Handling biomass resources generates effluents containing mixtures of many organic molecules, which largely remain unidentified. My research focuses on analytical approaches to characterise these organic constituents at the molecular level, particularly in anaerobic bioprocesses. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has become my primary analytical tool due to its unparalleled ability to probe molecular structures. I aim to advance its application for characterising biomass resources to provide insights into transformation pathways and biomass properties relevant to management practices. This knowledge lays the foundation for introducing new metrics and characterisation methods that enable molecular-level carbon management, particularly in contexts where biomass complexity has posed significant challenges to advance carbon atoms recovery.
I also investigate the role of nutrient dynamics in anaerobic microbial processes, with a particular emphasis on the chemical speciation of micronutrient trace elements to enhance carbon recovery and transformation. Building on this research, I explore valorisation pathways for biomass residues such as food waste and manure, aiming to co-produce high-value products including biomethane, carboxylic acids, protein-rich yeast, and biofertiliser.
