Researcher Daniela Torruella Salas defended last week her doctoral thesis, Microbial Electrochemical Sensors: New Perspectives for Water Quality Monitoring, at the University of Alcalá. In her dissertation, awarded the highest distinction summa cum laude, the new PhD has developed bioelectrochemical strategies to detect aromatic hydrocarbons in groundwater.

This resource is essential for ecosystems, agriculture, industry, and freshwater supplies, but its vulnerability to contamination has increased due to water scarcity and environmental pressures. The research, led by Professor Abraham Esteve Núñez, an associate researcher at IMDEA Water and Bioe Group leader, is based on microbial electrochemical technologies (METs), which study the interaction between electroactive bacteria and electrodes. These microorganisms generate electrical current in their metabolic activity through extracellular electron transfer mechanisms.

Based on this principle, microbial electrochemical sensors have been developed that convert the presence of contaminants in water into measurable electrical signals. This approach allows for in-situ, real-time monitoring, with potential advantages for remote or hard-to-reach environments.

The results of this thesis contribute to the development of better tools for monitoring groundwater quality and protecting water resources from pollution.