The Ortiz lab aims to go beyond the inter- or multi-disciplinary approaches and actively research trans-disciplinary methods to convert organic, emergent contaminants into useful compounds through biotechnological approaches such as anaerobic digestion or chain elongation. To achieve this goal, we actively collaborate (and seek new ones) with experts in diverse scientific disciplines and countries (e.g., Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic), establishing common ground of knowledge and devising solutions that will help mitigate current environmental problems. Our lab is also committed to developing critical thinking skills for bachelor's and master's students through the water treatment course offered during the winter semester in the Geosciences department.

We have previously worked on identifying, characterizing, and raising awareness about environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals and siloxanes (organic, emergent contaminants). Once these molecules are characterized and their impact is assessed, we investigate and design solutions to alleviate their effects by integrating disciplines such as biotechnology, microbial ecology, analytical chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Some of our current projects include the biodegradation of recalcitrant/toxic compounds from post-HTLC treatment of agricultural and food waste, converting them to methane under microaerated conditions. Our research also focuses on analyzing the dynamics of microbial ecology in waste management biotechnological approaches and the carbon recovery from contaminants for the production of useful products. This approach allows us to contribute to reducing fossil fuel dependency and moving towards a circular bio-economy.

Key areas of experience:

• Water treatment
• Microbial ecology
• Emergent contaminants
• Phytoremediation
• Environmental chemistry
• Phytochemistry
• Carbon recovery
• Microbial degradation
• Anaerobic digestion
• Microaerobic biodegradation