The 2024 International Biofilm Conference was Successfully Held in Shanghai

On the morning of October 23, 2024 International Biofilm Conference opened in Shanghai. With the theme of "Nutrient Removal and Carbon Neutralization," this conference brought together more than 300 experts, scholars, enterprise representatives and graduate students from universities, scientific research institutes and enterprises around the world. . Through in-depth exchanges and discussions, the conference will promote the innovative development of biofilm technology and contribute to the realization of green, low-carbon and sustainable development goals in the field of water treatment.

On behalf of Tongji University, Mr. Guangming Wu, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, expressed his warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to the guests. Meanwhile, Bruce Edward Rittman and Glenn Thomas Daigle, academicians of the US National Academy of Engineering, Lian Hou, Zuxin Xu,Hongqiang Ren and Hanqing Yu, academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Dr Tao Li, deputy executive president of IWA, and Professor Robert Nierenberg, chairman of the IWA Biofilm Expert Group, and other renowned domestic and international experts and scholars also attended the opening ceremony.The conference presentation session was hosted by Academician Hongqiang Ren and Professor Zhiwei Wang.

Dr. Tao Li, Deputy Executive Director of IWA, introduced the theme of the Biofilm Conference in his speech and expressed gratitude to the organizing committee of Tongji University. Professor Robert Nerenberg delivered a speech.

Professor Bruce E. Rittmann delivered a presentation titled 'Making the biofilm do more by depositing catalytic nanoparticles,' focusing on the principles and application advantages of MBfR.

Academician Lian Hou delivered a presentation titled 'Research Progress of Key Technologies for Preparing Healthy Water with New Membranes.'

Academician Zuxin Xu delivered a presentation titled 'Water Environment Governance in China: Analyzing the Suzhou River Case.' She discussed the importance of the Suzhou River system to Shanghai, its pollution status, and the challenges in governance.

Academician Hanqing Yu delivered a presentation titled 'Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) of Biofilm in Wastewater Treatment Process.' He shared insights on the composition, structure, and functions of EPS in biofilm wastewater treatment processes and their effects and mechanisms in pollutant removal.

This conference covered key topics including biofilms in drinking water, membrane aerated biofilm reactors, aerobic granular sludge, novel biofilm reactors, and control of membrane biofouling. Thirteen parallel sessions were set up for academic exchanges and discussions, focusing on the application and innovation of biofilm technology.