Tao Lyu

Dr. Tao Lyu is a Senior Lecturer in Green Technologies at the Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, where he has been employed since April 2020. He serves as the course director for the Environmental Engineering MSc at the JSU-CU Institute. His research is centered on nature-based solutions and green technologies for sustainable water and wastewater management.

• PhD in Environmental Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark (2016)
• Research Fellow, Nottingham Trent University (2017–2019)
• Module Leader, BSc Environmental Sciences (2019)
• Senior Lecturer, Cranfield University (2020–present)

Dr. Lyu’s research spans environmental engineering, chemistry, and nanoscience, with a focus on nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands and microalgae technologies, and green technologies like nanobubble systems. His work targets micropollutant and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation, eutrophication and harmful algal bloom (HAB) control, sediment and soil remediation, and nutrient cycling. He integrates advanced nanomaterials and biotechnological approaches to develop sustainable water treatment solutions.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on nature-based solutions, nanobubble technology, and micropollutant removal. Key trends include the application of nanobubbles in anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and disinfection; the use of constructed wetlands for PFAS and antibiotic removal; and the development of novel materials for heavy metal and nutrient recovery. The research combines experimental, computational, and field-based approaches, often in collaboration with water utilities and environmental agencies.

Dr. Lyu has secured significant research funding from EPSRC, BBSRC, RAEng, The Royal Society, and industry partners including Sanofi S.A. and multiple UK water utilities.

• EPSRC (EP/Y003101/1)
• BBSRC (BB/Y008332/1)
• RAEng (TSP2021\100376 & TSP-2324-6\136)
• Royal Society (RG\R1\241357)
• Environment Agency
• Water utilities (e.g., Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent)

Dr. Lyu currently supervises nine PhD students and three MSc(Res) students, and has successfully guided over 10 MSc thesis projects and five group projects. He coordinates the PFAS working group for BBSRC-EBNet and serves on the editorial boards of two international journals. His lab focuses on developing scalable, chemical-free environmental technologies with real-world applications in pharmaceutical wastewater, agriculture, and urban water systems.