Laboratory of Environmental Technology
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The Laboratory of Environmental Technology of the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology was formed in the Tallinn University of Technology on the base of the former Chair of Environmental Protection and Chemical Technology of the Department of Chemical Engineering during the 2016-17 structural reform. As a legitimate continuation of the named Chair, the Laboratory deals primarily with water, air and soil treatment, with the main stress on the implementation of the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). Research areas also cover waste management, including the valorisation, recycling, and disposal of solid industrial waste, as well as life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint calculation. The Laboratory is offering students various research topics on Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral studies level. Possessing up-to-date analytical equipment, the Laboratory is always open for co-operation with other facilities and enterprises. Additionally, the staff of the Laboratory takes active part in teaching activities.
Contact:
professor Sergei Preis
Phone 620 3365
sergei.preis@taltech.ee
Research activity
The main research area of the Laboratory of Environmental Technology is the treatment of air, water and soil mostly with so-called Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). This concept is applied to a range of different oxidative technologies, the common feature of which is the formation and employment of a powerful oxidant, hydroxyl radical (HO•).
Ozonation exhibits its performance based on ozone oxidation potential. In water treatment, however, hydroxyl radicals are formed as a rule upon ozone decomposition playing a far more important role.
Gas-phase pulse corona electric discharge, where the treated water is sprayed directly between the electrodes into the plasma zone, has an unequalled energy efficiency compared to other water treatment processes. Unlike widely used ozonation, both long-lived (ozone) and short-lived (for example, hydroxyl radicals) reactive oxygen particles generated during pollutant decomposition reactions participate in this process, therefore making the use of electrical energy more efficient.
In the Fenton process, hydroxyl radicals are obtained by the degradation of hydrogen peroxide with ferrous ions in acidic media. Additionally, there are numerous Fenton-like processes, using elementary iron or iron oxide particles, other metals, neutral media, or different radical sources, for example, persulfates. The Fenton process and its modifications may be used for water and soil treatment.
Photocatalysis is defined as acceleration of a photochemical reaction by a catalyst. While various metal oxides may be employed as photocatalysts, titanium dioxide and titania-based materials should be specifically noted due to optimal combination of high performance and high chemical stability. Irradiated photocatalyst surface produces oxidants, including hydroxyl radicals. Photocatalysis may be used to treat water and air. From oxygen-free solutions, green fuel, hydrogen and low molecular weight hydrocarbons may be produced; additionally, artificial photosynthesis forming organic compounds from carbon dioxide is also possible.
In addition, various combinations of the abovementioned processes are studied in the Laboratory of Environmental Technology, as well as their combinations with biological treatment providing efficient and cost-effective treatment.
The pollutants being the objects of degradation are both so-called priority pollutants (oil, fuel compounds and additives) and priority micropollutants (mostly pharmaceuticals); in the gaseous phase, the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is being studied.
Staff
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Equipment and Services
The Laboratory of Environmental Technology possesses all the up-to-date equipment necessary for the analyses of water, air and soil: high-performance liquid chromatograph with diode array detector and mass-spectrometer (HPLC-PDA-MS), liquid chromatorgaph with UV-VIS detector (HPLC-UV-VIS), gas chromatograph with flame ionisation detector (GC-FID), gas chromatograph with mass-spectrometer (GC-MS), ionic chromatograph (IC), luminometer, Fourier transformance infrared spectrometers (FTIR), electrochemical and infrared gas analyser, total organic carbon (TOC) analyser, spectrophotometers, not to mention more ordinary equipment like automatic pipettes, balances, pH-meters, dissolved oxygen meters, etc.
In the Laboratory, large amounts of analyses are done which are used in the environmental technology: chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and its various constituents, dissolved ions, hardness, individual pollutants and their groups, differnt volatile organic compounds, and others.
During the course of their studies and research work, students can get acquainted to all of the mentioned equipment and perform respective analyses, thus obtaining practical knowledge of modern equipment.
Theses defended
2024, Dmitri Nikitin. Development of oxidation technology in water treatment: pulsed corona discharge plasma combined with peroxocompounds. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Sergei Preis.
