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Paulo de Almeida

Visiting Researcher

Biography

Paulo de Almeida is Post-doctoral Research Fellow in the Academic Department for Environmental Engineering & Water Technology (EEWT Department).  His current work in the Sanitary Engineering Chair Group lies on the development of a mathematical model to identify metabolic pathways for N-removal that take place within the DHS-Anammox reactor, a down-flow sponge-based technology for wastewater treatment of strong interest for low- and mid-income countries. 

From his experience with real-scale systems treating domestic wastewater the perspectives of using mathematical modeling in this project are:

  • to understand how relevant microorganisms related with nitrogen removal play a role within down-flow sponge-based reactors
  • to identify potential trends leading to the design of the DHS-Anammox reactor as a post-treatment of effluents from anaerobic systems. 

For technology transfer, Paulo de Almeida also collaborates in a research group from Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil) for the development of a sponge-based packing media to be applied in post-treatment units comprising systems with simplified operational protocols.

“The use of synthetic matrices enhancing biomass retention (e.g.: sponges) is an important strategy, when the stability of the process relies on microorganisms with low specific growth rates, which is the case for Anammox bacteria.”  The use of down-flow sponge-based systems post-UASB reactors is a promising alternative for developing countries when simplicity is an important factor for a successful operation.

Publications

Mac Conell, E. F. A., Almeida, P. G. S., Martins, K. E. L., Araujo, J. C., Chernicharo, C. A. L. (2014). Bacterial community involved in the nitrogen cycle in a down-flow sponge-based reactor treating UASB effluent. Water Science and Technology (accepted for publication).

Chernicharo, C.A.L., Lobato, L.C.S., Almeida, P.G.S. (2014). Secondary sludge return for thickening and digestion in UASB reactors: case study of Onca STP - Brazil. In: Proceedings of XI Simposio Latinoamericano de Digestion Anaerobia - IWA Specialist Conference. Havana, Cuba.

Almeida, P.G.S., Marcus, A.K, Rittmann, B.E., Chernicharo, C.A.L. (2013). Performance of plastic- and sponge-based trickling filters treating effluents from an UASB reactor. Water Science and Technology 67(5), 1034-1042.

Mac Conell, E. F. A., Almeida, P. G. S., Zerbini, A. M., Brandt, E. M. F., Araujo, J. C., Chernicharo, C.A.L. (2013). Diversity and dynamics of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial communities in a sponge-based trickling filter treating effluent from a UASB reactor. Water Science and Technology, v. 68, p. 650-657.

Cardinali-Rezende, J., Araujo, J.C., Almeida, P.G.S., Chernicharo, C.A.L., Sanz, J.L., Chartone-Souza, E., Nascimento, A.M.A.  (2013). Organic loading rate and food-to-microorganism ratio shape prokaryotic diversity in a demo-scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating domestic wastewater. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, v. 2, p. 383-399.