Online or In-person opportunity at TUM Campus Straubing in the Laboratory of Chemical and Process Engineering

[Bioprocess engineering] Thesis or Internship opportunity: PiCO2buddies – Using Microalgae for wastewater reclamation from pharmaceuticals

PiCO2buddies project description

10.09.2025, Diplomarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

Diclofenac (DFC) toxicity in water is a global concern. This project investigates DCF solution behaviour in water under controlled conditions, to predict its availability, speciation and phase transitions in systems where microalgae are used for water remediation. Understanding this is essential for advancing biothermodynamic models that simulate pharmaceutical fate in complex environments.

Description
Diclofenac (DFC) toxicity in water is a global concern.
DCF persists through conventional water treatment.
DCF causes adverse effects on aquatic organisms when it accumulates inside plants and animals.

This project investigates DCF solution behaviour in water under controlled conditions, to predict its availability, speciation and phase transitions in systems where microalgae are used for water remediation.
Understanding this is essential for advancing biothermodynamic models that simulate pharmaceutical fate in complex environments

What can you learn from us?
To get experience in wet-lab techniques by preparing saturated mixtures of Diclofenac salts and acids/bases.
To get exposed to techniques such as liquid chromatography, HPLC or IC, and titration.
To learn how to measure solubility, dissociation constants and activity coefficients.

Prior Knowledge
Previous knowledge from the lectures in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, microbiology, and programming is desirable but not a mandatory requirement. Good supervision and training are provided.

Start date
As per request / As soon as possible

Kontakt: m.ibanez@tum.de