Ben Ma: Biofilm control in water reuse system using emerging UV technologies
Title
Biofilm control in water reuse system using emerging UV technologies
Mentor
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Biosketch
Ben Ma is an assistant professor of environmental engineering at the ҹɫÊÓƵ. Prior to joining the University, he worked as a postdoctoral associate at University of Colorado Boulder to understand the performance and mechanisms of emerging UV technologies for pathogen control, which has been widely recognized within the academia and industry and by public health officials in supporting efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Ma holds a Ph.D. in environmental engineering from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, a M.S. in biotechnology from Northwestern University, and a B.S. in bioengineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Project overview
Biofilms, which are widely detected in water transport infrastructures such as water distribution systems and premise plumbing, pose significant challenges including microbial-induced corrosion and taste and odor issues, presenting risks to infrastructure, the environment, and public health. Traditional biofilm control methods using chemical disinfectants offer limited effectiveness while causing issues such as disinfection residuals and by-products. Emerging ultraviolet (UV) technology, such as UV Light emitting diodes (LEDs), could provide a novel solution for managing biofilms in water infrastructure, with high effectiveness and energy efficiency and no by-product formation. This project will focus on understanding the performance, mechanisms, and long-term effects of innovative UV technologies on biofilm control in different water infrastructures. The outcome of this research will help guide the development of mitigation strategies of biofilm associated microbial risks in water supply systems, which could be the key to our next generation water infrastructure.
The Pack research Experience Program (PREP) student will be trained with basic lab skills in environmental engineering, microbiology, and molecular biology, including bacterial cell culture and enumeration, bioreactor and UV system setup and operation, DNA extraction and quantification using advanced techniques such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The applicants should express a strong interest in microbiology, engineering, and/or public health, with basic knowledge in biology and chemistry and willingness to engage in hands-on experimental work.
Student Training Opportunities
- Basic environmental microbiology techniques, such as microbial cell culture and quantification
- Operation of biofilm reactor and germicidal UV systems
- DNA extraction and quantification using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Required Qualifications
Not applicable.
Maximum hours per week
The PREP student will be expected to work on the project for a maximum of 10 hours per week.
Pack Research Experience Program information and application