2023, Jekaterina Sydorenko, Development of spray-pyrolysis-synthesised TiO2 thin films for photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds in air. Supervisors: Ilona Oja Açik, Marina Kritševskaja.
2022, Priit Tikker. Optimization of Aqueous Media Treatment with Pulsed Corona Discharge: Hydrodynamics and Kinetics Conformed with the Discharge Parameters and Energy Efficiency. Supervisor: Sergei Preis.
2022, Liina Onga. Combination of advanced oxidation methods for the energy-efficient abatement of aqueous and gaseous hazardous pollutants. Supervisor: Sergei Preis.
2021, Maarja Kask. Combination of advanced oxidation methods for the energy-efficient abatement of aqueous and gaseous hazardous pollutants. Supervisors: Juri Bolobajev, Marina Kritševskaja.
2020, Balpreet Kaur. Development of photo-induced persulfate-based processes for efficient application in water treatment. Supervisor: Niina Dulova.
2018, Eneliis Kattel. Application of Activated Persulfate Processes for the Treatment of Water and High-Strength Wastewater. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Marina Trapido.
2017, Natalja Pronina. Degradation of Persistent Micropollutants in Suspended-Bed Reactor by Photocatalytic Oxidation and Combination of Biological Treatment with Photocatalysis. Supervisor: Marina Kritševskaja.
2017, Liina Kanarbik. Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Shale Fuel Oils, Metal-Based Nanoparticles and Glyphosate Formulations. Supervisors: Marina Trapido, Irina Blinova.
2016, Juri Bolobajev. Effects of organic reducing agents on the Fenton-like degradation of contaminants in water with a ferric sludge reuse. Supervisors: Anna Goi, Marina Trapido.
2015, Irina Epold. Degradation of pharmaceuticals by advanced oxidation technologies in aqueous matrices. Supervisors: Marina Trapido, Niina Dulova.
2014, Marika Viisimaa. Peroxygen Compounds and New Integrated Processes for Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Degradation in Contaminated Soil. Supervisor: Anna Goi.
2014, Olga Budarnaja. Visible-light-sensitive Photocatalysts for Oxidation of Organic Pollutants and Hydrogen Generation. Supervisor: Deniss Klauson.
2012, Aleksandr Dulov. Advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of water and wastewater contaminated with refractory organic compounds. Supervisor: Marina Trapido.
2012, Svetlana Jõks. Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Oxidation of Organic Air Pollutants. Supervisor: Marina Kritševskaja.
2010, Deniss Klauson. Aqueous photocatalytic oxidation of non-biodegradable pollutants. Supervisor: Sergei Preis.
2009, Elina Portjanskaja. Photocatalytic oxidation of natural polymers in aqueous solution. Supervisor: Sergei Preis.
2008, Niina Kulik. The Application of Fenton-Based Processes for Wastewater and Soil Treatment. Supervisor: Marina Trapido.
2005, Anna Goi. Advanced oxidation processes for water purification and soil remediation. Supervisors: Rein Munter, Marina Trapido.
2003, Marina Kritševskaja. Photocatalytic Oxidation of Organic Pollutants in Aqueous and Gaseous Phases. Supervisor: Sergei Preis.
2025, Ulugbek Mavlonov. Rational genetic engineering of non-conventional yeast to improve lipid production and composition towards cocoa butter. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Matthieu Jules.
2025, Ahsan Nasir. Simulation of hydrodynamics and contaminant transport in artificial wetlands for partial gravity applications. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Aurore Richel.
2025, Peeter Hansen. Solar Panels Recycling Opportunities in Estonia. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk.
2025, Justin Hein. Analysis of the Implementation of the Voluntary ESG Reporting VSME Standard in AS Chemi-Pharm. Supervisor: Niina Dulova.
2025, Kristjan Rikas. Degradation of Xylene in Gaseous Phase by Pulsed Corona Discharge. Supervisors: Juri Bolobajev, Kristen Altof.
2024, Evelin Kütt. Life Cycle Assessment of the Roofit.Solar NuClick Building Integrated Photovoltaic Panels. Supervisors: Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk, Niina Dulova.
2024, Kristiina Tammik. Life Cycle Assessment of Gable Roof and Tiled Roof Integrated Solar Panels. Supervisors: Maarja Grossberg-Kuusk, Niina Dulova.
