Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery
Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery
- 1st Edition - August 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Editors: André Bezerra dos Santos, Renato Carrhá Leitão
- Language: English
Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery serves as a comprehensive guide to anaerobic digestion (AD) by covering fundam… Read more
Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery serves as a comprehensive guide to anaerobic digestion (AD) by covering fundamental principles, advanced techniques, and real-world applications of AD as applied to resource recovery, integrated biorefinery and the circular economy.
Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery offers seventeen detailed chapters, with each one providing clear explanations, illustrative examples, and practical insights to explore the integration of AD in biorefinery operations, covering topics such as mass and energy balances, economical evaluations, environmental considerations, and upscaling strategies. Additionally, the book provides guidance on identifying and mitigating inhibitory factors that can limit the real-world applications of AD research.
This book equips readers with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in AD and biorefinery operations, and is very useful guide for students, researchers and industry professionals working with, or looking to get into research with anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, integrated biorefinery and bioenergy technologies. This book will also provide useful information for decision makers, policy makers and consultants working to make their business more sustainable and focus on circular economy practices.
Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery offers seventeen detailed chapters, with each one providing clear explanations, illustrative examples, and practical insights to explore the integration of AD in biorefinery operations, covering topics such as mass and energy balances, economical evaluations, environmental considerations, and upscaling strategies. Additionally, the book provides guidance on identifying and mitigating inhibitory factors that can limit the real-world applications of AD research.
This book equips readers with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in AD and biorefinery operations, and is very useful guide for students, researchers and industry professionals working with, or looking to get into research with anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, integrated biorefinery and bioenergy technologies. This book will also provide useful information for decision makers, policy makers and consultants working to make their business more sustainable and focus on circular economy practices.
- Covers fundamental principles, advanced techniques, and real-world applications of AD as applied to resource recovery, integrated biorefinery and the circular economy
- Serves as a platform for researchers to share their latest case studies and real-life industrial applications for anaerobic digestion and resource recovery
- Introduces both conventional and cutting-edge technologies that contribute to the advancement of successful anaerobic digestion, as it is applicable to integrated biorefinery technology, the circular economy and life-cycle assessment
Students, researchers and industry professionals working with, or looking to get into research with anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, integrated biorefinery and bioenergy technologies
1. Fundamentals of anaerobic digestion
1.1 Introduction (including the types of solid/liquid biomasses)
1.2. Biochemistry of AD
1.3 Operational parameters that affect AD - Temperature - pH - Type of substrate - Substrate concentration - Nutritional aspects - HRT and SRT - Type of reactors
1.4 Types of digestion processes for solid biomass - Mesophilic and thermophilic - Dry, semi-dry and wet - Commercial reactors and basic characteristics
1.5 Types of digestion processes for liquid biomass - UASB - EGSB - IC - Anaerobic MBR - Anoxic/anaerobic MBBR - Other
1.6 AD and the biogeochemical cycles
1.7 Molecular biology tools to understand anaerobic microbiomes
1.8 Review questions
2. Anaerobic biorefinery towards organic waste valorization
