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Membrane processes for water and wastewater treatment
Membrane technology is widely used in water and wastewater treatment processes. Currently, we focus on understanding the biological or physico-chemical phenomena occurring in various membrane water treatment systems, including membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for wastewater treatment, ultrafiltration for the pretreatment of seawater desalination, reverse osmosis (RO) for wastewater reuse, etc
Biofouling (biofilm) control by microbial signaling:
Quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ)
Recently, a novel molecular biological method has been reported that effectively mitigates the attachment and growth of microorganisms on the membrane surfaces in MBRs.
In 2009, Yeon et al. demonstrated a positive correlation between microbial quorum sensing (QS) and membrane biofouling in an MBR for wastewater treatment. Since then, a number of studies have noted the correlation between QS and membrane biofouling, and provided development of various quorum quenching (QQ) techniques for the elucidation and control of biofouling in MBRs. We focus on applying QQ strategy to various membrane water treatment processes as well as improving the efficiency of QQ-based biofouling mitigation in MBRs.
Improving biogas production through Quorum Sensing technology
Biogas systems rely on complex microbial communities to break down organic waste and generate renewable energy. However, communication between these microorganisms—known as quorum sensing—plays a crucial role in how effectively they work together.
By harnessing quorum sensing technology, we can enhance microbial coordination, stabilize digestion processes, and significantly boost methane yields. Through targeted modulation of microbial signaling pathways, researchers are now developing smarter bioreactors that self-optimize for maximum productivity and minimal waste.
Our research focuses on integrating quorum sensing and quorum quenching strategies to regulate microbial behavior, prevent system imbalance, and promote sustainable, high-efficiency biogas production.
Production and application of polyhydroxyalkanoate
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs), a next-generation bioplastic, are biodegradable polyesters synthesized by microorganisms as intracellular carbon and energy storage compounds. PHAs can be utilized for biodegradable films, packaging materials, hydrogels, and more. Our research is establishing a sustainable bioprocess to produce PHA using waste sludge as feedstock, minimizing environmental impact. We are developing an integrated system that simultaneously achieves waste reduction and carbon mitigation. Furthermore, we are developing functional polymer materials based on the produced PHA and exploring its potential applications in environmental engineering, such as water treatment and environmental remediation.
Removal of microplastics in water systems
Microplastics are referring to small plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size. They are produced by crushing large plastic pieces into smaller pieces through a weathering process and sometimes originated from specific products manufactured in the form of tiny beads (e.g., face and body scrub, toothpaste, etc.). As the environmental threats from the accumulation of microplastics in the water systems are increasing, we focus on the technologies to remove aquatic microplastics, such as membrane bioreactors and biodegradation by microorganisms.
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