Current Student Projects
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Enzymatic Degradation of Fiber (Swati Rao)
Conversion of fibrous sludge to energy serves the dual purpose of reducing sludge disposal costs and generating energy. Swati is studying the kinetics of degradation of wood fiber with cellulase, with an emphasis on morphological changes. -
Converting Sludge to Biogas (John Reye)
Sludge disposal is an expensive proposition that includes dredging, dewatering and disposal. John is looking at accelerating the solubilization of the fiber in sludge with cationic polymers. The solubilized material will then be anerobically converted to methane. -
Pyrolysis and Gasification of Lignin (Vipul Kumar)
The conversion of lignin to energy through high-temperature processes involves multiple conversions of the organic material. Vipul is comparing the pyrolytic and gasification behavior of lignin from several sources in order to identify and explain differences in mechanism. -
Accelerated Saccharification of Starch (Kendra Maxwell)
The breakdown of starch to sugars with amylase is the first step in the production of corn-based ethanol. We have found that the process is accelerated in the presence of cationic polymers. Kendra is studying the mechanism of the process with a view to reducing the cost of the enzyme. -
Effect of Turpentine on Wastewater Treatment (Soonoh Hong)
Wastewater from pulp and paper mills is treated in activated sludge systems or in aerated stabilization basins. Release of components related to turpentine is known to cause problems. Soonoh is identifying the components responsible, evaluating the transport of these components across the treatment system and measuring their impact on the microorganism population. Soonoh is a student in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His principal advisor is Dr. Spyros Pavlostathis.