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Integrated biorefinery
2.3 Anaerobic digestion as part of an integrated biorefinery (methanization, biohydrogen, carboxylic acid platforms, other)
2.4 Mass and energy balances
2.5 Economical evaluation
2.6 Environmental evaluation
2.7 Up-scaling
2.8 Summary and future outlooks
2.9 Review questions
3. Resource recovery from biomass
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Basic properties of the substrates
3.2.1 Structure
3.2.2 Composition
3.2.3 Source
3.3 Recovery of Chemical-based materials - Lignin - Proteins - Carbohydrates - Polymer - Ectoine (from biogas) - Other Chemicals
3.4 Recovery of Energy Biological - Bioethanol - Biogas - Biohydrogen - Biodiesel Non-biological - Pyrolysis - Oxidation - Gasification
3.5 Recovery of Nutrients
3.6 Recovery of other recent investigated compounds
3.7 Calculations on biogas production and energy recovery
3.8 Review questions
4. Pre-treatment for enhancing anaerobic digestion
4.1 Physical
4.2 Chemical and thermochemical
4.3 Steam explosion
4.4 Enzyme
4.5 Microaeration
4.4 Other strategies for enhancing anaerobic digestion
4.4.1 Additives and conductive materials
4.4.2 Anaerobic co-digestion
4.5 Summary and future outlooks
4.6 Review questions
5. Inhibition of anaerobic digestion by toxic compounds
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Mechanisms of Inhibition
5.3 Toxicity identification, symptoms and consequences in anaerobic systems
5.4 Source of toxic compounds
5.5 Main inorganic toxicants
5.6 Main organic toxicants
5.7 Strategies to control and overcome toxicity in anaerobic reactors
5.8 Future Perspectives and Challenges
5.9 Numerical examples 5.10 Review questions
6. Mathematical modeling
6.1 Introduction
6.2. Modeling approaches for biological processes
6.3 Implementation of ionic-equilibria, mass-transport limitations
6.4 Simulation of process chains / novel plant configurations
6.5 Simulation of process chains / novel plant configurations
6.6 Review questions
7. Anaerobic digestion of domestic sewage for methanization
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Design of anaerobic reactors (UASB, anaerobic filter)
7.3 Efficiencies for macro and micropollutants/contaminants of emerging concern
7.4 Main operational failures
7.5 Examples of high-rate anaerobic reactors design and energetic calculations
7.6 Summary and future outlooks
7.7 Review questions
8. Anaerobic digestion of industrial wastewaters for methanization
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Types of industrial wastewaters
8.3 Design of anaerobic reactors (EGSB, IC, anaerobic MBR, anoxic/anaerobic MBBR)
8.4 Efficiencies for macro and micropollutants/contaminants of emerging concern
8.5 Efficiencies for recalcitrant and priority compounds
8.6 Main operational failures
8.7 Examples of high-rate anaerobic reactors design and energetic calculations
8.8 Summary and future outlooks
8.9 Review questions
9. Applying the biohydrogen platform for solid and liquid biomass
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry
9.2.1 Key microorganisms
9.2.2 Metabolic pathways
9.2.3 Microbial characteristics
9.2.4 Strategies for cultivating a hydrogenogenic sludge and supressing methanogens
9.3 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used (including MFC and EFC)
9.4. Research and full-scale experiences and biohydrogen application
9.5 Summary and future outlooks
9.6 Numerical examples 9.7 Review questions
10. Production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and applying the carboxylic platform for solid and liquid biomass
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry
10.2.1 Key microorganisms
10.2.2 Metabolic pathways
10.2.3 Microbial characteristics
10.3 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
10.4 Carboxylic Acids Recovery
10.4.1 Solvent extraction recovery
10.4.2 Membrane separation
10.5. Research and full-scale experiences
10.6 Summary and future outlooks
10.7 Numerical examples
10.8 Review questions
11. Anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass (LB)
11.1 Introduction and types of LB
11.2 Basic features
11.2.1 Composition
11.2.2 Source
11.3 Applied pre-treatments
11.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
11.5 Full-scale applications
