than those of current sources: firewood and LPG, which indicates that it is an economically viable alternative provided there is external support for initial investment. The evaluation of the environmental benefits / impacts of the technological proposal using the Life CycleAnalysis (LCA) technique, showed good environmental sustainability in the emissions of polluting substances, compared to firewood and LPG. Among the type of fertilization, the BOFG presented lower impacts than the BMFG in most categories. As a general conclusion, it can be said that the viability of producing biogas from AD of pastures cultivated in situ using domestic SDBS has been demonstrated, optimizing the cultivation and digestion processes. Therefore, this technological
  

Last update: 28/09/2021 04:47:06.

List of lodged theses

• LÓPEZ RUIZ, LUIS ALBERTO: Implementation and evaluation of the circular economy model in the construction and demolition waste sector
  
  Author: LÓPEZ RUIZ, LUIS ALBERTO
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 22/09/2021
  Reading date: pending
  Reading time: pending
  Reading place: pending
  Thesis director: ROCA RAMON, XAVIER | GASSO DOMINGO, SANTIAGO
  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: BOVEA EDO, MARÍA DOLORES
       SECRETARI: ÁLVAREZ DEL CASTILLO, MARÍA DOLORES
       VOCAL: PUIG VIDAL, RITA
  Thesis abstract: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a major environmental concern that requires immediate attention. The large volumes of CDW produced and its associated environmental effects have led to explore new alternatives addressing this problem in more sustainable ways. In this context, the Circular Economy (CE) paradigm emerged as an innovative solution for creating more sustainable production and consumption patterns, fostering economic growth, and providing environmental protection and social welfare. At the global level, the concept of CE has gained increasing interest from government bodies, business organizations and academics. This has resulted in multiple political agendas including CE as a core driver, as well as an emerging trend of research exploring its concept and applications. However, because of the novelty and dynamism of the concept, research developments on practical applications and quantitative assessments are at an early stage. The main aim of this study was to propose an approach to integrate the CE concept in the construction and demolition sector, as well as providing the basis for evaluating the environmental and economic effects of circularity strategies and to monitor their implementation. For this purpose, an integrative framework of strategies for CE adoption in the CDW sector is proposed. This together with a methodological proposal to evaluate and compare the environmental and economic performance of different circularity alternatives incorporating multi-criteria decision analysis. In addition, this work proposes a system of indicators for measuring CE features for CDW products. The proposed framework identifies 14 influential strategies for the circularity of the CDW sector and describes their interaction throughout its lifecycle stages. The methodological proposal incorporates the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology to assess the environmental dimension., while the economic criteria adopt a complex cost method. The multicriteria VIKOR method was used to perform the multi-criteria analysis. The methodology is applied to evaluate the use of concrete waste in high-grade applications, specifically the production of structural and non-structural concrete mixes in the region of Catalonia, Spain. The indicators framework incorporates a systematic approach considering the most relevant factors and parameters for successful measurement of CE interventions. It consists of 22 measures within the three dimensions of environment, economic and innovation/materials. Preconstruction strategies are highlighted as the most influential in the circularity of the sector. CE strategies presented better environmental and economic performance; however, results are conditioned by the particular context of the study. Transportation and landfilling are identified as the most conditioning parameters affecting both environmental and economic performance.
  

Last update: 28/09/2021 04:31:08.

List of defended theses by year

• BENVENISTE PÉREZ, GABRIELA: Análisis de ciclo de vida de sistemas innovadores de almacenamiento eléctrico en litio-azufre (Li-S) para vehículos
  
