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Welcome to the Brennan Research Group!

We work with natural and engineered ecosystems to purify water from complex waste streams and produce a range of value-added products to support a circular bioeconomy while reducing our carbon footprint.

Eco-Machines
Nutrient Recovery & Upcycling
Bioremediation
Global Engagement

Our team oversees a multifaceted research and education program at the Penn State Eco-Machine — a pilot-scale, ecological wastewater treatment system dedicated to solving global water-energy-food nexus challenges.

We utilize aquatic plants to recover nutrients from waste streams, and upcycle them into sustainable biofertilizers, protein-rich food, and renewable biofuels.

Here's a news article about our work with duckweed:
“Energizing the food-energy-water nexus: the fortuitious tale of duckweed.” Penn State News.

We also specialize in the development and application of enhanced bioremediation technologies for restoring surface and subsurface environments contaminated with acid mine drainage (AMD), hazardous wastes, and trace organic chemicals.

Here's an article about our team helping a local watershed group with their AMD problems:
“Getting crabby about high-strength mine drainage? The combination of chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate in crab shells may offer a passive treatment solution.” Reclamation Matters.

We have a strong commitment to international education and outreach, particularly in developing countries.  Dr. Brennan has taught courses in Asia and Latin America, and served the U.S. Department of State as a Fulbright Specialist to Colombia.