Bruce E. Rittmann

Biography

Dr. Rittmann's research is aimed at developing microbiological systems that capture renewable resources and also minimize environmental pollution. His work combines engineering with microbiology, biochemistry, geochemistry and microbial ecology to address fundamental and applied issues in the biological treatment of waters and wastewater, the bioremediation of contaminated aquifers and soils, and the recovery of energy from waste materials. Dr. Rittmann, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, is known for pioneering the development of biofilm fundamentals and contributing to their widespread use in the cleanup of contaminated waters, soils, and ecosystems. He is also a recognized leader in the development of the Membrane Biofilm Reactor, an approach that uses bacteria to destroy pollutants in water. Dr. Rittmann also explores microbial fuel cells, which utilize organic materials in water to generate electricity directly. He has served as editor-in-chief of Biodegradation and is on the editorial advisory board of Environmental Science & Technology. Dr. Rittmann is a Fellow of the AAAS, a recipient of the Clarke Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Water Science and Technology, a winner of the Huber Research Prize from ASCE, and one of the world's most highly cited researchers, according to ISI. He teaches courses on Advanced Environmental Biotechnology and on Introduction to Environmental Engineering. Dr. Rittmann is also a 2011 International Water Association Fellow.

Selected Publications