  Author: BENVENISTE PÉREZ, GABRIELA
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/671924
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Reading date: 05/03/2021
  Thesis director: AMANTE GARCIA, BEATRIZ | CORCHERO GARCIA, CRISTINA
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: RUIZ AMADOR, DIEGO
       SECRETARI: ÁLVAREZ DEL CASTILLO, MARÍA DOLORES
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: FERREIRA FERREIRA, VICTOR JOSE
  Thesis abstract: The continuous and expected increase of electrification in the transport sector, the so-called "electromobility" revolution, is one of the main drivers of progress in energy storage for vehicle propulsion.Today's electric vehicles (EVs) use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to their high energy density compared to other types of batteries. Current rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for EVs are capable of storing around 180 Wh/kg of energy density at cell level and 120 Wh/kg at battery level, while the typical consumption of one kg of petrol produces 3350 Wh of useful work. There is still a factor of 19 between the energy delivered by a kilo of petrol and 1 kg of battery (for example, the autonomy of a car with a similar weight that is powered by batteries is 5-10 times less than with petrol). Therefore, if we want to reach, or even approach, the goal of a 500 km autonomy with battery powered vehicles in the short term, it is necessary to research new materials and battery configurations. In this respect, lithium-Sulphur (Li-S) batteries are the closest battery technology capable of meeting these expectations.Despite the fact that solutions exist at a technical level, or are in the process of being implemented, to overcome the technological barriers which electric energy storage presents for EVs, their implementation on our roads remains a challenge and is below the expectations setout. One of the reasons why this implementation is not satisfactory is the high cost of electric vehicles, mainly due to the high cost of batteries.New electric storage technologies such as Li-S batteries must therefore take into account not only the technical factor for their design, but also strategies to be able to reuse them in a second life in order to reduce their potential cost and thus help reduce the price of the EV paid by the end user. Furthermore, in addition to offering a suitable technological solution and presenting itself as an economically viable alternative, it is necessary to study the impact on the environment produced throughout the life cycle of Li-S batteries.For this reason, this doctoral thesis focuses on the environmental analysis of all the stages of the life cycle of these batteries, from the scaling of Li-S button cells produced in the laboratory to a 50 kWh battery. The methodology used to calculate the environmental impacts of the batteries is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14040 and 14044:2006, which allows a quantitative evaluation of the environmental profile of the batteries for all the stages of their life cycle, emphasizing the most critical aspects that can be improved. In addition, the thesis has also dealt with issues related to the suitability of the batteries for use in second life, based on current experience with Li-ion batteries. To this end, on the one hand, ageing tests have been carried out on the cells to determine their behaviour and longevity. On the other hand, an economic evaluation has been made of the actions taken to dismantle a battery once its first life in the vehicle has ended, this being the first stage to prepare the battery for its second life in a secondary energy storage system.The results obtained from these analyses have served as a basis for establishing a framework for adding more information on the environmental performance of these batteries in Li-S. In addition, information has been provided in order to determine the feasibility of using this type of battery, not only in a first life in the electric vehicle, but also in its second life in a stationary application, and in this way to be able to follow the principles of the Circular Economy.
  

• GASPARINI, ANDREA: Experimental and numerical modelling of C02 behaviour in the soil-atmosphere interface. lmplications for risk assessment of carbon capture storage projects
  
  Author: GASPARINI, ANDREA
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/672088
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Article-based thesis
  Reading date: 04/03/2021
  Thesis director: GRANDIA I BORRÀS, FIDEL | BRUNO I SALGOT, JORGE
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: VOLTATTORNI, NUNZIA
       SECRETARI: FOLCH DURAN, ARNAU
       VOCAL: SAALTINK, MAARTEN WILLEM
  Thesis abstract: CO2 geological storage is considered ane af the aptions technolagically viable in arder to decrease the industrial emissians of this gas species that strongly contribute to the greenhause effect in the atmosphere (IPCC, 2005). As naturally, oíl and gas am stored in poraus rocks that have the same key geological features required far CO2 starage, so CCS aim to recreate a naturnl · process to trap carban diaxide far millians of years into deep saline aquifer ar depleted oil c..nd gas fields. Episodic release of CO2 fram undergraund can occur from either natural processes (i.e., mantle degassing, thermal decarbonation, volcanic areas) o·r industrial (geological storagé of CO2, CCS). Because of leakage can occur at every step of a ces project, monitoring assumes an importan! role not only during and after injection but also befare in arder to know the state of the entire site from deep underground (reservoir level) to surface. In this respect, the use of atmospheric dispersion numerical models helps predicting the dispersion of the CO2-enriched gas plume once emitted from underground and allows an accurate map of risk leve! through time under particular meteorological conditions. The aim of this PhD. project is to give a better understanding of eo2 behaviour in the unsaturated zone and its atmospheric dispersion. The results are obtained from experimental and numerical modelling of CO2 leakage from an artificial leakage site and from natural analogues applied to risk assessment for CCS sites. To reach the above-mentioned targets and to prove results, this research plan combines experimental activity on site and numerical modelling. The first part ofthe research plan consisted of a contribution in the PISCO2 project at the ES.CO2 facilities placed in Ponferrada (Spain) . The objective of this project was to predict how the injected CO2 will move laterally and vertically in the unsaturated zone and to determine the critica! parameters that will affect the ecosystems. This part has been published in a peer review journal and presentad in an international congress.The second part of the PhD. project has focused on the study of two natural analogues in volcanic areas. Natural analogues provide evidences of the impact of CO2 leakage, for both sites two approaches have been followed: a) direct measurement of air concentration and b) numerical atmospheric modelling with the 1WODEE2 code. The study of eo2 emissions in natural systems provides a valuable information on the assessment and quantification of potential risks related to underground carbon storage leakage. Emissions of eo2 are studied in a iarge variety of geological environments, i.e., sedimentary basins, active andnon-active volcanic areas, seismically-active regions, and geothermal fields. Because of the physics of carbon dioxide gas, e.g., colourless, odourless, higher density compared to air, its accumulation may re:oult hazardous and even lethal for life The objective of atmospheric dispersion modelling is to predict how will move the plume, generated by a leakage in natural degassing systems and ces sitesResults obtained from this doctorate provide:¿Caupling experimental and numerical data in arder to test new methods and!or nume,ical codes;¿New elements to the knowledge of CO2 behaviours in the unsaturated zone as seen at PISCO2;¿Nev,¡ clues on nan-invasive monitoring techniques far ces sites and na ural ana!ogues;¿The usefulness of studying natural analogues;¿The usefuiness of the SAP system, as a good method to evaluate high gas emissions from underground;¿The efficiency of atmospheric modelling as a valuable methodology in the risk assessment;¿The importance of risk assessment maps in active degassing areas;¿ The need of production of forecasting maps to evaluate dangerous scenarios. Numerical models (multiphase transport and atmospheric gas dispersion) are proved to be usefull tools to predict gas behaviour in the vadose zone and in
  

