Brief Bio:

 Dr. Gutierrez is an expert in Membrane Technology applied to desalination, drinking water, and industrial/urban wastewater treatment. Also, Dr. Gutierrez has extensive experience in the field of colloidal/interfacial chemistry. He applies sophisticated experimental techniques that aid in elucidating the dominant interacting mechanisms between surfaces (i.e., membranes, mineral surfaces) and organic compounds or colloids (i.e., viruses, bacteria). His core training at the Seitz Materials Research Laboratory (University of Illinois) included: (Cryo) Transmission electron microscopy, (Environmental) Scanning electron microscopy, Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, (Time-Resolved) Dynamic Light Scattering, and Streaming (Zeta) Potential-Electrophoretic mobility measurements. In addition, Dr. Gutierrez received specialized training in biosafety levels 1 and 2 (handling/growing/purification of pathogens, bacteria, viruses, phages, and cell stocks), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM-contact and tapping mode) coupled with Raman Spectroscopy, Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation technique, and Synchrotron-based Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (i.e., at the Argonne National Lab at Chicago, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University). Dr. Gutierrez has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of prestigious Universities and National Labs (e.g., Yale University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST, Curtin University of Technology, MASDAR Institute of Technology, Poitiers University, etc.). His research projects have resulted in publications in international peer-reviewed journals (e.g., ES&T, Water Research, Langmuir, Soft Matter, etc.) and have been presented in international conferences (e.g., American Chemical Society, Materials Research Society, Euromembranes, etc.). Dr. Gutierrez is currently holding a Full-Professor position at Universidad Del Pacífico (Ecuador), where he develops robust and sustainable desalination technologies for decentralized applications in developing countries and membrane-based industrial and urban wastewater treatment.

Research Interests:

The current research interests of Dr. Gutierrez are mainly focused on membrane-based technologies for drinking water, urban and industrial wastewater treatment. Two broad scenarios are considered:

a) robust, low-energy requirement, and sustainable desalination of brackish/seawater for the production of drinking water in developing countries for decentralized applications, and

b) membrane modification for organic micropollutant removal (e.g., pesticides, personal care products-PCPs, pharmaceuticals)

Additionally, Dr. Gutierrez’s research emphasizes Organic Matter (i.e., a ubiquitous and highly heterogeneous mixture of organic compounds of different chemical compositions, structures, and properties) interfacial interactions with membrane surfaces, particularly ion-exchange and bipolar membranes during (assisted/reverse) Electrodialysis. These organic matter/membranes interactions would lead to irreversible/reversible fouling, where membrane modification for antifouling strategies constitutes a key goal of Dr. Gutierrez’s studies. Thus, the characterization of nanomechanical properties of membranes (ultrafiltration hollow fibers, ionic exchange membranes, dense membranes) and (organic/bio) foulants are of special interest.

The balance between drinking water demand and water availability has reached a critical level in many regions of the world. Factors such as climate change are causing more frequent and severe droughts which exacerbate these adverse conditions. With seawater making up 97.5% of the world’s water resources, low energy desalination solutions will be a crucial part of providing sufficient levels of good quality drinking water for a growing world population.

REvivED water, a new research and innovation project funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme in the field of ‘low-energy solutions for drinking water, brings together ten partners from six countries across Europe that will contribute to overcoming the drinking water challenge by establishing electrodialysis (E.D.) as the new standard for desalination of seawater

The Rustica Project is an EU’s Horizon programme that provides a technical solution to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel bio-based fertilizer products of high quality that address the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. The project’s ambition goes beyond the simple recovery of nutrients, and also includes the developments of economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers with the same or improved agronomic value.

The overall objective of the RUSTICA project is to foster the technical validation, demonstration and implementation of bio-based fertiliser and soil improvement production techniques focusing on waste from the fruit and vegetable agro-food system to close nutrient cycles on a regional level. This objective will be achieved through a transdisciplinary multi-actor approach, aimed at validating, demonstrating and integrating 6 technological options for mineral nutrient recovery from fruit and vegetable waste streams in multi-valorisation configurations in 4 regions across the European Union. This RUSTICA approach will additionally be validated in the context of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), through a close cooperation with CIAT.

  Robust and Energy-efficient decentralized desalination systems for developing countries

According to the UN, UNESCO, and the Global Water Institute. 2 billion people live in countries experiencing water stress, while 4 billion people in the world experience water shortage at least one month a year. The desalination of brackish water is a promising approach to tackle freshwater issues around the world. In particular, desalination through electrodialysis (ED) shows clear advantages in terms of energy requirements, sustainability, and membrane fouling. The current project aims at the design of cost-efficient decentralized ED-based systems for the sustainable desalination of brackish water, aiming at developing countries.

