Frederic Gich Batlle

Frederic Gich Batlle serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of Girona, Spain, affiliated with the Institute of Aquatic Ecology and leading the Molecular Microbial Ecology Research Group. His work bridges fundamental microbiology and environmental engineering, focusing on microbial processes in aquatic ecosystems and engineered treatment systems.

Dr. Gich's research centers on microbial community dynamics in bioremediation, particularly nitrogen cycling via anammox processes, siloxane degradation in biogas, and archaeal diversity in freshwater habitats. He investigates how microbial consortia degrade pollutants in biotrickling filters and wastewater reactors, emphasizing reactor optimization through microbial ecology insights. His studies frequently integrate molecular techniques with environmental engineering to address challenges in biogas upgrading and nutrient removal.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a trajectory from foundational archaeal ecology toward applied environmental solutions. Key trends include the engineering of anoxic biotrickling filters for volatile compound removal, temperature-dependent stability in nitrogen-removing reactors, and dual-use approaches for phosphorus recovery and nitrogen removal. His work consistently links microbial community composition to functional outcomes in engineered systems.

As head of the Molecular Microbial Ecology Research Group, Dr. Gich directs experimental work spanning lab-scale reactors to field studies in lakes and wetlands. The group employs microcosm incubations, DNA/RNA community analysis, and process engineering to advance sustainable wastewater treatment and biogas purification technologies.