Research Internship at Duisburg-Essen University, Germany
From February 17 till April 20, 2025, I completed a research internship at the Chair of Process Engineering and Water Technology at Duisburg-Essen University, located in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region in Germany. The internship was embedded within the NatureFloc project, which explores sustainable alternatives to conventional coagulants used in drinking water purification.
My work focused on the characterization of various organic coagulants, with the goal of assessing their suitability for drinking water purification. I was trained in using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to study the thermal stability and decomposition behaviour of organic coagulants, conducted infrared spectroscopy (IR) measurements to identify functional groups and molecular structures, and streaming potential measurements to evaluate the surface charge of particles in suspension, which is critical for understanding coagulation mechanisms and predicting flocculation behaviour.
Through this internship, I developed proficiency in analytical methods for material characterization, a deeper understanding of coagulation processes in water treatment, experience in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific reporting, and collaboration skills within a multidisciplinary research team. The team provided a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, and I appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a project with tangible societal impact. I am grateful to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Panglisch and the entire research group for their mentorship and collaboration, and I look forward to applying the skills and insights gained in future research and development efforts. Also, I am thankful for financial support through PPSŘ.
