The ENVIROENG unit applies sustainable engineering to environmental protection and the efficient use of resources. With a multidisciplinary team of chemical engineers, biologists, biotechnologists, and environmental science experts, it develops innovative solutions in biological and physicochemical processes for the valorization of waste, by-products, and pollutants into high-value products and energy. The unit excels in wastewater treatment, solid waste management, gaseous emission decontamination, and indoor air purification. Additionally, it employs advanced genomics and microbiology techniques to optimize bioprocesses and enhance the resilience of the productive sector without compromising its competitiveness.
Characterization of waste and by-products and biodegradability testing.
Design and optimization of sustainable processes for waste and by-product treatment and valorization.
Reactor engineering.
Scaling and validation of processes in industrial environments.
Techno-economic feasibility analysis of treatment and valorization processes.
Advanced microbiological and genomic characterization techniques for bioprocess optimization and innovation.
Techniques for inoculum selection and optimization in bioprocesses.
This subproject aims to produce renewable gases (bioCH₄) by applying microaerobic conditions to eliminate hydrogen sulfide and enhance the hydrolysis stage, thereby reducing residence times in waste digestion. Subsequently, a hydrogenotrophic stage will be implemented, in which the digestate and biogas from the microaerobic stage are fed. The technical feasibility of bioCH₄ production is complemented by a subproject studying its economic viability.
SYNBIOCONV focuses on developing a new concept of a flexible, efficient, and sustainable multiplatform biorefinery capable of valorizing any organic waste—including toxic or recalcitrant types—through the production of synthesis gas and its subsequent bioconversion into marketable chemicals and renewable fuels.
CIRCULAR-BIOMED aims for the circular and sustainable production of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products using unexplored extremophilic organisms and advanced biotechnology. It integrates a novel two-step biorefinery concept where low-quality, non-hazardous waste is first converted into a clean gaseous feedstock through dark fermentation. This gas stream is subsequently valorized in a second step into fine chemicals using extremophilic gas fermentation.
This project introduces an innovative flagship biorefinery designed to valorize the organic fraction of solid waste and municipal wastewater sludge to produce high-value end products for industry and end consumers.
Bucci, P., Cantero, D., Casas, A., Marcos, E., Menalla, E., Muñoz, R. (2026) Hydrothermal pretreatment of brewer\'s spent grain: A pathway to sustainable biogas production and waste valorization. Biomass and Bioenergy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108399
Montaluisa-Mantilla, M.S., Lebrero, R., García-Encina, P.A., Muñoz, R. (2026) Elucidation of the mechanisms of VOC removal in botanical filters during indoor air treatment in a test chamber. Building and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113775
Moldes, D., Requejo, P.F., Vega, M., Bolado, S. (2026) Deep eutectic solvent-based protein recovery from microalgal biomass grown in piggery wastewater. Bioresource Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133446
Vargas-Estrada, L., Bordel, S., Lebrero, R., Muñoz, R. (2026) Evaluating the experimental CO2 stripping performance of a new generation multicapillary Taylor flow reactor. Chemical Engineering and Processing-Process Intensification. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2025.110601
Martínez-Hernando, M.-P., García Álvaro, A., Ruiz Palomar, C., Suárez Rodríguez, M. del C., Bolonio, D., de Godos Crespo, I., García-Martínez, M.-J., Ortega, M.F. (2026) Sustainability assessment of a novel vehicular biomethane production from swine manure compared to conventional techniques. Waste Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2025.115218
