On 19 February 2026, I had the opportunity to present the latest developments of my PhD research at the KU Leuven PETLab Seminar, hosted at KU Leuven Campus De Nayer. The session was part of the Arenberg Doctoral School seminar series and attracted researchers and students interested in cutting-edge solutions for sustainable resource recovery.
My presentation, titled “Turning sludge into resource: Electrochemical Strategies for Metal Recovery and Safe Sludge Reuse,” explored how wastewater sludge, often considered an environmental liability, can instead be transformed into a valuable resource. Wastewater sludge contains both critical metals and hazardous contaminants, posing technical, environmental, and economic challenges that urgently require innovative treatment pathways.
During the seminar, I discussed how electrochemical processes, paired with affordable electrode materials and process optimisation, can be designed to selectively extract critical metals while enabling the safe reuse of treated sludge residues. This approach is deeply connected to circular‑economy principles and supports the broader transition toward green, resource-efficient technologies.
I am grateful to the KU Leuven Process and Environmental Technology Lab (PETLab) for hosting the seminar and for fostering a strong interdisciplinary environment that encourages collaboration, technical exchange, and forward-looking thinking on environmental technology. Engaging with the KU Leuven PETLab community provided fresh insights and reinforced the importance of innovative electrochemical treatments in closing resource loops. I look forward to continuing this work and sharing future milestones with the INCLUE network and the broader research community.