Staff

Eberhard Morgenroth

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Morgenroth

Department Process Engineering

About Me

Eberhard Morgenroth holds an MS (University of California 1994), Dipl.-Ing. (Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg 1995), and PhD (Technical University of Munich 1998), all in civil and environmental engineering. After two years of postdoctoral research at the Technical University of Denmark he was a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2000 to 2009). Since 2009 he is a Professor for Process Engineering in Urban Water Management with appointments at ETH Zürich and at Eawag. At Eawag he is head of the process engineering department. His research interests include wastewater treatment, membrane bioreactors for water reuse, control of biofilms, biofilm reactors, biological drinking water treatment, decentralized wastewater treatment, and energy recovery from wastewater and organic residuals. He is an editor for Water Research and for Water Science & Technology.


Professor for Process Engineering in Urban Water Management,
ETH: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich,
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf

Education and Training
1994 University of California, Davis: Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering
1995 Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg (Germany): Diplom-Ingenieur in Civil and                              Environmental Engineering
1998 Technical University of Munich (Germany), Department of Water Quality and Waste                              Management Environmental Engineering: Doktor der Ingenieurwissenschaften (Ph.D.)

Appointments

since 2013            Director of Studies in Environmental Engineering (D-BAUG, ETH Zürich)
since 2012            Head of the Process Engineering Department at Eawag
2009 to date         Professor, ETH: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich and
2009 to date         Professor, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
2007-2009            Associate Professor, University of Illinois, Department of Civil and Environmental                              Engineering and Department of Animal Science.
2000-2007            Assistant Professor, University of Illinois, Department of Civil and Environmental                              Engineering and Department of Animal Science.
1998-2000            Assistant Research Professor Technical University of Denmark, Department of                              Environmental Science and Engineering

Major Research Areas

  • Biological wastewater treatment using activated sludge, granular biomass, or biofilm based systems
  • Biological drinking water treatment
  • Mixed culture environmental biotechnology for bioenergy production
  • Mathematical modeling
  • Sustainable development of urban water management
Professional Service
  • International Water Association (IWA): Member of the task group on biofilm modeling 1999 - 2006
  • Abwassertechnische Vereinigung (DWA, German water and wastewater association): Member of the working group 7.5.6 on biofilm processes since 1999
  • International Water Association (IWA): Chair of the management committee of the specialist group on environmental engineering education since 2000
  • International Water Association (IWA): Member of the management committee of the specialist group on biofilms since 2000
  • International Water Association (IWA): Member of the management committee of the specialist group on Systems Analysis and Integrated Assessment since 2002
  • International Water Association (IWA): Member of the advisory panel of the IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) program since 2005
  • International Water Association (IWA): Member of the USA National Committee. Since 2008.
  • Water Environment Federation (WEF) and International Water Association (IWA): Co-chair of the scientific and organizing committee for the WEF/IWA conference on Biofilm Reactor Technology to be held in 2010.
Honors and Awards
2007 - 2009         Harold E. Babbitt Faculty Scholar in Civil and Environmental Engineering
2004                    Xerox Awards for Faculty Research from the College of Engineering at the                             University of Illinois recognizing outstanding research during the past year.
2003 and 2007     "List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students"
2003-2004           Beckman Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Illinois
2003                    C-FAR Donald A. Holt Achievement Award as part of the Livestock and Urban                              Waste Recycling Research Team awarded by the Illinois Council on Food and                              Agricultural Research.
since 2002           Editor for Water Research
2002                    NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Award.

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Projects

Onsite treatment of water and wastewater

OnSite Technologien OST
Inadequate access to microbiologically safe drinking water continuously threatens the health and well-being of more than a billion people, primarily in developing countries

GDM Gravity-Driven Membrane technology
Sustainable urban water and wastewater management applied and implemented in the modular NEST building.

WaterHub within NEST

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Curriculum Vitae

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Selected publications

Biofilm models for the practitioner

Even though mathematical biofilm models are extensively used in biofilm research, there has been very little application of these models in the engineering practice so far. However, practitioners would be interested in models that can be used as tools to control plant operation under dynamic conditions or to help them handle complex interactions between particle removal, carbon oxidation, nitrification, denitrification and biological phosphorus removal. But even though there is a whole range of biofilm models available, it is difficult for the practitioner to select the appropriate modeling approach. Practitioners, experimenters and modelers should work together to identify the important processes that shoud be included in models. Guidance for model selection, calibration and application should be provided.
Morgenroth, E.; van Loosdrecht, M. C. M.; Wanner, O. (2000) Biofilm models for the practitioner, Water Science and Technology, 41(4-5), 509-512, Institutional Repository

Biofilm modeling with AQUASIM

AQUASIM is a computer program for the identification and simulation of aquatic systems. The program includes a one-dimensional multisubstrate and multispecies biofilm model and represents a suitable tool for biofilm simulation. The program can be used to calculate substrate removal in biofilm reactors for any user specified microbial system. One-dimensional spatial profiles of substrates and microbial species in the biofilm can be predicted. The program also calculates the development of the biofilm thickness and of the substrates and microbial species in the biofilm and in the bulk fluid over time. Detachment and attachment of microbial cells at the biofilm surface and in the biofilm interior can be considered, and simulations of sloughing events can be performed. Furthermore, AQUASIM allows pseudo two-dimensional modeling of plug flow biofilm reactors by a series of biofilm reactor compartments. The most significant limitation of the model is that it only considers spatial gradients of substrates and microbial species in the biofilm in the direction perpendicular to the substratum.
Wanner, O.; Morgenroth, E. (2004) Biofilm modeling with AQUASIM, Water Science and Technology, 49(11-12), 137-144, Institutional Repository

Influence of shear on the production of extracellular polymeric substances in membrane bioreactors

Shear is used to control fouling in membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. However, shear also influences the physicochemical and biological properties of MBR biomass. The current study examines the relationship between the level of shear and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production in MBRs. Two identical MBRs were operated in parallel where the biomass in one reactor was exposed to seven times greater shear forces. The concentrations of floc-associated and soluble EPS were monitored for the duration of the experiment. The stickiness of extracted floc-associated EPS from each reactor was also characterized using atomic force microscopy. A mathematical model of floc-associated and soluble EPS production was applied to quantitatively describe changes in EPS production with shear. Biomass grown in a high shear environment has lower floc-associated EPS production compared to biomass grown in a lower shear environment. This decrease in floc-associated EPS production also corresponds to a decrease in soluble EPS production, which can be explained by both the lower concentration of floc-associated EPS and the production of stickier floc-associated EPS that is more erosion resistant in the high shear reactor. This research suggests that mechanical stresses can have a significant impact on the production rates of floc-associated and soluble EPS—key parameters governing membrane fouling in MBRs.
Menniti, A.; Kang, S.; Elimelech, M.; Morgenroth, E. (2009) Influence of shear on the production of extracellular polymeric substances in membrane bioreactors, Water Research, 43(17), 4305-4315, doi:10.1016/j.watres.2009.06.052, Institutional Repository

Analyzing characteristic length scales in biofilm structures

The quantification of biofilm structure based on image analysis requires a statistical measure like representative elemental areas (REA) to determine the necessary size of biofilm area to be imaged. In this study, REAs for biofilm structure were calculated for the descriptors Gray level and Correlation (COR) derived from a spatial gray level dependence matrix analysis (SGLDM). An important difference between these two descriptors is their response to structural features at different spatial scales. Gray level is a scale-independent descriptor, whereas COR is scale-dependent. For scale-independent descriptors, the size of the individual images is not relevant when determining REAs. This is in contrast to scale-dependent descriptors for which REAs can only be determined when the area of each image covers the range of structural variability of the biofilm. We used COR to analyze scale dependence of structural heterogeneity at different length scales. A characteristic length of 400 µm in biofilm images provides structural information relevant for mass transport phenomena in biofilms. Overall REAs for gray level and COR were on average 3.4 mm2. The scale-dependent descriptor COR could not in all cases accurately be determined from combining individual image analysis results - even when the combined area resulted in the REA. Microscope and camera specifications define the upper and lower limit of detectable characteristic length that can be extracted from images and should therefore be considered in the experimental design when choosing an imaging technique.
Milferstedt, K.; Pons, M. N.; Morgenroth, E. (2009) Analyzing characteristic length scales in biofilm structures, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 102(2), 368-379, doi:10.1002/bit.22075, Institutional Repository

Evaluating operating conditions for outcompeting nitrite oxidizers and maintaining partial nitrification in biofilm systems using biofilm modeling and Monte Carlo filtering

