SHORT SUMMARY OF SCIENTIFIC LIFE

Eric Rovira Cal (Torrefarrera, Espanya, 1995) is a biotechnologist (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2017) and MSc in Biologic and Environmental Engineering (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2019). During his MSc studies he studied the simultaneous elimination of organic matter, phosphorous and partial nitrification in a pilot plant with a two-sludge system SBR. In addition, the potentil of the anaerobic biomass to produce PHA was studied, as well as the recovery of phosphorous in the form of struvite. The results were promising and it was feasible to eliminate organic matter and nutrients and recover valuable products at the same time. Currently, he is a Researcher Technician and his research is focused on optimizing the pilot plant in order to achieve the maximum PHA production and struvite recovery maintaining the needed nutrients and organic matter elimination.

Eric’s current research interests are:

· Resource recovery from wastewater to achieve a circular economy approach to wastewater treatment

· Study of the elimination of organic matter and phosphorus, with partial nitrification

· Study of the bioelectrochemical systems for hydrogen production