The Laboratory of Water Pollution Control Technology (DWPCT)，formerly the Department of Water Pollution Chemistry founded in 1975, was officially renamed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 1991. It is one of the earliest departments in RCEES, and has already become an important research base of the theory and technology of water pollution control and membrane separation in China. DWPCT focuses on both fundamental theory and applicable technology of pollutants conversion to meet the state needs and the development trend. DWPCT also offers technological support for the solution of water pollution. Through efforts of long-term scientific research, DWPCT has established state-of-the-art research conditions and facilities in the areas of water pollution control and membrane separation. Its multi-disciplinary research group has established a strong academic link to a number of prestigious research institutes and universities overseas. Currently, DWPCT is composed of 11 research staffs, which include 3 professors , 3 associate professors, and more than 20 master and doctoral students.

DWPCT has successfully accomplished a large number of research projects supported by the Chinese Central Government, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and local governments. Its academic achievements include 13 prizes, 150 research papers, and 100 patents applied and authorized.

DWPCT is focusing on four research areas:

1. Research and application of pollutant conversion mechanism and key technology for water pollution control

Based on the systematic research efforts on the transfer and conversion mechanisms of pollutants, we keep developing innovative technologies for water pollution control and wastewater reclamation. We have developed a variety of application technologies such as the integrated oxidation ditch with vertical circle, membrane bioreactor with gravity drainage, integrated biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal, membrane-aerated biofilm reactor, rural wastewater treatment, concentrated and refractory organic wastewater treatment, and etc. These technologies can lower energy consumption and reduce pollutants discharge, thus have wide applications in the treatment of municipal, rural and industrial wastewaters as well as the reuse of reclaimed wastewater. Demonstration engineering projects have been correspondingly constructed.

2. Research and application of membrane separation science and technology

We advance the relevant theories and technologies of membrane separation and utilize membrane separation for municipal wastewater treatment and liquid clarification. We have invented an efficient vacuum cleaning method for membrane.

3. Research and application of VOCs and odorous gases purifying mechanism and technology

Our major research areas cover the transfer and conversion mechanisms of pollutants in gas, characterization of microorganisms in bioreactor, and new technology development for odorous pollutants removal. Our bio-deodorization and integrated bio-chemical technologies have been successfully applied in the deodorization of municipal wastewater treatment plants and waste landfill sites.

4. Research of excess sludge reduction and reclamation

We systematically investigate the sludge composition, sludge substrate conversion and microbial characteristics for sludge treatment. Current research areas center on sludge reduction with microwave and compost technologies and sludge reclamation to produce fermentative hydrogen gas and biodegradable plastics (polyhydroxyalkonates, PHA).

Lab Director

Research Group