Research
Drinking Water
The drinking water group is involved in innovative and practice-oriented research with a strong emphasis on membrane technology. Fundamental research includes the investigation of membrane fouling and membrane retention processes. More applied projects include the application of membrane technology in surface water treatment in industrial countries and the application of decentralized membrane technology in developing and transition countries. Such projects are often carried out in collaboration with industrial partners. Furthermore, other applications of membrane technology in the urban water area were investigated, such as the source treatment of urine for the recovery of nutrients.
Wastewater
The wastewater group deals with the development, design, modeling and optimization of novel and existing processes in centralized and decentralized wastewater and sludge treatment as well as measures at the source, water reuse and nutrients recycling. In cooperation with the chemical, microbiological and eco-toxicological departments at Eawag the fate of inorganic and organic trace pollutants in conventional wastewater treatment as well as for potential measures at the source and in advanced technical processes to reduce the load in receiving waters are investigated.
Particel Research
We are investigating size, morphology and composition of particles from a few microns down to a few nanometers in size with innovative preparation methods and modern electron microscopic equipment in cooperation with ETH (EMEZ) and Empa. The particles originate from the natural and urban water cycle, such as drinking, surface and wastewater, sludge as well as ice cores.
Analytics + Technical Support
In the laboratories of the departments Process Engineering and Urban Water Management we analyze nutrient parameters and heavy metals in drinking and wastewater, urine etc. by means of FIA, IC (ion chromatography), ICP, AAS (atom absorption). In different projects, we support and advice trainees, diploma and Ph.D. students on matters concerning, sampling, modern analytical methods, operation of in-situ probes and on-line analyzers. Quality assurance (with apparatus check-cards "Geko") is an important requirement in our everyday use of all these analytical methods both in the laboratory and in pilot plants. We introduce new employees and students to laboratory work. Security and chemicals are part of our field as well as the operation and organisation of the experiment hall. We evaluate new analytical methods and apparatus and are partners for all questions regarding the laboratory.
Software Programm ASIM
ASIM (Activated Sludge SIMulation Program) is a simulation program, which allows for the simulation of a variety of different biological wastewater treatment systems.
Software Program TEMPEST
TEMPEST is a simulation program, which allows for the simulation of dynamics of the wastewater temperature in sewers in connection to heating with wastewater.