11.6 Resource recovery
11.7 Summary and future outlooks
11.8 Numerical examples
11.9 Review questions
12. Anaerobic digestion of food waste
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Basic features
12.2.1 Composition
12.2.2 Source
12.3 Applied pre-treatments
12.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
12.6 Full-scale applications
12.5 Resource recovery
12.7 Summary and future outlooks
12.8 Numerical examples
12.9 Review questions
13. Anaerobic digestion of manure
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Basic features
13.2.1 Types of sludge
13.2.2 Composition
13.3 Applied pre-treatments
13.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
13.5 Resource recovery
13.6 Summary and future outlooks
13.7 Numerical examples
13.8 Review questions
14. Sludge treatment and recovery
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Basic features
14.2.1 Types of sludge
14.2.2 Composition
14.3 Applied pre-treatments
14.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
14.5 Resource recovery
14.6 Summary and future outlooks
14.7 Numerical examples
14.8 Review questions
15. Biogas treatment and upgrading technologies for solid and liquid biomass
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Removal of CO2
15.2.1 Physical/chemical CO2 removal technologies
15.2.2 Biological CO2 removal technologies
15.2.3 CO2 removal by in situ desorption
15.3 Removal of hydrogen sulphide
15.3.1 Physical/chemical H2S removal technologies
15.3.2 Biological H2S removal technologies
15.4 Removal of H2O
15.5 Removal of other trace pollutants
15.5.1 Removal of O2 and N2
15.5.2 Removal of halogenated compounds
15.5.3 Removal of siloxanes
15.5.4 Removal of ammonia
15.6 Summary and future outlooks
15.7 Numerical examples
15.8 Review questions
16. Power-to-X based on biogas from Anaerobic Digestion Processes
16.1 Biogas Production Processes
16.1.1 Definition and composition of biogas
16.1.2 Production methods for biogas and hydrogen
16.1.3 Biogas purification and upgrading techniques
16.2 Hydrogen Production Techniques
16.2.1 Steam methane reforming
16.2.2 Dry reforming
16.2.3 Bi-reforming
16.2.4 Electrolysis of water
16.2.5 Biomass gasification
16.2.6 Photoelectrochemical and photobiological methods
16.2.7 Dark fermentation
16.2.8 Plasmalysis
16.3 Conversion Technologies
16.3.1 Biogas upgrading to biomethane
16.3.2 Hydrogen purification and compression
16.3.3 Fuel cell technologies for hydrogen conversion
16.3.4 Combustion and cogeneration systems for biogas utilization
16.4 Applications of Biogas and Hydrogen
16.4.1 Electricity generation
16.4.2 Heat production for industrial processes
16.4.3 Transportation fuels
16.4.4 Energy storage applications
16.5 Challenges and Solutions
16.5.1 Variability of biogas composition
16.5.2 Infrastructure development for hydrogen distribution
16.5.3 Technological advancements and research needs
16.6 Case Studies and Success Stories
16.6.1 Examples of successful biogas and hydrogen projects
16.6.2 Lessons learned and best practices
16.7 Future Outlook
16.7.1 Emerging trends in biogas and hydrogen technology
16.7.2 Potential for integration with other renewable energy sources
16.8 Summary and future outlooks
16.9 Numerical examples
16.10 Review questions
17. Economical Evaluation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Anaerobic Digestion
17.1 Economical Evaluation on Anaerobic Digestion
17.1.1 Introduction
17.1.1.1 Contextualization
17.1.1.2 Project development phases
17.1.1.3 Importance of economic analysis and modeling
17.1.1.4 Factors affecting investments, production costs and revenues
17.1.2 Industrial modeling
17.1.2.1 Process design
17.1.2.2 Mass and energy balance
17.1.2.3 Sizing of equipment and systems
17.1.2.4 Sizing of industrial utilities
17.1.3 Calculation of fixed investment
17.1.3.1 Components of fixed investment
17.1.3.2 Estimation methods
17.1.3.3 Cost of process equipment
17.1.4 Calculation of working capital
17.1.4.1 Components of working capital
17.1.4.2 Estimation methods
17.1.5 Revenue and cost projection
17.1.5.1 Capacity Factor Projects and Annual Volumes
17.1.5.2 Pricing of raw materials, inputs, products and co-products
17.1.5.3 Relevant taxation
17.1.5.4 Indirect expenses
17.1.5.5 Margins, profits and cash generation
17.1.6 Cash flow and profitability indicators