• LI, JUN: Selenium and zinc enriched bioproducts generated from wastewater as micronutrient feed supplements and biofertilizers
  
  Author: LI, JUN
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/672229
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Change of supervisor
  Reading date: 31/05/2021
  Thesis director: FERRER MARTI, IVET | DU LAING, GIJS
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: DE SMET, STEFAAN
       SECRETARI: ROUSSEAU, DIEDERIK
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: LIANG, DONGLI
  Thesis abstract: This thesis aimed to explore the potential of Se/Zn-enriched bioproducts produced from wastewater treatment processes by eco-technologies (phytoextraction, bioreduction and microalgae-based systems) as Se/Zn feed supplements and biofertilizers.In the first part, two aquatic plants (Lemna and Azolla) with substantial protein content were applied to evaluate the possibility of Se and Zn bioaccumulation/removal from wastewater while producing micronutrient-enriched dietary proteins (for feed/food supplements) and biofertilizers. High transformation to organic Se forms and accumulation in plants after taking up Se(IV), together with the high protein content and fast growth rate, makes Lemna (also named duckweed later on) and Azolla good candidates for the production of Se- and Zn-enriched biomass, which can be used as crop fertilizers or protein-rich food/feed supplements or ingredients. The second and third parts, respectively, evaluated the valorization potential of the produced micronutrient-enriched duckweed as well as sludge generated in wastewater treatment processes containing single Se or Se combined with Zn as micronutrient biofertilizers. Micronutrient-enriched sludge dominated by the presence of Se in zero oxidation state (Se(0)) was found to be the preferred slow-release Se biofertilizer and an effective Se source to produce Se-enriched beans for Se-deficient populations, as compared to micronutrient-enriched duckweed. On the contrary, the Zn content in the seeds of beans was not successfully improved through the application of micronutrient-enriched biofertilizers in comparison with the control. This could be attributed to the lower Zn amount applied into soils as Se/Zn-enriched biomaterials. The following experiment explored the potential of Se removal in high rate algae ponds (HRAPs) treating domestic wastewater, while producing high-value Se-enriched biomass. Results indicated that the wastewater treatment performance of the HRAPs was effective. The produced Se-enriched microalgae in HRAPs fed with domestic wastewater contained a high content of crude protein (48% of volatile suspended solids), the selenoamino acid selenomethionine (SeMet) (91% of total Se), and the essential amino acid. The production of Se-enriched microalgae in HRAPs may offer a promising alternative for upgrading low-value recovered resources into high-value feed supplements. The last experiment aimed to evaluate the Se-enriched microalgae generated in the previous experiment as a potential biostimulant to enhance plant growth and as a Se biofertilizer to improve the Se content of plants. This study demonstrated that the application of raw Se-enriched microalgae biomass to soil (1-10%, soil application) and its extracts to leaves (1%, foliar spray) enhanced plant growth, which confirmed that Se-enriched microalgae acts as a biostimulant. Besides, a higher Se content in the plant was achieved after the application of Se-enriched microalgae or extracts thereof. This indicated that Se-enriched microalgae can be valorized as a biostimulant and biofertilizer to improve both the seed yields and Se content of beans, leading to a higher market value of the beans.This thesis contributes to offering an environmentally friendly and sustainable way for micronutrient biofortification/ supplementation in Se/Zn-deficient areas, while recovering nutrients from wastewater.
  

