Mehdi Nemati BSc, MSc, PhD
Professor Chemical and Biological Engineering

Education and Experience

Ph.D. University of Manchester (UMIST), 1997
M.Sc. (Eng.) Amirkabir University of Technology, 1987
B.Sc. (Eng.) Amirkabir University of Technology,1984 
P.Eng. (Registered Professional Engineer, APEGS)

My research interest center around the area of environmental bioengineering, aiming to address some of the environmental problems encountered in the petroleum and mining industries, as well as the agriculture sector. These include application of the bacteria of sulphur cycle in treatment of acid mine drainage, sour gas and waters contaminated with sulphide and nitrate, containment of souring and biocorrosion in oil reservoirs, and control of H2S emission from livestock operations. Potential for generating energy during the treatment of wastewaters through utilization of microbial fuel cell type bioreactors is also investigated.

Development of biotechnologies for remediation of soils and waters contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy petroleum compounds and naphthenic acids, with the latter being a major environmental issue associated with processing of oil sands in Western Canada, is the other component of my research. Development and utilization of novel bioreactors such as bead mill and circulating packed-bed bioreactors for improving mass transfer and bioremediation kinetics is one of the main aspects of research in this area. Feasibility of an integrated chemical and biological approach for the treatment of complex organic pollutants is also being evaluated.

Specialization

• Environmental Bioengineering

Current and Past Projects

1. Treatment of organic wastewaters in microbial fuel cell bioreactors
2. Integrated chemical and biological remediation of petroleum contaminants
3. Bioremediation of naphthenic acids in a circulating packed bed bioreactor
4. Denitrification and biodesulphurization using sulphur and H2S
5. Removal of ammonia (nitrification) in conventional and microbial fuel cell bioreactors

