Deadline: 26 Aug 2026
Biofilm technologies are evolving from classical wastewater treatment tools into platform processes for resource recovery, waste valorisation, and circular bioeconomy applications. Once viewed as passive systems, biofilms are now being designed to recover nutrients, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-derived biopolymers, and other valuable resources from complex effluents.
However, challenges remain in controlling these structurally complex and dynamic communities, as well as in linking EPS composition and biofilm architecture to process performance and recovery potential. This open-access Special Issue in Water (ISSN 2073-4441) highlights emerging trends and state-of-the-art advances in biofilm-based systems as enabling technologies for low-carbon, circular wastewater management.
Topics include:
- Biofilm-mediated pollutant degradation and resource recovery
- Circular biofilm processes integrating COâ‚‚ capture or waste valorisation
- Fungal, algal, and mixed-species biofilms for sustainable bioprocessing
- Life-cycle and techno-economic assessments of biofilm systems
- Novel biofilm-based products from waste streams.
Guest Editor Dr Asma Ahmed of the University of Nottingham said: “We welcome original research and review articles on process design, modelling, reactor development, material innovati​​ons and data-driven approaches for process optimisation and scale-up in biofilm-based technologies”.
Dr Francis Hassard of Cranfield University said “Biofilm technologies are key to unlocking low‑carbon, circular wastewater treatment, so this Special Issue is very timely”. Dr Hassard leads EBNet’s Water Biofilms WG, and is Co-Investigator on the EBIC Hub and Better Water 4ALL Network+ which are now taking these issues forward.
Read the full Special Issue description and submission guidelines HERE.
