Dr. Narasimman Lakshminarasimman Meanakshi Se

Narasimman completed his PhD in Civil Engineering under the co-supervision of Dr. Wayne Parker and Dr. Mark Servos. He holds a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Civil Engineering from SASTRA University (India) and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (USA). His research focused on evaluating the performance of a full-scale hybrid membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) implemented as an upgrade to a conventional activated sludge (CAS) municipal wastewater treatment process.

His doctoral work examined one of the largest full-scale MABR installations in North America over a long-term monitoring period, assessing how the technology influenced key treatment outcomes, including nitrogen removal, energy consumption, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, biofilm development, and the fate of organic micropollutants. This study bridged a critical knowledge gap between pilot-scale research and full-scale operation, where hydraulic conditions, biofilm control strategies, and reactor configurations differ substantially.

The research demonstrated substantial improvements in treatment performance following the MABR upgrade, including enhanced year-round nitrification, increased total nitrogen removal, reduced aeration energy demand, and consistently low N₂O emission rates. In parallel, it provided detailed insights into organic micropollutant behaviour under full-scale conditions, with a focus on pharmaceuticals and other trace contaminants in wastewater. Compound-specific responses to the MABR upgrade were observed, including improved removal of several poorly degradable compounds and complex transformation pathways within the treatment system.

Overall, this research advances the understanding and optimization of MABR technology as a promising process intensification strategy for more sustainable and energy-efficient municipal wastewater treatment.