17.1.6.1 Definition of cash flow
17.1.6.2 Cash flow time horizon
17.1.6.3 Minimum attractiveness rate
17.1.6.4 Profitability indicators
17.1.6.5 Leverage
17.1.7 Sensitivity analysis
17.1.8 Project financing of industrial projects
17.1.9 Case Studies and Examples
17.1.10 Challenges and Opportunities
17.1.11 Numerical examples
17.2 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Anaerobic Digestion
17.2.1 Goal and Scope Definition
17.2.2 Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
17.2.3 Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
17.2.4 Interpretation and Sensitivity Analysis
17.2.5 Applications and Recommendations
17.2.6. Case Studies and Examples
17.3 Summary and future outlooks
17.4 Review questions
1.1 Introduction (including the types of solid/liquid biomasses)
1.2. Biochemistry of AD
1.3 Operational parameters that affect AD - Temperature - pH - Type of substrate - Substrate concentration - Nutritional aspects - HRT and SRT - Type of reactors
1.4 Types of digestion processes for solid biomass - Mesophilic and thermophilic - Dry, semi-dry and wet - Commercial reactors and basic characteristics
1.5 Types of digestion processes for liquid biomass - UASB - EGSB - IC - Anaerobic MBR - Anoxic/anaerobic MBBR - Other
1.6 AD and the biogeochemical cycles
1.7 Molecular biology tools to understand anaerobic microbiomes
1.8 Review questions
2. Anaerobic biorefinery towards organic waste valorization
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Integrated biorefinery
2.3 Anaerobic digestion as part of an integrated biorefinery (methanization, biohydrogen, carboxylic acid platforms, other)
2.4 Mass and energy balances
2.5 Economical evaluation
2.6 Environmental evaluation
2.7 Up-scaling
2.8 Summary and future outlooks
2.9 Review questions
3. Resource recovery from biomass
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Basic properties of the substrates
3.2.1 Structure
3.2.2 Composition
3.2.3 Source
3.3 Recovery of Chemical-based materials - Lignin - Proteins - Carbohydrates - Polymer - Ectoine (from biogas) - Other Chemicals
3.4 Recovery of Energy Biological - Bioethanol - Biogas - Biohydrogen - Biodiesel Non-biological - Pyrolysis - Oxidation - Gasification
3.5 Recovery of Nutrients
3.6 Recovery of other recent investigated compounds
3.7 Calculations on biogas production and energy recovery
3.8 Review questions
4. Pre-treatment for enhancing anaerobic digestion
4.1 Physical
4.2 Chemical and thermochemical
4.3 Steam explosion
4.4 Enzyme
4.5 Microaeration
4.4 Other strategies for enhancing anaerobic digestion
4.4.1 Additives and conductive materials
4.4.2 Anaerobic co-digestion
4.5 Summary and future outlooks
4.6 Review questions
5. Inhibition of anaerobic digestion by toxic compounds
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Mechanisms of Inhibition
5.3 Toxicity identification, symptoms and consequences in anaerobic systems
5.4 Source of toxic compounds
5.5 Main inorganic toxicants
5.6 Main organic toxicants
5.7 Strategies to control and overcome toxicity in anaerobic reactors
5.8 Future Perspectives and Challenges
5.9 Numerical examples 5.10 Review questions
6. Mathematical modeling
6.1 Introduction
6.2. Modeling approaches for biological processes
6.3 Implementation of ionic-equilibria, mass-transport limitations
6.4 Simulation of process chains / novel plant configurations
6.5 Simulation of process chains / novel plant configurations
6.6 Review questions
7. Anaerobic digestion of domestic sewage for methanization
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Design of anaerobic reactors (UASB, anaerobic filter)
7.3 Efficiencies for macro and micropollutants/contaminants of emerging concern
7.4 Main operational failures
7.5 Examples of high-rate anaerobic reactors design and energetic calculations
7.6 Summary and future outlooks
7.7 Review questions
8. Anaerobic digestion of industrial wastewaters for methanization
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Types of industrial wastewaters
8.3 Design of anaerobic reactors (EGSB, IC, anaerobic MBR, anoxic/anaerobic MBBR)
8.4 Efficiencies for macro and micropollutants/contaminants of emerging concern
8.5 Efficiencies for recalcitrant and priority compounds
8.6 Main operational failures