Refereed Journal Publications

• Yi Zhou, Nemati, M. (2018) Treatment of waters contaminated by phenol and cresols in circulating packed-bed bioreactors-Biodegradation and toxicity evaluations. Water, Air & Soil Pollution. Available online at: http://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-3949-0.
• Valdes Labrada, G.M., Nemati, M. (2018) Biodegradation of surrogate naphthenic acids and electricity generation in microbial fuel cells: bioelectrochemical and microbial characterizations. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. Available online at: http://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-018-1989-x.
• Moreno, L., Nemati, M., Predicala, B. (2018) Biodegradation of phenol in batch and continuous flow microbial fuel cells with rod and granular graphite electrodes. Environmental Technology. 39(2): 144–156. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2017.1296895.
• E. Rezaei, R. Azar , M. Nemati, B. Predicala, (2017) Gas phase adsorption of ammonia using nano TiO2-activated carbon composites – Effect of TiO2 loading and composite characterization. Journal of Environmental Engineering. 5, 5902-5911Available online at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2017.11.010. 
• Awume, B., Tajallipour, M., Nemati, M., Predicala, B. (2017) Application of ZnO nanoparticles in control of H2S emission from low temperature gases and swine manure gas. Water, Air & Soil Pollution. 228: 147-162. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-017-3328-2.   
• Rezaei, E., Schlageter, B., Nemati, M., Predicala, B. (2017) Evaluation of metal oxide nanoparticles for adsorption of gas phase ammonia. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 5: 422–431. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2016.12.026
• Dong F.Z., Nemati, M.  (2016) Anoxic biodegradation of a surrogate naphthenic acid coupled to reduction of nitrite. Biochemical Engineering Journal. 110:84-94. Available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2016.02.013
• Moreno, L., Nemati, M., Predicala, B. (2015) Biokinetic evaluation of fatty acids degradation in microbial fuel cell type bioreactors, Bioprocess Biosystem Engineering, 38(1), 25-38. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00449-014-1240-3
• D’Souza, L., Sami, Y., Nemati, M., Headley, J. (2014) Continuous co-biodegradation of linear and cyclic naphthenic acids in circulating packed-bed bioreactors, Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 33(3), 835-843. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ep.11856.
• Nikakhtari, H., Song, W., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. (2014) Oxygen mass transfer and scale-up studies in baffled roller bioreactors, Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, 37, 193-203. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00449-013-0985-4
• Gunawan, Y., Nemati, M., Dalai, A. (2013) Biodegradation of a surrogate naphthenic acid under denitrifying conditions, Water Research, 51, 11-24. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2013.12.016
• Daalkhaijav, U., Nemati, M. (2013) Ammonia loading rate: an effective variable to control partial nitrification and generate the anaerobic ammonium oxidation influent, Environmental Technology, 34, 2907-2915. Available online at:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2013.796006
• Sun, Y. and Nemati, M. (2012). Evaluation of sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification and denitritation for biological removal of nitrate and nitrite from contaminated waters, Bioresource Technology (citations assigned late June 2102; not reported in previous year annual activity report), 114, 207-216. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.03.061
• An, S., Loden, B. and Nemati, M. (2012). Evaluation of heterotrophic nitrite removal by a sulphide and acetate oxidizing mixed culture originated from an oil reservoir, Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 87, 410-417. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.2738
• Huang, J., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J. (2012). Batch and Continuous Biodegradation of Three Model Naphthenic Acids in a Circulating Packed-bed Bioreactor, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 202, 132-140. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.11.052
• Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2011). Biodegradation kinetics of 1,4-benzoquinone in batch and continuous systems, Biodegradation, 22(6), 1087-1093. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1007/s10532-011-9465-1
• Kumar, P., Nikakhtari, H., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2011). Kinetic modelling of phenol oxidation in a bioremediation medium using Fentons reagent, International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 9, A-38. Available online at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol9/A38/
• An, S., Stone, H. and Nemati, M. (2011). Biological removal of nitrate by an oil reservoir culture capable of autotrophic and heterotrophic activities: Kinetic evaluation and modeling of heterotrophic process, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 190(1-3), 686-693. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.03.102
• Kumar, P., Nikakhtari, H., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2010). Oxidation of phenol in a bioremediation medium using chlorine dioxide., Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 85(5), 720-725. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1002/jctb.2366
