The CHEMBIO unit specializes in the development of advanced analytical methods and innovative technologies for the detection, control, and mitigation of chemical and biological contamination in industrial and natural environments. Composed of a team of chemists and chemical engineers, it addresses both emerging chemical contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, and personal care products, as well as biological contaminants including viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes. Through cutting-edge technological approaches, it seeks to understand the impact and spread of these contaminants on the environment and human health, proposing sustainable solutions that contribute to environmental protection and the improvement of quality of life.
Advanced analytical capabilities for the detection of chemical and biological contaminants (mass spectrometry, sensors, liquid chromatography…).
Innovation and optimization of physicochemical and biological treatment technologies for the decontamination of water and soil.
Modeling and simulation of the dispersion and environmental impact of contaminants (computational fluid dynamics (CFD), atmospheric dispersion models…).
Statistical analysis of the dispersion and environmental impact of contaminants.
Application of methods for the control of pathogens and antibiotic resistance (sampling methods, RT-PCR, microbiological culture…).
Mocholi-Arce, M., Sala-Garrido, R., Molinos-Senante, M., Maziotis, A. (2025) A comprehensive evaluation of eco-productivity of the municipal solid waste service in Chile. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-1931-9
Marcos-Rodrigo, E., Lebrero, R., Muñoz, R., Sousa, D.Z., Cantera, S. (2025) Syngas biological transformation into hydroxyectoine. Bioresource Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131842
Herrero-Lobo, R., Torres Franco, A.F., Lebrero, R., Rodero, M.D.R., Muñoz, R. (2025) Evaluation of the influence of the gas residence time and biomass concentration on methane bioconversion to ectoines in a novel Taylor flow bioreactor. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123592
Severi, C.A., Pascual, C., Perez, V., Muñoz, R., Lebrero, R. (2025) Pilot-Scale Biogas Desulfurization through Anoxic Biofiltration. Journal of Hazardous Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136830
Hoyos, E.G., Lomanar, M.L., Blanco, S., Lebrero, R., Muñoz, R. (2025) Improving photosynthetic biogas purification via process aeration and nanoparticle supplementation. Bioresource Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131987