Modification of Reverse Osmosis membranes for improved organic micropollutants (OMPs) rejection

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a widely applied and the most energy-efficient desalination technology to produce high-quality processes and drinking water. Additionally, RO uniquely combines many treatment goals in one process, i.e., softening, desalination, disinfection, and natural organic matter (NOM) and organic micropollutants (OMPs, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc.) removal. Interestingly, the surface modification of RO membranes has shown to be a promising strategy for OMPs improved rejection. The current research project aims at developing RO membranes with increased resistance towards fouling and OMPs rejection.

Robust Membrane Bio-Reactors using ceramic membranes of different active layers for the decentralized treatment of urban greywater

As a consequence of the increased pressure on water supplies, water is increasingly considered a precious resource that cannot be wasted and needs to be reused. Water reuse can be defined as the use of reclaimed water for beneficial use. Reclaimed water, also called recycled water, is municipal wastewater that has undergone treatment processes to meet specific water quality criteria. This water can then be used for (in)direct potable or for non-potable applications (e.g., park, garden, and agricultural irrigation, toilet ushing, and car and pavement washing. The current project Is focused on the design of Robust membrane Bio-Reactors for the decentralized treatment of urban greywater. Ceramic membranes of different active layers are tested for improved performance.

1. Zhang, S.; Hao, Z.; Liu, J.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, JP.; Molecular Insights into the Reactivity of Aquatic Natural Organic Matter towards •OH and SO4•− Using FT-ICR MS. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2021. Learn More
2. Zaouri, N., Gutierrez, L., Benedetti, M.F. and Croue, J.-P.  2021.  Interactions between model organic compounds and metal oxides. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 126858. Learn More.
3. Ma, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Van Vooren, T.; Vanoppen, M.; Kazemabad, M.; Verliefde, A.; Cornelissen, E.; Fate of organic micropollutants in reverse electrodialysis: influence of membrane fouling and channel clogging. Desalination. 2021. Learn more
4. Ma, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Verbeke, R.; D’Haese, A.; Waqas, M.; Dickmann, M.; Helm, R.; Vankelecom, I.; Verliefde, A.; Cornelissen, E.; Transport of organic solutes in ion-exchange membranes: mechanisms and influence of solvent ionic composition. Water Research. 2021. Learn More
5. Roman, M.; Roman, P.; Verbeke, R.; Gutierrez, L.; Vanoppen, M.; Dickmann, M.; Egger, W.; Wols, I.; Vancelekom, J.; Cornelissen E.; Keesman, K.; Verliefde, A.; Non-steady state diffusion of organic micropollutants in ion exchange-membranes. Influence of membrane structural parameters on its permeability toward organic micropollutants. IScience. 2021. Learn more
6. Hena, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, JP.; Removal of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) from the aquatic environment using microalgae: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2021. Learn More
7. Mofokeng, M.; Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Matabola, P.; Mishra, S.; Nxumalo, E.; Perflurooctyltriethoxy silane and carbon nanotubes-modified PVDF superoleophilic nanofibre membrane for oil-in-water adsorption and recovery. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2020. Learn More.
8. Saeidi, P.; Saeidi, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Streimikiene, D.; Alrasheedi, M.; Saeidi, S.P.; Mardani, A.; The influence of enterprise risk management on firm performance with the moderating effect of intellectual capital dimensions. Economic Research. 2020. Learn More
9. Vera San Martín, T.; Gutierrez, L.; Palacios, M.; Mas, E.; Adriano, B.; Koshimura, S.; Applying Fragility Function in Tsunami Damage Estimation  in Esmeraldas city, Ecuador. 2021. Learn more
10. Roman, M.; Gutierrez, L.; Van Dijk, LH.; Vanoppen, M.; Post, J.; Wols, B.; Cornelissen E.; Verliefde, A.; Treated wastewater as a low salinity stream for RED: transport of OMPs and their potential effect on the process efficiency. Separation and Purification Technology. 2020. Learn More
11. Gutierrez, L.; Schmid, A.; Zaouri, N; Garces, D.; Croue, JP.; Aggregation kinetics of tannic acid-coated and silica-coated silver nanoparticles in natural organic matter-containing electrolyte solutions. NanoImpact. 2020. Learn More
12. Zhang, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Fei, Q.; