Dirk Westensee

Background

I studied a BSc in Conservation Ecology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. I then furthered my studies at Rhodes University, South Africa with an MSc in Environmental Biotechnology. My MSc thesis was based on post-treatment technologies for integrated algal pond systems. I have also completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of South Africa.

Research opportunities

My research will be based at Cranfield University as part of the Water-WISER Centre for Doctoral Training. I will be focussing my PhD on a microbial addition technology, often termed Bioaugmentation, which is used to improve biological wastewater treatment through addition of micro-organisms that have been cultured externally. The technology has the potential to reduce the capital cost of wastewater treatment plants, both centralised and decentralised. The project will also be supported by a consortium of UK water utility companies.

Clients

. Thames Water

. Severn Trent Water

. Anglian Water