Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB)
My research experience lies at the intersection of biochemical and biological activities of microorganisms of the UASB bioreactor. Our aim was to design a microbially-driven engineered process by using the tools of microbial ecology and anaerobic biotechnology for industrial wastewater treatment that will have higher inorganic/organic contaminant removal efficiency with less biomass yield to face the water pollution challenges of Bangladesh.
Biofiltration process
The main purpose of combining a biofiltration process with the UASB bioreactor, that filtrates water through sponge medium is to achieve higher organic contamination removal efficiency. The key principal of biofiltration process is the growth of microbial community adhering the sponge medium. In my research I figured out the chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, dissolved and suspended solid removal efficiency of this process.
Data analysis
In my thesis I analyzed a huge set of information data collected from CERM (Center of Environment Research Management) of twenty leading textile Industries to demonstrate an overview of the current situation of wastewater treatment process. Studying a set of information of water demand per day of the industries, wastewater generation per day, treatment processes they operate, Chemical oxygen demand per litre of inlet water , discharge water quality, if they face any kind of inconvenience, I was able to draw a comparison between existing treatment process ( Activated sludge process, physico-chemical treatment process) and UASB treatment process to evaluate it’s potentiality and feasibility.
Field trips with my supervisor Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, to the industrial sites helped me to realize, that we can’t stop industrial growth, it’s part of our development but we can combat the pollution crisis with advanced technology and research.