Chicago Ridge, Illinois, United States
1. Water and wastewater treatment process (physicochemical and biological technologies) 2. Membrane separation processes (membrane bioreactor, forward osmosis membrane, membrane distillation) 3. Fuel cell (microbial fuel cell, osmotic microbial fuel cell, membrane distillation microbial fuel cell, microfluidic microbial fuel cell) 4. Constructed wetland for wastewater treatment 5. Bioenergy conversion and carbon capture and storage/utilization 6. Circular bio-economy Website: • https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dan_Thanh_Cao2/research; • https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HLNuqKQAAAAJ&hl=en
Operated and supported batch-, bench-, and pilot-scale fermentation systems, including 0.5-L Sixfors bioreactors, 9-L reactors, and 50-L pilot-scale systems, for high-strength wastewater valorization and volatile fatty acid production. Prepared media, performed inoculation, monitored microbial cultures, and maintained accurate laboratory records for bench- and pilot-scale fermentation experiments. Performed ASTM-compliant plastic biodegradation testing under multiple environmental conditions. Conducted quantitative chemical analyses using HPLC and GC-MS, including routine sample preparation, data processing, interpretation, and reporting. Worked in BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratory environments while following safety procedures, quality practices, and wet-lab SOPs.
Conducted research integrating machine learning with microbial fuel cell output signals using a General Regression Neural Network model. Investigated behavioral responses of wild-type E. coli cultivated under different substrate conditions. Evaluated the impacts of antibiotic exposure in dairy farm environments and upstream/downstream water sources. Supported environmental biotechnology research involving microbial systems, water quality, and data-driven analysis.
Supported laboratory studies on carbon capture and bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable wastewater treatment. Operated and maintained electrodialysis and electrodeionization systems for nutrient recovery from swine wastewater. Prepared samples, monitored system performance, and documented experimental data for reports, presentations, and project updates. Contributed to technical reports, data interpretation, and research documentation for wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery projects.
Supported wetland and large-scale wetland research for sustainable development through integration with bioelectrochemical systems. Cultivated pure exoelectrogenic microbial cultures for bioenergy conversion using bioelectrochemical system applications. Conducted research on sustainable photoanode fabrication using semiconductor materials for application in bioelectrochemical systems. Prepared technical materials, research summaries, and project documentation for internal and external communication.
Supported the fabrication and characterization of osmosis-based membranes for desalination and wastewater treatment applications. Prepared test solutions, conducted membrane experiments, recorded measurements, and organized laboratory data for performance evaluation. Assisted in the development of integrated membrane systems for water reuse, desalination, and energy recovery applications. Supported long-term research projects involving membrane separation, sustainable water treatment, and environmental engineering applications.
Provided technical support for environmental laboratory activities and assisted undergraduate students with analytical procedures and laboratory work. Supported teaching and laboratory activities related to environmental monitoring, wastewater analysis, and sustainability-focused technical training. Helped coordinate laboratory-related academic events and technical activities focused on environmental sustainability.