Environmental Biotechnology Network

ELEMENTAL Showcase now available

The UKRI webinar showcasing the ELEMENTAL Hub webinar is now available to watch online. It includes an introduction to the overall Engineering Biology Mission Hubs programme by Dr Tom Pearson, followed by spotlight presentations on Enzyme-based metal/metalloid biosensors, and Efficient and effective methods for metal biorecovery and biorecycling, and descriptions …

Integration of biorefineries and green hydrogen – TEA and case studies

A new report from IEA Bioenergy’s Task 42: Biorefining in a Circular Economy highlights the potential of combining biomass-based processes with locally-sourced hydrogen derived from surplus renewable energy.  The report includes four case studies – in Australia, Brazil, Italy and the USA – and suggests some guidelines for the establishment …

Bio BIC webinar – 31 July 2025

BBSRC-STFC Biotechnology Business Incubation Centre (Bio BIC) is a great opportunity for early-stage biotechnology companies to de-risk and turn their innovative technologies into market reality. The Bio BIC offers a comprehensive package of support that includes: ÂŁ50k of R&D funding ÂŁ10k innovation voucher for R&D activity and access to specialised capabilities …

GHG Emissions in sanitation systems – Workshop reports and update

In January 2025 EBNet supported a by-invitation workshop on GHG emissions in sanitation systems.  The workshop was run by EBNet’s N2O WG in conjunction with Prof Barbara Evans and her team at the University of Leeds, and included participants from half a dozen countries.  The focus was on measurement of …

EWWM presentation – PFAS and nature-based solutions

We are posting a lot on PFAS and related issues at present, reflecting the level of activity in this area. Dr Tao Lyu, who leads EBNet’s PFAS WG, gave a presentation on Treatment wetlands as nature-based solutions in managing emerging micropollutants: PFAS and beyond at the European Wastewater Management Conference …

UKWIR – Sustainable and resilient alternatives to traditional water treatment

A recent UKWIR report aims to evaluate alternatives to traditional water treatment, in particular the effectiveness of low or non-chemical treatments that could replace conventional clarification processes.  The research considers a variety of systems with different benefits, and emphasises that each may have advantages in different conditions. Ceramic membranes and …

Potential new BBSRC ICURe Discover programme

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) and BBSRC are discussing the idea of running a biofilm-focused ICURe Discover programme to start in autumn this year. BBSRC ICURe Discover is a part-time online market discovery programme designed to support researchers and technicians in exploring the potential market to commercialise their biofilm …

IEA Task 37 Biogas Newsletter

For anyone who doesn’t already use it, a big shout-out from our AD WG for IEA Bioenergy’s Task 37 Newsletter. This astonishingly comprehensive round-up draws attention to anaerobic digestion, biogas and biomethane developments around the world: for example, the July 2025 edition covers IEA’s first Outlook for Biogases and Biomethane …

Microbial Genomics of Eukaryotes meeting – deadline 12 Aug 2025

Abstracts & Registration deadline: 12 Aug 2025 Date: 12 Sept 2025 Venue: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow The Microbial Genomics of Eukaryotes meeting is hosted by Microbial Genomics Deputy Editor-in-Chief Dr Eva Heinz. Microbial Genomics covers the breadth of microbial life including viruses, bacteria, archaea and microbial eukaryotes. Topics range from comparative and …

AGS and Process Intensification – Webinar now available

A recent News item mentioned the potential for process intensification based on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) as a means of increasing the treatment capacity of wastewater facilities  –  a very hot topic given the poor performance of the UK water sector in this area. The main advantage of process intensification …

Resource & Waste Management Expo 2025

Date: 17-17 Sept 2025 Venue: NEC, Birmingham Registration is open for Resource & Waste Management 2025 hosted by RWM Expo and the Chartered Insititution of Wastes Management (CIWM) The event covers cutting-edge recycling technologies, waste-to-energy solutions, sustainable resource management and everything else in this sector. It attracts over 15000 resource …

UKWIR Report – Hazardous chemicals treatment at sewer entry

A recent UKWIR report investigates which technologies and solutions are available to remove hazardous chemicals from various sources (trade, commercial, run-off and small-scale domestic), either at point of entry to sewer or in the sewer itself. The main groups of chemicals considered were industrial compounds (solvents, surfactants, dyes etc); metals; …

Prepare for a drubbing

Clear signs of another drubbing coming for the UK water companies, with an item on today’s BBC News website headlined Serious water pollution incidents up 60% in England.  The piece, by BBC correspondent Esme Stallard, shows the Environment Agency, Public Accounts Committee, Secretary of State for the Environment, NGOs and …