The research group RNM-270: Microbiology and environmental technology was born from the union of the members of the Environmental Technologies Area, belonging to the Department of Civil Engineering of the School of Civil Engineering and the members of the Environmental Microbiology Research Group, belonging to the Water Institute and the Department of Microbiology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, all of them at the University of Granada. It is a multidisciplinary team that forms a consolidated research group in the Junta de Andalucía, and it starts its work in the field of nitrogen fixation, as well as in the microbiological characterisation of natural systems.The work of this research group focuses on water as a resource, mainly on the biological treatment of contaminated water, both waste (urban and industrial) and drinking water, specialising in the application of advanced biological systems that include, among others: membrane technologies, fixed and granular biofilm systems. It also has extensive experience in the biotreatment of solid waste and the elimination of micropollutants of pharmaceutical origin.It also has the most advanced molecular and analytical techniques for the study of microbial communities (bacteria, fungi and viruses), including a powerful analytical laboratory that allows environmental analysis with maximum guarantee.All the group's activities are carried out in close collaboration with various administrations and private companies in the sector, from consultancy to research, thus allowing an adequate transfer of the research work to the companies that demand it and to society.

Its main lines of research are:

- Bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals or industrial waste. 

- Bioremediation of hydrocarbons in soil and water. Application of biological systems. 

- Membrane bioreactors for the treatment of industrial and urban wastewater. 

- Fixed biofilm bioreactors. 

- Removal of pollutants (nitrate, pesticides, heavy metals) in groundwater.

- Wastewater reuse.

- Industrial wastewater treatment.

- Leachate treatment.

- Low-cost systems (peat beds).

- Soil remediation.


Water Institute 

Group website