• Tang, K., An, S. and Nemati, M. (2010). Evaluation of autotrophic and heterotrophic processes in biofilm reactors used for removal of sulphide, nitrate and COD, Bioresource Technology, 101(21), 8109-8118. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2010.06.037
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2010). Scale up of diesel oil biodegradation in a baffled roller bioreactor, Chemosphere, 79(10), 1010-1016. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.03.001
• An, S., Tang, K.M. and Nemati, M. (2010). Simultaneous biodesulphurization and denitrification using an oil reservoir microbial culture: Effects of sulphide loading rate and sulphide to nitrate loading ratio, Water Research, 44, 1521-1531. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2009.10.037
• Moreno, L.D., Predicala, B. and Nemati, M. (2010). Laboratory, semi-pilot and room scale study of nitrite and molybdate mediated control of H2S emission from swine manure, Bioresource Technology, 101, 2141-2151. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.11.011
• Kumar, P., Nikakhtari, H., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2010). Oxidation of phenol in a bioremediation medium using Fentons reagent, Environmental Technology, 31(1), 47-52. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593330903338403
• Paslawski, J., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J.V. (2009). Model for biodegradation of a naphthenic acid in an immobilized cell reactor, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 87(3), 507-13. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cjce.20176
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2009). Physical and biological treatment of oil-contaminated soil in a baffled roller bioreactor, Bioremediation Journal, 13(30), 130-140. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10889860903127027
• Tang, K., Baskaran, J. and Nemati, M. (2009). Bacteria of the sulphur cycle: An overview of microbiology, biokinetics and their role in petroleum and mining industries., Biochemical Engineering Journal (Invited Review), 44(1), 73-94. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2008.12.011
• Paslawski, J., Headley, J., Hill, G.A. and Nemati, M. (2009). Biodegradation Kinetics of Trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane carboxylic Acid, Biodegradation, 20(1), 125-33. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10532-008-9206-2
• Paslawski, J., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J. (2009). Biodegradation kinetics of trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid in continuously stirred tank and immobilized cell bioreactors., Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 84(7), 992-1000. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.2122
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2009). Biodegradation of diesel oil in a baffled roller bioreactor, Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 84(4), 525-32. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.2074
• Cazakoff, D., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2008). Naphthalene mass transfer from a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) in rotating baffled and bead mill bioreactors, Separation Science and Technology, 43(8), 2103-2116. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01496390802063929
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2008). Mass transfer and bioremediation of aromatics from NAPL in a baffled roller bioreactor, Process Safety and Environment Protection (IChemE), 86(4), 252-258. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2008.04.007
• Wang, Y., Riess, R.N., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J.V. (2008). Scale-up impacts on mass transfer and bioremediation of suspended naphthalene particles in bead mill bioreactors., Bioresource Technology, 99(17), 8143-8150. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2008.03.070
• Predicala, B., Nemati, M., Stade, S. and Lague, C. (2008). Control of H2S emission from swine manure using Na-nitrite and Na-molybdate, Journal of Hazardous Material, 154(1-3), 300-309. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.10.026
• Baskaran, V. and Nemati, M. (2006). Anaerobic reduction of sulfate in immobilized cell bioreactors, using a microbial culture originated from an oil reservoir., Biochemical Engineering Journal, 31(2), 148-159.
• Rempel, C.L., Evitts, R. and Nemati, M. (2006). Dynamics of corrosion rates associated with nitrite or nitrate mediated control of souring under biological conditions simulating an oil reservoir., Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 33(10), 878-886.
• Gadekar, S., Nemati, M. and Hill, G. (2006). Batch and continuous biooxidation of sulphide by Thiomicrospira sp. CVO.: Reaction kinetics and stoichiometery, Water research, 40, 2436-2446.
• Yu, R., Nemati, M., Hill, G. and Headley, J. (2006). Mass Transfer and Bioremediation of Naphthalene and Methyl Naphthalenes in Baffled and Bead Mill Bioreactors, Can.J. Chem. Eng., 84, 349-355.
• Hubert, C., Nemati, M., Jenneman, G.E. and Voordouw, G. (2005). Corrosion risk associated with microbial souring control using nitrate or nitrite, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 68, 272-282.