• RAMÍREZ MELGAREJO, MONSERRAT GUADALUPE: Propuesta metodológica para estimar N2O en inventarios de emision y evaluaciones de eco-eficiencia en plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales
  
  Author: RAMÍREZ MELGAREJO, MONSERRAT GUADALUPE
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/671795
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Reading date: 26/02/2021
  Thesis director: GASSO DOMINGO, SANTIAGO | GUERECA HERNÁNDEZ, LEONOR PATRICIA
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: PUIG VIDAL, RITA
       SECRETARI: LOPEZ GRIMAU, VICTOR
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: PAREDES FIGUEROA, MARIA GUADALUPE
  Thesis abstract: A wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is a system that aims to reduce the negative impact to bodies of water where the effluent is discharged. reducing the pollutants discharged. Treatment plants have an impact on the environment. which depends on the management of each plant. An eco-efficiency evaluation consists of assessing the changes in the efficiency of a WWTP over time. using inputs. desirable outputs and undesirable outputs. To carry out an eco-efficiency assessment, it is necessary to have the operating costs, the operating data and the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) generated (CO2, CH4, N2O).The GHG that generales the most environmental concern is N2O, due to its high GWP (Global Warming Potential), and the implications that it entails. There is a great variety of methods to quantify the emission of N2O in a treatment plant: empirical, integral and dynamic, which present variants among them, such as predetermined values and different parameters to know the amount of nitrogen contained in the wastewater. When there are no on-site measurements of the emissions produced at each plant, GHG emissions are estimated from methodologies reported in the literature.The main objective of this work is to propose improvements to the existing methods to estimate the emission of N2O in WWTP, and also to apply an eco-efficiency evaluation that integrales the uncertainty of the data through a DEA tolerance model, which for the first time instead, consider desired outputs and unwanted outputs of N2O and CH4 emissions. This study focused on estimating the emission of N2O in the WWTP of two areas with high population density: the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (MAB) and Mexico City (MXC).The international reference method to estímate the N2O emission in WWTP, is the method proposed by the IPCC in 2006, based on predetermined data and considering per capita protein consumption as a constant value of nitrogen, it underestimates the N2O emission. The methods that use operation data from each WWTP provide emission results closer to those reported in the literature.The total nitrogen value should be the parameter to be considered for a correct estimation of the N2O emission in WWTP. The modification to the IPCC methodology in 2019 makes important changes in relation to the proposals of this study. The emission factors currently used are very low, with a low confidence level of up to 1.3%, therefore the emission of N2O is underestimated. The improvement proposal to estímate the emission of N2O in treatment plants, development in this PhD thesis, was used to integrate it into the eco-efficiency evaluation. CH4 emission was estimated using the method suggested by the IPCC in 20006, with a modification in the correction factors suggested and verified in the literature. The eco-efficiency evaluation was carried out for the MAB WWTP, 729 seores were estimated for each WWTP, analyzing optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. lt was not possible to carry out the eco-efficiency evaluation of the MXC WWTPs, since there are no records of the 2015 operation data, relevant to the series of historical observations in the eco-efficiency evaluation. Accounting for the uncertainty in each scenario, showed the changes in the performance of the WWTP. The WWTPs varied their performance in each of the tour scenarios considered, only two WWTPs were eco-efficient in all the scenarios.The proposal developed in this thesis, allows exploring future applications and continuing the study area of N2O emission in WWTP, also contributes to applying more integrated eco-efficiency evaluations, which can be used atan industrial level, and consider the GHG emissions that is generated and avoided during the treatment process.
  

