DoctorRicardo Bello Mendoza

Associate Professor Ricardo Bello-Mendoza is an environmental engineer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. His research focuses on developing innovative technologies for sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery, addressing critical environmental challenges through more efficient, resilient, and sustainable water management systems.

Ricardo's expertise spans anaerobic biotechnology, advanced treatment technologies, and circular economy approaches that transform waste streams into valuable resources. His work investigates biological and chemical processes that enable the recovery of energy, nutrients, reusable water, and other useful products from wastewater while minimising environmental impacts.

A key area of his research is the application of advanced oxidation processes and other emerging technologies for the removal of emerging contaminants from water. His research seeks to improve the treatment of complex municipal and industrial wastewaters while enhancing water quality and environmental outcomes.

Ricardo also studies the fate and behaviour of persistent organic contaminants in aquatic environments. By examining how these contaminants are transported, transformed, and accumulated within environmental systems, his research supports improved risk assessment, environmental protection, and the development of effective mitigation strategies.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships, Ricardo contributes to the development of innovative solutions that promote cleaner waterways, resource efficiency, and more sustainable environmental management practices.