2024, Gabriel Pierre Andre Dauchot. The impact of eco-design practices on the carbon footprint of furniture: the case of a French furniture retailer. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Manon Genva.
2024, Hector Adiel Flores Nestor. Carbon dioxide removal biomass-based technologies as a green alternative for offsetting Orange's footprints. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Benoit Gabrielle.
2024, Pedro Antonio Navarro Plaza. Application of synthetic wastewater as substrate for production of extracellular polymeric substances in bioreactors for their use as bio-flocculants. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Manon Genva.
2024, Shery Rose Domingo Quieng. Determining greenhouse gas emissions hotspots and potential abatement strategies: the rice sector in India and the cacao beans sector in Ivory Coast. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Manon Genva.
2024, Sudip Sharma. Techno-economic assessment and life cycle sustainability analysis of PANI catalyst for MEA production for PEMFCs. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Aurore Richel.
2024, Tom Maksimov. The Use of Lignite Combustion Ash in the Production of Zeolites. Supervisor: Juri Bolobajev.
2024, Juhan Heinma. Prioritisation of Active Substance Metabolites of Plant Protection Products for Groundwater Monitoring in Estonia. Supervisors: Mariliis Sihtmäe, Marina Kritševskaja.
2024, Svetlana Ivanova. Oxidation of Bromide During the Treatment of Aqueous Solutions with Pulsed Corona Discharge. Supervisors: Sergei Preis, Irina Petrotšenko.
2023, Alo Toom. Management of waste from wind blades and from the use of ammunition in Estonia. Supervisors: Helari Buht, Marina Kritševskaja.
2023, Erandy Correa Guillen. SCIP Implementation for Substitution of Hazardous Chemicals Towards a Safer Circular Economy. Supervisors: Niina Dulova, Aurore Richel.
2023, Joonas Nurges. Degradation of imidazolium-based ionic liquid by advanced oxidation processes. Supervisors: Niina Dulova; Dmitri Nikitin.
2023, Kevin Tegova. Application of fly ash from the burning of lignite in air and water purification. Supervisors: Niina Dulova; Marina Kritševskaja.
2022, Helina Prükk. Degradation of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride in aqueous solution by advanced oxidation processes. Supervisors: Niina Dulova; Dmitri Nikitin.
2022, Roman Fadejev. Degradation of metformin by advanced oxidation processes. Supervisors: Niina Dulova; Dmitri Nikitin.
2022, Arina Borissenko. Oxidation of toluene by pulsed corona discharge in air-water mixtures followed by photocatalytic exhaust air purification. Supervisors: Juri Bolobajev, Maarja Kask.
Research projects
Estonian Centre of Excellence in Research (01.01.2024−31.12.2030)
Circular Technologies Upscaling (CTU)
The Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy of Strategic Mineral and Carbon-based Resources (SOURCES) will consolidate Estonia's research potential to enhance the resource efficiency, maximize the use of local resources, promote safe material circulation and reuse, mitigate negative environmental impacts, and minimize the need for new natural resources by promoting the widespread adoption of circular economy practices in society.
The CTU group pioneers waste reduction and recycling methods for aqueous, and solid waste, incl. water purification.
Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 project (01.03.2025–29.02.2028)
Co-operation partners: Häme University of Applied Sciences Ltd., Linna Business Development Ltd (Finland); Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (TalTech), Department of Computer Systems (TalTech), Sparkup Tartu Science Park (Estonia); Krakow Technology Park Ltd. (Poland); K8 Institute for Strategic Aesthetics, Academy of Fine Arts Saar (Germany); Riga Technical University, Foundation „Ventspils High Technology Park”, VIZULO (Latvia); Luleå University of Technology, Industriellt utvecklingscentrum norr AB (Sweden); VMG Lignum Systems (Lithuania).
The CIRC-2-ZERO project supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Baltic Sea region in decarbonisation and the development of advanced manufacturing. The goal is to help companies in the electronics and engineered wood product sectors adopt circular economy principles. The main obstacles for SMEs are low awareness, high implementation costs, and limited access to expertise. To address this, the project offers the following solutions: a Digital Twin demo platform including tools for circular product design and value chain optimisation, and a network of Resilience Transformation Hubs. These provide companies with training, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities. The result is more resource-efficient production, reduced waste, and a contribution to mitigating climate change.
Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project (01.04.2023–31.03.2026)
Co-operation partners: Department of Geology (TalTech); City of Lahti, University of Helsinki, LUT University (Finland); Union of Harju County Municipalities, Rae Municipality (Estonia); Smiltene Municipality (Latvia).
The StoPWa project develops and tests multilayer stormwater filtration systems using construction and demolition waste (CDW). The filters will be made of waste fractions perfectly meeting the criteria ideal for stormwater purification. The filtration system will be expedient, cost-efficient and sustainable. The filters will be tested both in laboratory environments and in field tests where full-scale stormwater filters will be constructed in Lahti (Finland) and in Harju County (Estonia). The result of the StoPWa project is a tested solution for using CDW in stormwater filters. This type of filter has not been applied before, so the mindset and solution are novel. The new filter will benefit SMEs across borders in creating a business idea and opportunities, as well as cities and municipalities with a new, climate-friendly solution to stormwater treatment. To be replicable in different cities from local CDW, waste-based filters in their design and implementation require cross-border cooperation between municipalities and researchers in the Baltic Sea region.
ERA-MIN3 Joint Call 2021 project (01.02.2022−31.01.2025)
Co-operation partners: Bowmen Consulting, s. r. o., United Energy, a. s., Sokolovská uhelná, právní nástupce, a.s., AV EKO Color, s. r. o., and University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (Czech Republic); ETI Aluminyum, Arslan Aluminyum, Yeditepe University and Istanbul Technical University (Turkey); KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden); Public University of Navarra (Spain).
ABtomat project aims at the aluminum products development derived from aluminum-containing industrial wastes - mining and manufacturing tails. Often not designed for pure metal extraction, the recovery methods are able to produce useful and doable aluminum-containing compositions, such as coagulants, alumo-silicate and zeolite catalyst supports and adsorbents, testing of which lays on the Laboratory of Environmental Technology of Tallinn University of Technology. Testing is planned in water/wastewater treatment applications, as well as in photocatalytic systems for air cleaning.
Personal Research Funding, Team Grant (01.01.2020-31.03.2021)
Abatement of refractory pollutants at maximum energy efficiency is feasible using cold pulsed corona discharge (PCD) plasma combined with catalytic/photocatalytic processes. The development of utmost efficient technology presents an objective in oxidation of highly potent anthropogenic micro-pollutants, carcinogenic nitroso substances and volatile compounds in water, air and excess sludge, improving disintegration of the latter. The experimental research in PCD combined with Fenton-like oxidation and gas-phase photocatalysis establishing the process parameters determining the treatment efficiency, reaction paths and limitations is undertaken. Quantitative assessment of the top-efficiency process parameters in abatement of various pollutants comprises a prerequisite for the widening of PCD applicability, up-scaling and improved safety. The approach presents a strategic breakthrough in application of energy-saving human-friendly technology in water supply and environment protection.
EU LIFE programme project (02.10.2017−30.09.2021)
The project partners are Fundación CARTIF - Applied Research Centre (Spain), CIESOL - Research Centre (Spain), DIPALME - Diputaciόn de Almeria (Spain), University of Tartu (Estonia), Viimsi Vesi AS (Estonia).
The ALCHEMIA project addresses one of the current challenges of water for human consumption such as the presence of natural radioactivity. There is a considerable lack of knowledge by the actors involved and it can be stated that, despite the current legislation (Directive 2013/51/Euratom), radioactivity is not systematically monitored at the European level. However, this is an environmental problem that cannot be solved at source, as it is generated by the groundwater dilution of minerals rich in radioactive isotopes, mainly from uranium (U), radium (Ra) and thorium (Th) series. Thus, the main objectives of the project are: (1) to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of filtration (HMO) process that will be optimized to remove radioactivity from water and to minimize the waste generation defined as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) exceeding the exemption level at three pilot plants in Spain and one in Estonia; (2) to replicate the project solutions in facilities of other five European countries (Italy, Poland, Finland, etc); (3) to encourage the implementation of the Directive 2013/51/Euratom.