8.7 Examples of high-rate anaerobic reactors design and energetic calculations
8.8 Summary and future outlooks
8.9 Review questions
9. Applying the biohydrogen platform for solid and liquid biomass
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry
9.2.1 Key microorganisms
9.2.2 Metabolic pathways
9.2.3 Microbial characteristics
9.2.4 Strategies for cultivating a hydrogenogenic sludge and supressing methanogens
9.3 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used (including MFC and EFC)
9.4. Research and full-scale experiences and biohydrogen application
9.5 Summary and future outlooks
9.6 Numerical examples 9.7 Review questions
10. Production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and applying the carboxylic platform for solid and liquid biomass
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry
10.2.1 Key microorganisms
10.2.2 Metabolic pathways
10.2.3 Microbial characteristics
10.3 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
10.4 Carboxylic Acids Recovery
10.4.1 Solvent extraction recovery
10.4.2 Membrane separation
10.5. Research and full-scale experiences
10.6 Summary and future outlooks
10.7 Numerical examples
10.8 Review questions
11. Anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass (LB)
11.1 Introduction and types of LB
11.2 Basic features
11.2.1 Composition
11.2.2 Source
11.3 Applied pre-treatments
11.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
11.5 Full-scale applications
11.6 Resource recovery
11.7 Summary and future outlooks
11.8 Numerical examples
11.9 Review questions
12. Anaerobic digestion of food waste
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Basic features
12.2.1 Composition
12.2.2 Source
12.3 Applied pre-treatments
12.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
12.6 Full-scale applications
12.5 Resource recovery
12.7 Summary and future outlooks
12.8 Numerical examples
12.9 Review questions
13. Anaerobic digestion of manure
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Basic features
13.2.1 Types of sludge
13.2.2 Composition
13.3 Applied pre-treatments
13.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
13.5 Resource recovery
13.6 Summary and future outlooks
13.7 Numerical examples
13.8 Review questions
14. Sludge treatment and recovery
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Basic features
14.2.1 Types of sludge
14.2.2 Composition
14.3 Applied pre-treatments
14.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used
14.5 Resource recovery
14.6 Summary and future outlooks
14.7 Numerical examples
14.8 Review questions
15. Biogas treatment and upgrading technologies for solid and liquid biomass
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Removal of CO2
15.2.1 Physical/chemical CO2 removal technologies
15.2.2 Biological CO2 removal technologies
15.2.3 CO2 removal by in situ desorption
15.3 Removal of hydrogen sulphide
15.3.1 Physical/chemical H2S removal technologies
15.3.2 Biological H2S removal technologies
15.4 Removal of H2O
15.5 Removal of other trace pollutants
15.5.1 Removal of O2 and N2
15.5.2 Removal of halogenated compounds
15.5.3 Removal of siloxanes
15.5.4 Removal of ammonia
15.6 Summary and future outlooks
15.7 Numerical examples
15.8 Review questions
16. Power-to-X based on biogas from Anaerobic Digestion Processes
16.1 Biogas Production Processes
16.1.1 Definition and composition of biogas
16.1.2 Production methods for biogas and hydrogen
16.1.3 Biogas purification and upgrading techniques
16.2 Hydrogen Production Techniques
16.2.1 Steam methane reforming
16.2.2 Dry reforming
16.2.3 Bi-reforming
16.2.4 Electrolysis of water
16.2.5 Biomass gasification
16.2.6 Photoelectrochemical and photobiological methods
16.2.7 Dark fermentation
16.2.8 Plasmalysis
16.3 Conversion Technologies
16.3.1 Biogas upgrading to biomethane
16.3.2 Hydrogen purification and compression
16.3.3 Fuel cell technologies for hydrogen conversion
16.3.4 Combustion and cogeneration systems for biogas utilization
16.4 Applications of Biogas and Hydrogen
16.4.1 Electricity generation
16.4.2 Heat production for industrial processes
16.4.3 Transportation fuels
16.4.4 Energy storage applications
16.5 Challenges and Solutions
16.5.1 Variability of biogas composition
16.5.2 Infrastructure development for hydrogen distribution
16.5.3 Technological advancements and research needs