In practice, partial nitrification to nitrite in biofilms has been achieved with a range of different operating conditions, but mechanisms resulting in reliable partial nitrification in biofilms are not well understood. In this study, mathematical biofilm modeling combined with Monte Carlo filtering was used to evaluate operating conditions that (1) lead to outcompetition of nitrite oxidizers from the biofilm, and (2) allow to maintain partial nitrification during long-term operation. Competition for oxygen was found to be the main mechanism for displacing nitrite oxidizers from the biofilm, and preventing re-growth of nitrite oxidizers in the long-term. To maintain partial nitrification in the model, a larger oxygen affinity (i.e., smaller half saturation constant) for ammonium oxidizers compared to nitrite oxidizers was required, while the difference in maximum growth rate was not important for competition under steady state conditions. Thus, mechanisms for washout of nitrite oxidizing bacteria from biofilms are different from suspended cultures where the difference in maximum growth rate is a key mechanism. Inhibition of nitrite oxidizers by free ammonia was not required to outcompete nitrite oxidizers from the biofilm, and to maintain partial nitrification to nitrite. But inhibition by free ammonia resulted in faster washout of nitrite oxidizers.
Brockmann, D.; Morgenroth, E. (2010) Evaluating operating conditions for outcompeting nitrite oxidizers and maintaining partial nitrification in biofilm systems using biofilm modeling and Monte Carlo filtering, Water Research, 44(6), 1995-2009, doi:10.1016/j.watres.2009.12.010, Institutional Repository

The influence of aeration intensity on predation and EPS production in membrane bioreactors

Shear, in the form of vigorous aeration, is used to control fouling in membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. However, shear also influences the physicochemical and biological properties of MBR biomass. The current study examines the relationship between the aeration intensity and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production in MBRs. Two identical submerged MBRs were operated in parallel but the aeration rate was three times greater in one of the MBRs. The concentrations of floc-associated and soluble EPS were monitored for the duration of the experiment. Microscopic images and floc-size measurements were also collected regularly. The membrane fouling potential of the biomass was quantified using the flux-step method. Increased aeration did not have a direct effect on soluble or floc-associated EPS production in the microfiltration MBRs. However, aeration intensity had a significant effect on predatory organisms. Large aquatic earthworms, Aeolosoma hemprichi, proliferated under lower shear conditions but were never observed in the high shear reactor. Predation by A. hemprichi resulted in increased floc-associated and soluble EPS production. Thus, the mixing conditions in the low shear MBR indirectly resulted in increased soluble EPS concentrations and higher fouling potential. This research suggests that predation can have a significant impact on the production rates of floc-associated and soluble EPS – key parameters driving membrane fouling in MBRs.
Menniti, A.; Morgenroth, E. (2010) The influence of aeration intensity on predation and EPS production in membrane bioreactors, Water Research, 44(8), 2541-2553, doi:10.1016/j.watres.2009.12.024, Institutional Repository

Predation influences the structure of biofilm developed on ultrafiltration membranes

This study investigates the impact of predation by eukaryotes on the development of specific biofilm structures in gravity-driven dead-end ultrafiltration systems. Filtration systems were operated under ultra-low pressure conditions (65 mbar) without the control of biofilm formation. Three different levels of predation were evaluated: (1) inhibition of eukaryotic organisms, (2) addition of cultured protozoa (Tetrahymena pyriformis), and (3) no modification of microbial community as a control. The system performance was evaluated based on permeate flux and structures of the biofilm. It was found that predation had a significant influence on both the total amount and also the structure of the biofilm. An open and heterogeneous structure developed in systems with predation whereas a flat, compact, and thick structure that homogeneously covered the membrane surface developed in absence of predation. Permeate flux was correlated with the structure of the biofilm with increased fluxes for smaller membrane coverage. Permeate fluxes in the presence or absence of the predators was 10 and 5 L m−2 h−1, respectively. It was concluded that eukaryotic predation is a key factor influencing the performance of gravity-driven ultrafiltration systems.
Derlon, N.; Peter-Varbanets, M.; Scheidegger, A.; Pronk, W.; Morgenroth, E. (2012) Predation influences the structure of biofilm developed on ultrafiltration membranes, Water Research, 46(10), 3323-3333, doi:10.1016/j.watres.2012.03.031, Institutional Repository

Activity of metazoa governs biofilm structure formation and enhances permeate flux during Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) filtration

The impact of different feed waters in terms of eukaryotic populations and organic carbon content on the biofilm structure formation and permeate flux during Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) filtration was investigated in this study. GDM filtration was performed at ultra-low pressure (65 mbar) in dead-end mode without control of the biofilm formation. Different feed waters were tested (River water, pre-treated river water, lake water, and tap water) and varied with regard to their organic substrate content and their predator community. River water was manipulated either by chemically inhibiting all eukaryotes or by filtering out macrozoobenthos (metazoan organisms). The structure of the biofilm was characterized at the meso- and micro-scale using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Based on Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements, the river waters provided the highest potential for bacterial growth whereas tap water had the lowest. An increasing content in soluble and particulate organic substrate resulted in increasing biofilm accumulation on membrane surface. However, enhanced biofilm accumulation did not result in lower flux values and permeate flux was mainly influenced by the structure of the biofilm. Metazoan organisms (in particular nematodes and oligochaetes) built-up protective habitats, which resulted in the formation of open and spatially heterogeneous biofilms composed of biomass patches. In the absence of predation by metazoan organisms, a flat and compact biofilm developed. It is concluded that the activity of metazoan organisms in natural river water and its impact on biofilm structure balances the detrimental effect of a high biofilm accumulation, thus allowing for a broader application of GDM filtration. Finally, our results suggest that for surface waters with high particulate organic carbon (POC) content, the use of worms is suitable to enhance POC removal before ultrafiltration units.
Derlon, N.; Koch, N.; Eugster, B.; Posch, T.; Pernthaler, J.; Pronk, W.; Morgenroth, E. (2013) Activity of metazoa governs biofilm structure formation and enhances permeate flux during Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) filtration, Water Research, 47(6), 2085-2095, doi:10.1016/j.watres.2013.01.033, Institutional Repository

