DoctorRicardo Bello Mendoza

Ricardo's research investigates how biological, chemical, and engineering processes can be used to create more sustainable water and wastewater systems. His work focuses on developing technologies that not only remove pollutants from water but also recover valuable resources, supporting the transition towards circular and low-carbon water infrastructure.

A major area of interest is anaerobic biotechnology, particularly the use of microbial processes for wastewater treatment, renewable energy generation, and resource recovery. He explores how biological systems can be optimised to improve treatment performance and maximise the recovery of energy and nutrients from waste streams.

Ricardo also studies advanced oxidation processes and other emerging treatment technologies for the degradation of contaminants that are difficult to remove using conventional approaches. His research seeks to improve the treatment of complex industrial and municipal wastewaters and address emerging water quality challenges.

Another key focus is the environmental fate of persistent organic contaminants, including how these compounds are transported, transformed, and accumulated within aquatic systems. Through this work, he aims to improve understanding of contaminant behaviour, inform environmental risk assessment, and support the development of effective mitigation and remediation strategies.

Research keywords:

• anaerobic biotechnology

• wastewater treatment

• resource recovery

• bioenergy production

• advanced oxidation processes

• emerging contaminants

• persistent organic pollutants

• aquatic environmental chemistry

• environmental remediation

• sustainable water and wastewater management.