Using organic volatile compounds to monitor anaerobic digesters: Applying medical detection methods to environmental technology
Supervisor: Dr Baptiste Poursat
Industry Partner: Scottish Water and SepSolve Analytical
School: Engineering
Description:
This research project presents an exciting opportunity for students interested in environmental engineering and cutting-edge analytical methods. The focus is on developing a novel technique to detect early warning indicators (EWI) in anaerobic digesters by monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms. Anaerobic digesters, including septic tanks and full-scale anaerobic digesters, are crucial in wastewater treatment, waste management, and biogas production, aligning with the principles of a net-zero and circular economy. This project is part to the EPSRC IAA led by RA grant (EP/X5257161/1, PI: Dr. Baptiste Poursat) and is supported by the EPSRC decentralised technology project led by Professor Bill Sloan (https://www.offgridwater.org.uk/). The EPSRC IAA project provides the opportunity to work closely with Scottish Water, SeptSolve analytical as well as to collaborate with the Imperial College London.
The aim is to adapt advanced VOC measurement techniques from medical research to environmental engineering, with the goal of quicky detecting anaerobic digester malfunctions without traditional, time-consuming methods. Efficient maintenance and reduced downtime are crucial, addressing challenges posed by contaminants like pollutants, bleach, or antibiotics. Conventional water sample analysis methods are known to be expensive and complex. The project introduces VOC measurement through headspace passive sampling, using adsorbent materials (Hisorb) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), a method previously tested in batch but never on-site.
An exciting aspect of this project is the opportunity to test the impact of bleach on real septic tanks by measuring their VOC productions. Pilot-scale septic tank experiments, operated by Scottish Water and connected to a local community, will be conducted. Initial sampling will collect sludge for batch testing, examining different bleach concentrations and their effects on VOC production. Subsequently, bleach will be added to the pilot septic tanks, and regular headspace sampling will be performed. VOC analysis will be carried out in collaboration with SepSolve Analytical, the provider and manufacturer of the HiSorb probes used for headspace sampling. Additional analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography couple with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) will be used to analyse the water within the septic tank and the effect of bleach on water quality.
In summary, this project provides an engaging opportunity for students to contribute to a VOC-based approach that promises a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional sampling. By building on prior biomedical research, students can explore the potential benefits for environmental engineering and the management of the anaerobic digesters industry.
