Wastewater Treatment and Analysis of Fixed Film Systems

Biofilms are used in wastewater treatment plants to degrade organic particles. This project investigates the effect of shear forces and surface structure on biofilm formation and detachment in rotating biological contactors. Biofilm formation in a photocatalytic reactor is also studied. Biofilm growth is monitored through measurements of opacity, while its efficiency is measured through ammonium, chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, and ion chromatography tests, as well as ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy

DNA Fingerprinting

This IQP analyzed DNA fingerprinting technology. Different procedures of DNA analysis, including RFLP and PCR, and the progression from analysis of VNTRs to STRs were discussed. The methods used for collecting, handling, storing and processing forensic evidence were enumerated. The development of legal precedent to permit the use of DNA evidence in the courtroom was reviewed with particular emphasis for landmark court cases and the evidence assessment systems set forth by presiding judges. The ethics of DNA databases with relation to informed consent for taking DNA samples, public discourse about the pitfalls of DNA fingerprinting, privacy rights in relation cold-hit techniques, the retention of DNA samples, and the use of private corporations to analyze DNA fingerprints were examined