UBC Bioreactor Technology Group

We collaborate with government agencies, municipalities, industries and researchers within UBC and other institutions with an ultimate goal of waste reduction and resource recovery. We operate three CFI/BCKDF-, NSERC- and UBC-funded facilities. The Advanced Anaerobic Digestion Facility focuses on maximizing waste to biogas (methane, bio-hydrogen) conversion through emerging pretreatments. Bench-scale thermal (microwave, radio frequency and conventional heating), high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonic waste disintegration techniques are evaluated to enhance the extent of the biodegradation in advanced anaerobic digesters that require smaller volume/footprint. Secondary objective: to produce digested biosolids in compliance with the Organic Matter Recycling and Reuse and Canadian Food Inspection Agency fertilizer regulations (concerning pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals) for reuse as soil amendment. We culture microorganisms and evaluate biogas quantity and quality, including odour causing compounds and explore links among particle size distribution, zeta potential and biodegradability of waste samples. We also work to detect quantitation of contaminants of emerging concern (i.e. personal care products, hormones, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, and pesticides). State of the art infrastructure combined with a variety of sample preparation and extraction technique provide low detection limits in sample types ranging from fresh water, wastewater, biosolids and other industrial and agricultural wastes.