• REQUEJO CASTRO, DAVID: Data¿driven Bayesian Networks modelling to support decision¿making: Application to the context of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation
  
  Author: REQUEJO CASTRO, DAVID
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/672336
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Reading date: 13/07/2021
  Thesis director: PÉREZ FOGUET, AGUSTÍ | GINÉ GARRIGA, RICARD
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: ESPINO INFANTES, MANUEL
       SECRETARI: VALVENY LLOBET, ERNEST
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: GARCÍA VALIÑAS, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES
  Thesis abstract: We live in a complexand interconnected world which permeates ditterent scales. sectors or decision problems. This fact isacknowledged by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which underscores current globalchallenges, recognizes their interconnectivity and calls for international action. lt is recognized that the connected nature of theissues we currently face have been tackled by "silo" approaches, separating the complexities ofthe real-world intospecialized disciplines. fields of research, institutions and ministries, each one focused on a fraction of the overall truth.Similarly, it is widely recognized the need of a major shift in decision-making processes towards more holistic andintegrated approaches. Evidence-based decrsion-making involves complexprocesses ofconsidering a wide range ofinformation of different nature. Nowadays, available data can support these processes, but methodologies to effectivelyintegrate these data are lacking.With the aim to contribute in this direction, this thesis focuses on the increasing use of Bayesian Networks (BNs) modellingas an approach to accom m odate com plex problem s and to support decis ion-making. Com mon practica em ploys separatelyexpert knowledge and empirical data to build and apply associated models. Des pite of the demonstrated utility of thispractica, in an era where the data are bigger, faster and more detailed than even before, there is still room for furtherexploration. Thus, this dissertation proposes a data-driven Bayesian Networks approach to combine expert opinion andquantitative data to support informad decision-making.We propose two systematic methods to this end. First. we use our approach to replicate composite indicators (Cl)-basedconceptual frameworks, which represent expert knowledge. through the use of structure learning algorithms, whichcharacterizes this data-driven Bayesian Networks approach. Second, we use our approach to identify interlinkagesassociated with a complex context, coupled with a statistical technique (i.e. bootstrapping) to reduce results uncertainty andwith a comprehensive result robustness analysis (i.e. expert knowledge).For testing and validating the proposed approach, this thesis takes the Sustainable Development Goal 6 embedded on the2030 Agenda as a reference point, with particular attention to the water, sanitation and hygier:ie sector.Our results emphasize the likely utility of the data-driven Bayesian Networks approach adopted. First. it allows the integrationof both expert knowledge and data availability when dealing with BNs modelling, and it accurately replicates (Cl)-basedconceptual frameworks. As added values, this combination improves model inference capacity, it reduces and quantifies thekey variables that explµin a pre-defined objective variable (implying important advantages in data updating), and it identifiesthe interlinkages among the variables considerad (which might enhance more integrated actions). Second, the approachadopted is useful to accommodate a thorough analysis and interpretation of the complexities and interdependencias of anycontext at hand. As added values, interlinkages identification is spurred on by the available data and this identification makesthe approach more suitable than the use of composite indicators. Third, the systematic nature of the methodologicalcontributions associated with the proposed approach can be adapted to different complexproblems. Thus, it might expandand deepen the knowledge about the validity, reliability and accuracy of using BNs modelling.
  

• SALAS OLIVARES, HÉCTOR MANUEL: Eliminación de Blanqueadores Ópticos de aguas textiles residuales y reutilización de efluentes
  