16.6 Case Studies and Success Stories
16.6.1 Examples of successful biogas and hydrogen projects
16.6.2 Lessons learned and best practices
16.7 Future Outlook
16.7.1 Emerging trends in biogas and hydrogen technology
16.7.2 Potential for integration with other renewable energy sources
16.8 Summary and future outlooks
16.9 Numerical examples
16.10 Review questions
17. Economical Evaluation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Anaerobic Digestion
17.1 Economical Evaluation on Anaerobic Digestion
17.1.1 Introduction
17.1.1.1 Contextualization
17.1.1.2 Project development phases
17.1.1.3 Importance of economic analysis and modeling
17.1.1.4 Factors affecting investments, production costs and revenues
17.1.2 Industrial modeling
17.1.2.1 Process design
17.1.2.2 Mass and energy balance
17.1.2.3 Sizing of equipment and systems
17.1.2.4 Sizing of industrial utilities
17.1.3 Calculation of fixed investment
17.1.3.1 Components of fixed investment
17.1.3.2 Estimation methods
17.1.3.3 Cost of process equipment
17.1.4 Calculation of working capital
17.1.4.1 Components of working capital
17.1.4.2 Estimation methods
17.1.5 Revenue and cost projection
17.1.5.1 Capacity Factor Projects and Annual Volumes
17.1.5.2 Pricing of raw materials, inputs, products and co-products
17.1.5.3 Relevant taxation
17.1.5.4 Indirect expenses
17.1.5.5 Margins, profits and cash generation
17.1.6 Cash flow and profitability indicators
17.1.6.1 Definition of cash flow
17.1.6.2 Cash flow time horizon
17.1.6.3 Minimum attractiveness rate
17.1.6.4 Profitability indicators
17.1.6.5 Leverage
17.1.7 Sensitivity analysis
17.1.8 Project financing of industrial projects
17.1.9 Case Studies and Examples
17.1.10 Challenges and Opportunities
17.1.11 Numerical examples
17.2 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Anaerobic Digestion
17.2.1 Goal and Scope Definition
17.2.2 Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
17.2.3 Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
17.2.4 Interpretation and Sensitivity Analysis
17.2.5 Applications and Recommendations
17.2.6. Case Studies and Examples
17.3 Summary and future outlooks
17.4 Review questions
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: August 1, 2026
- Language: English
AB
André Bezerra dos Santos
André dos Santos holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil (1998) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands (2005). He is a Full/Titular Professor at the Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. He has worked for 25 years in the field of environmental technology, and currently is editor-in-chief of two prestigious Brazilian journals, associate editor of the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Elsevier) and Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (ASCE), and ad-hoc of more than forty journals.. He has already received many professional and scientific prizes, such as Top-25 most cited articles from Bioresource Technology from 2007 – 2010, Elsevier (2010).
Affiliations and expertise
Professor, Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, BrazilRL
Renato Carrhá Leitão
Renato Carrhá Leitão holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil (1988) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands (2004). From 1991 to 2000 he worked at the Water Resources Office of Ceará State as design analyst; at the Meteorological and Water Resource Foundation of Ceará State as environmental engineer, at the private firm Gaia Environmental Consulting S/A as managing partner and CEO, and finally at the private firm Engesoft Engineering and Consulting S/A as project/design manager. Since 2016, he is Senior Researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and Permanent Professor at the Post Graduate Program in Natural Science, State University of Ceara, Brazil, where he coordinates investigation on environmental management, agro-industrial waste and wastewater treatment and reuse, anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste(water) for biogas, hydrogen and organic acids production, and on process development for separation of high added-value product from lignocellulosic biomass.
Affiliations and expertise
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), State University of Ceará, Brazil