Non-refereed Conference Proceedings

• DSouza, L. and Nemati, M. (2012). Aerobic co-biodegradation of linear and cyclic naphthenic acids in a continuous biofilm reactor., ICEPR12, 2nd International Conference on Environmental Pollution and Remediation, Montreal, August 28-30, Paper No. 252, (CD Rom).
• Moreno, L., Nemati, M. and Predicala, B. (2012). Treatment of model organic compounds in microbial fuel cell type bioreactors., ICEPR 12, 2nd International Conference on Environmental Pollution and Remediation., Montreal, August 28-30, Paper No. 253, (CD Rom).
• Daalkhaijav, U. and Nemati, M. (2011). Treatment of waters contaminated with ammonia and nitrite using conventional and microbial fuel cell Bioreactors, Western Canada Water Conference and Exhibit, Saskatoon, Canada, September 21-23, (CD Rom).
• Sun, Y. and Nemati, M. (2011). Biotreatment of waters contaminated with hydrogen sulfide, nitrate and nitrite, Western Canada Water Conference and Exhibit, Saskatoon, Canada, September 20-23, (CD Rom).
• Moreno, L., Nemati, M. and Predicala, B. (2011). Application of microbial fuel cells in treatment of waters contaminated by short chain fatty acids, Western Canada Water Conference and Exhibition, Saskatoon, Canada, September, 20-23, (CD Rom).
• Moreno, L., Predicala, B., Nemati, M. and Alvardo, A. (2009). Controlling hydrogen sulphide emissions from swine Manure using Na-molybdate: Semi-pilot and room scale investigations, ASABE/CSBE North Central Intersectional Conference, South Dakota, September 18-19, (13 pages).
• An, S., Tang, K.M. and Nemati, M. (2009). Biooxidation of sulphide under denitrifying conditions, 8th World Congress of Chemical Engineering, Montreal, August 23-27, Paper No. 455WWT1, (3 pages).
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2009). Scale up study of diesel oil biodegradation in a baffled roller bioreactor, 8th World Congress of Chemical Engineering, Montreal, August 23-27, Paper No. 2074OS3, (6 pages).
• Paslawski, J.C., Headley, J.V., Hill, G.A. and Nemati, M. (2007). Enhanced biodegradation of a model naphthenic acid compound, Remediation Technolgies, 2007, Banff, AB, Canada, 20-22 October, (CD Rom).
• Tang, K. and Nemati, M. (2007). Microbial treatment of a sulphide-laden stream in a continuous biofilm reactor. Canadian International Petroleum Conference., CIPC 2007, Calgary, June, Paper No. Extended abstract, 2007-090., (CD Rom).