  Author: SALAS OLIVARES, HÉCTOR MANUEL
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Temporary seizure
  Reading date: 14/09/2021
  Thesis director: GUTIERREZ BOUZAN, M. DEL CARMEN | LOPEZ GRIMAU, VICTOR
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: AVELAR GONZALEZ, FRANCISCO JAVIER
       SECRETARI: AMANTE GARCIA, BEATRIZ
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: GARCIA FAYOS, BEATRIZ
  Thesis abstract: he textile industry consumes a large volume of water in various activities and is an importan! wastewater generator. Colorless dyes that emit fluorescence when exposed to UV light are used in the optical whitening process. They are known as optical brighteners (OB). The most common OB, currently used, has a stilbene-based structure. These emerging pollutants, with poor biodegradability, are not considered in the curren! legislation. Therefore, OB can go unnoticed in textile wastewater and reach the environment. In this research it was possible to quantify OB derived from stilbene with the UV-VIS spectrophotometric technique, which is a fast and inexpensive method. To evaluate how OBs affect biological treatment systems, a respirometry and toxicity study was carried out. The OBs evaluated did not present acule toxicity, at the concentrations that can be found in textile wastewater, but they can reduce bacteria! activity. The possibility of using a Moringa Oleifera coagulan! to eliminate these OBs was studied. This can be considered a zero cost coagulan! because it is a residue obtained from the extraction of moringa oil. In these synthetic water samples, the moringa coagulan! was able to eliminate up to 83% of OB ata settling time of 24 hours. Furthermore, alkaline effluents did not affect the efficiency of this coagulan! in removing BO. The efficiency of this coagulan! was compared against a traditional coagulan! and a commercial synthetic coagulan!. In the synthetic water samples with OB, the traditional aluminum sulfate coagulan! and the commercial coagulan! TIDEC removed 67% and 89% of the OB respectively ata settling time of 24h. On the other hand, the use of membrane technology for the removal of OB was studied. NF and UF membranes were used to treat synthetic waters with OB. In particular, one of the NF membranes used, H50, retained 85% of OB. However, this membrane requires an inlet effluent free of particulate matter. This can be achieved with a UF membrane, which can also remove a fraction of the OB. The combination of coagulation-flocculation and membrane technologies was tested by treating real whitening wastewater. This water contained residual elements of the textile fiber that affected the coagulan! performance. ¿espite this, it was possible to remove 85% of OB from these waters. ¿The water treated with the moringa coagulan! was recovered to evaluate the posibility of reusing it for new whitening processes. The whitened fibers reached an acceptable quality (DEcmc (2: 1) <1.5) for the textil e industry. On the other hand, when the treated water was reused combining coagulation-flocculation and membranes, an optimal quality was obtained (DEcmc (2: 1) <1) in the whitened fibers. Finally, it was studied whether these treatment techniques could be applicable to other textile effluents. Tests were carried out on textile wastewater with reactive dyes. The moringa coagulan!, removed 60% of the color from the residual dyeing bath and 80% of the color from the post-dyeing washing wastewater. The treated washing wastewater was reused for new textile . processes. lt was possible to obtain an optimal color quality (DEcmc (2: 1) < 1) these new dyed fibers. The reuse of water in textile whitening or dyeing processes saves 70% of the water, increasing the useful life of it. This would allow the conservation of fresh water sources, the reduction of the water footprint of the textile industry and promotes the circular economy. In addition, it can reduce the impact of residual salts from textile processes on biological treatment systems and the environment.
  

• VASSALLE DE CASTRO, LUCAS: High rate algal ponds for post-treating sewage from UASB reactors: treatment efficiency, anaerobic co-digestion and sustainability
  
