Mater Thesis - Investigating the removal of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) targets and inactivation capacity through catalytic sulfate radical oxidation in flow-through systems

24.04.2026, Abschlussarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

Background

With ever-increasing concern over the presence and spread of Trace Organic Chemicals (TOrCS) and anti-microbial resistance genes (ARGs) in the wastewater matrix, investigations into quartenary treatment stage in wastewater treatment plant has become a necessity. The spread of TOrCs and ARGs constitute an impact for agriculture and also pose health hazards for humans and animals alike. Conventional treatment steps such as Ozonation, UV/H2O2, and biodegradation steps are researched and employed as a treatment step. Further advanced oxidation processes involve the use of radicals to target TOrCs and remove them, however, there are drawbacks or insufficient selectivity between radicals, and alternative and economic technologies are required to remove these targets. Bein, Yecheskel et al. (2023) developed a sulfate radical oxidation system through a packed column, which presented promising results in selective removal of TOrCs. This was used as a proof of concept for a follow-up project and requires further development, analysis and optimization, before it can be scaled up and benchmarked against existing quaternary-stage treatment systems. (Bein, Seiwert, et al., 2023; Bein, Yecheskel, et al., 2023)

The goal

The master thesis compliments an ongoing master thesis topic running 6-week long experimental campaign to evaluate removal of trace organic chemicals and catalyst aging. The premise is to evaluate microbiological treatment of the system across 3 different catalysts operating in parallel and evaluating any biofilm that may have formed in the process.

Tasks
• Sample the feed wastewater and column effluents twice a week (preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays). This would run for 8 weeks.
• Perform DNA Extraction to freeze and handover samples to the biolab staff for qPCR protocols.
• Analyse results to determine extent of inactivation and normalize data according to the 16S quantities.
• Conduct 3 MS2 Coliphage inactivation experiments (one at the end of the medium-term experiment) to have a standardized protocol presentation of results.
• Maintain the running columns system with the second Master Thesis student by preparing necessary reagents and checking for leaks/air entry.
• Research and compare achieved data with existing literature to determine extent of agreement.
• Sample preparation for physio-chemical analysis (TOC/DOC, Mn content, Sulfate levels).
• Testing affect of scavenger levels on catalytic oxidation performance.
Skillset
• Current student in M.Sc. Environmental or Chemical Engineering (or relevant).
• Programming language skills are a bonus.
• Experience in laboratory tasks or courses (please highlight which course or if you have work experience).

Timeline and application

The Master Thesis is immediately registered after the student has started to learn about the system and before any work is undertaken. This will last for 6 months, constituting for 900 working hours (including data analysis and writing) as per TUM regulations.

If you are interested, please contact me with the following documentation by 29th April 2026:
1. Curriculum Vitae,
2. Cover letter detailing your motivation and how you fit into this role (ideas are a plus) and,
3. Grade Report.

Kontakt: shehryaar.khan@tum.de