Conference Presentations / Poster Presentations

• Gunawan, Y., Nemati, M. and Dalai, A. (2012). Anaerobic biodegradation of naphthenic acids, a potential approach for in situ treatment of oil sand process waters., 62nd Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Vancouver, October 14-17.
• Moreno, L., Nemati, M. and Predicala, B. (2012). Application of microbial fuel cell technology in treatment of wastewaters and generation of energy, 62nd Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Vancouver, October 14-17.
• Gunawan, Y., Nemati, M. and Dalai, A.K. (2012). Anaerobic Biodegradation of Naphthenic Acids: A Potential Approach for In Situ Treatment of Oil, 62nd Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Vancouver, BC, October 14-17.
• Moreno, L., Nemati, M. and Predicala, B. (2012). Microbial Fuel Cells: Innovation for Sustainable Energy and Waste Treatment, EnerCan West, Energy and Environment, Regina, SK, 13-14 February.
• Moreno, M., Nemati, M. and Predicala, B. (2011). Microbial fuel cells in treatment of contaminated waters, World Water Day- Student and Young Professional Workshop (Canadian Water Research Association and UofS), Saskatoon, March 22.
• Sun, Y. and Nemati, M. (2011). Simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification of contaminated waters, World Water Day - Student and Young Professional Workshop (Canadian Water Research Association, UofS), Saskatoon, 22 March.
• Huang, J., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J.V. (2011). Batch and continuous bioremediation of waters contaminated with naphthenic acids, World Water Day - Student and Young Professional Workshop (Candian Water Resources Association and UofS), Saskatoon, 22 March.
• Daalkhaijav, U. and Nemati, M. (2011). Biological removal of ammonia from wastewaters using conventional and microbial fuel cell type bioreactors, World Water Day - Student and Young Professional Workshop (Canadian Water Resources Association and UofS), Saskatoon, 22 March.
• Huang, J., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J.V. (2011). Biotreatment of linear and cyclic naphthenic acids in a circulating packed bed bioreactor, OILSANDS 2011, Edmonton, AB, 22-24 February.
• Nikakhtari, H., Wanning, S., Hill, G.A. and Nemati, M. (2010). Scale-up effects on oxygen mass transfer in roller bioreactors, 3rd IUPAC Conference on Green Chemistry, 2010, Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, 15-19 Augus, Paper No. 177, ENG4.
• Moreno, L., Loden, B., Nemati, M. and Predicala, B. (2010). Treatment of organic wastewaters using microbial fuel cell technology, 60th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Saskatoon, Canada, 24-27 October, Paper No. 117ENV4.
• Huang, J., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2010). Bioremediation of naphthenic acids in a circulating-bed bioreactor, 60th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Saskatoon, Canada, 24-27 October, Paper No. 113ENV4.
• Kumar, P., Nikakhtari, H., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2009). Kinetic Modeling of Phenol Oxidation by Fenton's Reagent in Culture Media, AIChE Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN, November 8-13.
• Moreno, L., Predicala, B. and Nemati, M. (2009). Control of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) emissions from swine barns using nitrite and molybdate: Effect of Manure Age.(First Prize Winner), Banff Pork Seminar, Banff, 20-23 January.
• An, S., Tang, K. and Nemati, M. (2008). Biological Removal of H2S and Nitrate in Continuous Bioreactors: A Comparison of the Freely Suspended Cells and Immobilized Cells, 58th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Ottawa, 19-22 October.
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2008). Biodegradation of Diesel Oil in a Baffled Roller Bioreactor, 58th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Ottawa, 19-22 October.
• Moreno, L., Predicala, B. and Nemati, M. (2008). Control of H2S emissions from swine barns and livestock operations using a biological approach, 58th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Ottawa, 19-22 October.
• Kumar, P., Hill, G.A. and Nemati, M. (2008). Oxidation of petroleum pollutants in culture media, 58th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Ottawa, 19-22 October.
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Hill, G.A. and Nemati, M. (2008). Mass Transfer and Bioremediation of Aromatics from NAPL in a Baffled Bioreactor, Engineering Research Day, University of Saskatchewan, April 2.
• Tang, K.M. and Nemati, M. (2007). Microbial desulphurization and denitrification of a waste stream in an immobilized cell bioreactor., 57th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, , Edmonton, AB, Canada, 26-31 October.
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2007). Mass Transfer and Bioremediation of Aromatics from NAPL in a Rotary, Baffled Bioreactor., 57th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, CSChE, Edmonton, AB, October 28-31.
• Nikakhtari, H., Kumar, P., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2007). Physical Remediation of Heavy Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil., 57th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, CSChE, Edmonton, AB, Canada, October 26-31.
• Paslawski, J., Hill, G.A., Nemati, M. and Headley, J. (2007). Kinetics of Bioremediation of a Model Naphthenic Acid Compound, 57th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Edmonton, AB, Canada, October 28-31.
• Riess, R., Nemati, M., Hill, G.A. and Headley, J. (2006). Mass Transfer and Bioremediation of PAHs in a Beadmill Bioreactor, Remediation Technologies Symposium, Banff, October.
• Paslawski, J.C., Hill, G.A., Nemati, M. and Headley, J. (2006). Kinetics of Bioremediation of Naphthenic Acids in a Rotating Bioreactor, 56th CSChE Conference, Sherbrooke, QC, October 15-18.
• Cazakoff, D., Nemati, M. and Hill, G.A. (2006). Bioremediation of Organic Contaminants in Pilot Scale Bead Mill Bioreactors, NSERC USRA Award Poster Session, Saskatoon, August.
• Paslawski, J., Headley, J.V., Hill, G., Nemati, M. and Peru, K.M. (2006). Bioremediation of Napthenic Acids with the Use of a Novel Beadmill Bioreactor, PTAC Soil and Groundwater Forum and Poster Session, Calgary, AB, March 23, 2006.
• Paslawski, J., Headley, J., Hill, G. and Nemati, M. (2005). Bioremediation of Naphthenic Acids in Tailings Water With the Use of a Novel Bead Mill Bioreactor, Remediation Technologies Symposium, Banff, AB, October, 19-21.
• Yu, R., Hill, G. and Nemati, M. (2005). Mass Transfer and Bioremediation of Naphthalenes From Contaminated Soils in a Modified Beadmill Bioreactor, 55th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Toronto, ON, October 16-19, 2005.
• Gadekar, S., Nemati, M. and Hill, G. (2005). Bioxidation of Sulphide in a Continuous Bioreactor Using Freely Suspended Cells of Thiomicrospira denitrificans, 55th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Toronto, ON, October 16-19, 2005.
• Rempel, C., Evitts, R. and Nemati, M. (2005). Study of Corrosion Dynamics During the Containment of Souring by Nitrite or a Combination of Nitrate and Sulphide Oxidizing Bacteria, 55th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Toronto, ON, Oct 16-19.

Keynote Conference Presentation

• Nemati, M. (Keynote) (2007). Sulphur bacteria, little devils at work in oil fields and mines, Improving the Quality of Air, Water and Soil Technical Session., 57th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, CSChE, Edmonton, AB, Canada, 26-31 October.

Invited Lecture/Talk

• Nemati, M. (Invited) (2012). Bioremediation of Oil Sands Naphthenic Acids: An Economic Step for the Treatment of Tailings, EnerCan West, Energy and Environment, Regina, SK, 13-14 February.

Published Book Chapter

• Nemati, M. and Webb, C. (2011). Immobilized Cell Bioreactors, Comprehensive Biotechnology. Vol 2: Engineering Fundamentals in Biotechnology, Edited by Moo-Young, M., Elsevier B.V, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 331-346. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-088504-9.00100-8