Electroactive Biofilm-based Constructed Wetlands

Many microorganism have the capacity to exchange electrons with insoluble electron active redox compounds located outside the outer membrane of the cell. This capacity for extracellular electron exchange can potentially be used in subsur- face-flow constructed wetland systems to enhance the rate of pollutant removal. The concept is to build up a constructed wetland with a conductive porous medium, which has a high capacity to transfer electrons and pass them on to electron acceptors. The conductive material acts as a pathway for transfer of electrons from anoxic zones to oxic zones and thus effectively constitute an inexhaustible electron acceptor. The postdoc is expected to work with this so-called Microbial Electrochemical-based Constructed Wetland (METland) technology. Specific research may fo- cus on various aspects of the METland technology, including microbe-medium interaction, bio- geochemical processes in the filter, effects of system configuration and loading on treatment performance, etc., depending on specific experience of the candidate. Applicants must submit a description of proposed research activities of relevance for the topic.
The postdoc is expected to lead at least one paper in this research area, as well as collaborate with other team members, including students, sharing skills, helping solving problems in her/his area of expertise and more generally contributing ideas and concepts to the project. The candi- date will be encouraged to write a Marie Curie fellowship application as soon as she/he arrives on the subject of the project to continue the work on this topic within the group.