Biofilm formation and permeate quality improvement in Gravity Driven Membrane ultrafiltration

The effects of biofilm development on ultrafiltration membranes with regards to permeate stability and permeation rates were investigated using Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) filtration. The first part of the study aimed at evaluating the influence of the biofilm on permeate flux quality and quantity with regards to Assimilable Organic Carbon (AOC) degradation. In addition, two types of biological pre-treatments were evaluated: slow sand filtration and packed bed bio-reactor, compared to a control (no treatment). Biofilm formation helped to decrease the AOC content of permeate water, compared to the influent. Both pre-treatments additionally reduced AOC level in permeate and thus increased its biological stability, however none of the systems were able to guarantee microbiologically stable water. Removal of AOC before the GDM filtration reduced the biofilm growth potential, which in turn influenced its physical structure and enhanced the permeation rates. Influence of inorganic particle removal by pre-sedimentation and its effect on the biofilm structure was also studied. Pre-sedimentation of particle populations selected fine and homogenous particle fractions, which lead to the formation of a homogenous biofilm structure characterized by an increased hydraulic resistance. This was clearly visible between horizontally and vertically installed membranes where the latter ones had a significantly reduced flux despite lower deposited particle mass. Presence of larger, heterogeneous particle fractions counterbalanced the negative effects of the fine particles, which overall resulted in enhanced permeation rates.
Chomiak, A.; Mimoso, J.; Koetzsch, S.; Sinnet, B.; Pronk, W.; Derlon, N.; Morgenroth, E. (2014) Biofilm formation and permeate quality improvement in Gravity Driven Membrane ultrafiltration, Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 14(2), 274-282, doi:10.2166/ws.2013.197, Institutional Repository

Inorganic particles increase biofilm heterogeneity and enhance permeate flux

This study investigated the influence of inorganic particles on the hydraulic resistance of biofilm grown on membrane surface during low-pressure dead-end ultrafiltration. Gravity-driven ultrafiltration membrane systems were operated during several weeks without any flushing or cleaning. Smaller (kaolin d0.5 = 3.6 μm) or larger (kaolin with diatomaceous earth 50/50%, d0.5 = 18.1 μm) particles were added to pre-filtered creek water or to unfiltered creek water. It was demonstrated in both experiments that presence of finer particles in the feed water (kaolin) induced formation of compact and homogeneous biofilm structure. On the other hand presence of the larger particles (diatomite) helped to counterbalance the effect of fine particles due to the formation of more heterogeneous and permeable biofilm structure. The hydraulic resistance of biofilms formed with fine particles was significantly higher than the resistance of biofilm formed in (1) absence of any inorganic particles or (2) in presence of the mixed particle population. The membrane orientation (vertical or horizontal) determined which particles were accumulating at the membrane surface, with structural differences shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). For vertical membranes, the larger particles were selectively removed due to sedimentation and did not contribute to the biofilm development. Thus the selection of smaller particles due to vertical membrane configuration negatively affected the biofilm structure and permeation rates, and such selective accumulation of fine particles should be avoided.
Chomiak, A.; Sinnet, B.; Derlon, N.; Morgenroth, E. (2014) Inorganic particles increase biofilm heterogeneity and enhance permeate flux, Water Research, 64, 177-186, doi:10.1016/j.watres.2014.06.045, Institutional Repository
Morgenroth, E.; Derlon, N.; Pronk, W.; Larsen, T. A. (2015) Von der Grundlagenforschung zur Anwendung: Trinkwasseraufbereitung und Sanitärversorgung, (14 pp.), Institutional Repository

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Address

E-Mail: eberhard.morgenroth@eawag.ch
Phone: +41 58 765 5539
Fax: +41 58 765 5802
Address: Eawag
Überlandstrasse 133
8600 Dübendorf
Office: BU B13
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Research Focus

Biofilm reactors, gravity driven membrane filtration, environmental biotechnology, urban water management

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