  Author: VASSALLE DE CASTRO, LUCAS
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/672351
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Change of supervisor
  Reading date: 05/07/2021
  Thesis director: FERRER MARTI, IVET | LOPES DEL REI PASSOS, FABIANA | MOTA FILHO, CESAR ROSSAS
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: MUÑOZ TORRE, RAUL
       SECRETARI: UGGETTI, ENRICA
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: VON SPERLING, MARCOS
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: SANTOS BEZERRA, ANDRE
       VOCAL NO PRESENCIAL: GONZALEZ FERNANDEZ, CRISTINA
  Thesis abstract: This PhD thesis aimed at evaluating the performance of high rate algal ponds (HRAP) to post-treat the anaerobic effluent from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor fed with sewage. The work analysed the system complishment in terms of treatment efficiency, micropollutants removal and biogas production, through the anaerobic co-digestion of rawsewage and microalgal biomass (with and without solar thermal pre-treatment), in a demonstration-scale system. In addition, the research intended at assessing the sustainability of the UASB+HRAP system using life cycle assessment (LCA), in terms of its environmental impact in comparison with other UASB post-treatment technologies.Sewage treatment efficiency was analysed through BIO_ALGAE 2 mathematical model, which enabled the understanding and optimisation of the symbiotic relation between microalgae and bacteria. To this, experimental data from demonstrationscale systems in tropical climate conditions were used for model calibration. In addition, different scenarios were considered by varying HRAP hydraulic retention time (HRT) (4, 6 and 8 days). Results obtained showed an efficient removal of COD (70%), TSS (42%), N-NH4 (57%) and P-PO4 (30%) in the UASB+HRAP system. From the valuated scenarios, the operation of HRAP at 4 days of HRT showed to be optimal in terms of sewage treatment and energy production, with lower area requirement. Regarding the removal of micropollutants (pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors), amples were collected periodically from raw sewage, UASB reactor and HRAP effluents. All monitored compounds were found in raw sewage, with occurrence rates ranging from 70 to 100%. Micropollutant removal in the UASB reactor ranged from none (-25.12% for the hormone EE2-ethinylestradiol) to 85% removal (E2-estradiol), due to the incapacity of anaerobic processes. However, the overall UASB+HRAP system was highly efficient for removing most compounds, with removal rates ranging between 65% (ibuprofen) to 95% (estrone).To evaluate the co-digestion of raw sewage and microalgal biomass in UASB reactors two phases were considered: without and after thermal pre-treatment using solar heating. In both cases, an UASB reactor fed with only raw sewage was used as control. During the first phase, the results showed a methane yield increase of 35% after anaerobic co-digestion with microalgae, from 156 to 211 NL CH4 kg-1 VS. An energy assessment showed a positive energy balance, with an annualaverage net ratio of 2.11 in the UASB+HRAP system. Regarding the results after microalgal biomass pre-treatment, organic matter solubilization reached 32% increase in terms of total COD. Furthermore, methane yield was increased by 45% compared to mono-digestion with raw sewage, from 81 to 117 NL CH4 kg-1 COD. The energy assessment showed apositive energy balance, with an annual average net ratio of 2.52 in the sewage treatment system.Finally, the environmental impact of HRAP as post-treatment technology following UASB reactors was carried out using LCA for comparison with other post-treatments: trickling filters, polishing ponds and constructed wetlands. The results showedthat among the 8 categories evaluated, HRAP showed better performance in 4 of them. The study concluded that HRAP may be considered a potential technology following UASB reactors and its environmental impacts can be further improved by using appropriate materials and construction techniques.
  

• YANG, XUEFEI: Study of a hybrid system: Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor -Membrane Bioreactor (MBBR-MBR) in the treatment and reuse of textile industrial effluents
  
  Author: YANG, XUEFEI
  Thesis link: http://hdl.handle.net/10803/672347
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  Department: (DECA)
  Mode: Normal
  Reading date: 06/07/2021
  Thesis director: LOPEZ GRIMAU, VICTOR | CRESPI ROSELL, MARTIN
  

  Committee:
       PRESIDENT: BACARDIT DALMASES, ANNA
       SECRETARI: GUTIERREZ BOUZAN, M. DEL CARMEN
       VOCAL: BOSCH SUADES, CARME
  Thesis abstract: Textile wastewater often shows high color concentration, containing a large range of organic chemicals, with high chemical oxygen demand as well as hard-degradation materials. Therefore, understanding and developing effective textile industrial wastewater treatment technologies is environmentally important. Different treatments such as biological or physico-chemical processes have been studied to treat textile wastewater.Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology has been widely applied in textile wastewater treatment and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is a relatively novel technology to treat this type of wastewater. Both of them have some deficiencies and limitations during application. Thus, a MBBR-MBR hybrid system could be an attractive solution to the shortcomings of each treatment process.In this thesis, a hybrid MBBR-MBR system has been designed and applied for the treatment of textile wastewater. Additionally, the feasibility of reusing the treated water in new dyeing processes has been studied.The first step of the thesis work has been the comparative study of the treatment of textile wastewater by three treatment processes, conventional activated sludge (CAS), MBR and MBBR, working under the same operating conditions. The results showed that technically, MBR was the most efficient technology, of which the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and color removal efficiency were 91%, 99.4%, and 80%, respectively, with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1.3 days. MBBR, on the other hand, had a similar COD removal performance compared with CAS (82% vs. 83%) with halved HRT (1 day vs. 2 days) and 73% of TSS removed, while CAS had 66%. Economically, MBBR was a more attractive option for an industrial-scale plant since it saved 68.4% of the Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and had the same Operational Expenditures (OPEX) as MBR. The MBBR system also had lower environmental impacts compared with CAS and MBR processes, since it reduced the consumption of electricity and decolorizing agent with respect to CAS. According to the results, the water treated by the MBBR system was reused to make new dyeings and the quality of new dyed fabrics was within the acceptable limits of the textile industry.Combined with the theory and experimental results, a hybrid MBBR-MBR reactor was designed and applied in textile wastewater treatment. The MBBR-MBR system achieved reducing the HRT to 1 day, which is very promising in textile industry comparing with conventional biological treatment. The removal efficiency of COD reached 93%, which is almost the maximum for a biological process treating this type of wastewater, as well as the color removal performance, which achieved 85%. Additionally, 99% of the TSS were removed due to the filtration. Furthermore, new dyeing processes reusing the treated water were performed. Color differences between new dyed fabrics and reference fabrics were found within the general requirement of textile industry (DECMC(2:1) < 1).Additionally, based on the experimental results in the pilot plant, an economic study and LCA analysis were carried out to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of the implementation of the hybrid MBBR-MBR on an industrial scale. Economically, MBBR-MBR had lower CAPEX and OPEX than CAS process due to lower effluent discharge tax and the decolorizing agent saved. The result of Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 18% suggested that MBBR-MBR is financially applicable for the implantation into industrial scale. The MBBR-MBR system also had lower environmental impacts compared with CAS process in the LCA study, especially in some categories, such as the Climate change, Human Health, Marine eutrophication, and ecotoxicity categories, thanks to the high quality of the effluent treated by MBBR-MBR and the avoiding of using extra decolorizing agent, a compound based on a quaternary amine.
  

