Research summary
The generation of carbon waste and wastewater are unavoidable consequences of human activity. But managing these processes sustainably, and supporting efforts to decarbonize the associated infrastructure, are crucial for mitigating climate change. As Canada Research Chair in Microbial Electrocatalysis for Energy and Environment, Dr. Bipro Dhar is working to come up with ways to do this.
He and his research team are applying unique electroactive microbes with electron harvesting and transporting features to engineer more robust, efficient anaerobic biotechnologies that can boost the conversion of carbon waste into pipeline-quality biogas, green hydrogen, and medium-chain carboxylates. They are using multifaceted approaches that combine process engineering, molecular biology, and modelling tools to develop new scientific knowledge and innovative engineering strategies. Ultimately, their work will support the waste and wastewater sectors’ transition to the circular economy.