GEMMA

Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology

General description of the activity

The GEMMA is a recognized research group by the SGR (Catalan Government). The group leader is Professor Joan García. GEMMA members belong to the Section Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, from the Department of Hydraulic, Maritime and Environmental Engineering of the Technical University of Catalonia. It is emplaced at the School of Civil Engineering of Barcelona.

The group is specialized in investigating non-conventional wastewater and sewage sludge treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands and high rate ponds. The production of bioenergy from wastewater through anaerobic digestion and microbial fuel cells is a complementary research field. Mathematical modelling and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of these treatment processes are also undertaken. In addition, it collaborates with the Research Group on Cooperation and Human Development (GRECDH) in the area of Sustainable Energy, through research projects on appropriate technologies for biogas production from organic wastes in developing countries.

The main research areas are:
1) Non-conventional wastewater and sludge treatment systems.
2) Technologies for the production of bioenergy from wastewater and organic wastes.
3) Mathematical modelling of processes.
4) Environmental evaluation of treatment systems and technologies for bioenergy production.

Specific areas of research energy field

• Anaerobic digestion of algal biomass and sludge from wastewater treatment.
• Microbial fuel cells for electricity generation in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.
• Biogas production in low-cost household digesters in developing countries.
• Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Balance of alternative treatment systems.