Last update: 28/09/2021 05:10:27.

Research groups

• ENMA-Environmental Engineering
• EScGD-Engineering Sciences and Global Development
• GEMMA-Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology
• GRIC-Group of Construction Research and Innovation
• LEAM-Acoustic and Mechanical Engineering Laboratory
• R2EM-Resource Recovery and Environmental Management

Teachers

• Alfranca Burriel, Oscar
• Amante Garcia, Beatriz
• Andre Sanchez, Michel
• Baldasano Recio, Jose M.
• Barra Bizinotto, Marilda
• Candela Lledo, Lucila
• Casals Casanova, Miquel
• Casanova Hormaechea, Ignasi
• Casas Pons, Ignasi
• Cortina Pallas, Jose Luis
• Crespi Rosell, Marti
• Escalas Cañellas, Antoni
• Ferrer Marti, Ivet
• Flotats Ripoll, Xavier
• Gangolells Solanellas, Marta
• Garcia Almiñana, Jordi
• Garcia Carrillo, Agueda
• Garcia Serrano, Joan
• Garfi, Marianna
• Gasso Domingo, Santiago
• Gimenez Izquierdo, Francisco Javier
• Gonçalves Ageitos, Maria
• Gutierrez Bouzan, Maria Carmen
• Josa Garcia-Tornel, Alejandro
• Lopez Grimau, Victor
• Marti Gregorio, Vicenç
• Masdemont Soler, Josep Joaquim
• Miralles Esteban, Nuria
• Navarro Flores, Andres Francisco
• Pablo Ribas, Joan de
• Perez Foguet, Agusti
• Puigagut Juarez, Jaume
• Riba Ruiz, Jordi
• Riva Juan, M Carmen
• Roca Ramon, Xavier
• Romeu Garbi, Jordi
• Sanchez Vila, Xavier
• Segalas Coral, Jordi
• Sierra Pedrico, Juan Pablo
• Valderrama Angel, Cesar Alberto
• Vazquez Ramonich, Enric
• Vidal Lopez, Eva

ALONSO PÉREZ, SILVIA

BARCELÓ CULLERES, DAMIÀ

BASART ALPUENTE, SARA

BONMATI BLASI, AUGUST

BRUNO SALGOT, JORGE

CABEZA FABRA, LLUÏSA F.

CUEVAS AGULLÓ, EMILIO

DARAKAS, EFTHYMIOS

DIAZ CRUZ, SILVIA

FARRÉ URGELL, MARINEL·LA

FOLCH DURAN, ARNAU

GINEBREDA MARTÍ, ANTONI

GRIVÈ SOLÉ, MIREIA

JIMÉNEZ GUERRERO, PEDRO

JORBA CASELLAS, ORIOL

LATRON, JÉRÔME

LLORENS GARCÍA, PILAR

PALATSI CIVIT, JORDI

PAY PÉREZ, MARÍA TERESA

PÉREZ GARCÍA-PANDO, CARLOS

RIUS CARRASCO, ANTONI

ROMANÍ CORNET, ANNA M.

ROVIRA BOIXADERAS, MIQUEL

VIÑAS I CANALS, MARC