Andreia Amaral, a joint Ph.D. student of Ghent University (BIOMATH) and Instituto Superior Técnico (MARETEC), received the 2018 Research Award given by the Belgian Committee of the International Water Association (BIWA) for her research work titled “Towards advanced aeration modelling: from blower to bubbles to bulk”. According to Andreia Amaral “This work explains the need of rigorous mathematical modeling to describe the different parts of the aeration system. It also compiles the latest progress and sets out the challenges that still exist to improve mathematical modeling”.

The BIWA Research Award is awarded yearly to outstanding individuals active in the Belgian water sector for their innovative and creative approach towards a sustainable water future. “This award is a recognition that we are doing excellent work both for the academia and society”, stresses Andreia Amaral. Based on this knowledge, fine-bubble aeration systems of full-scale wastewater treatment plants can be optimized for environmental and economic benefits. The student is finishing her PhD thesis on this topic and intends to present it next year.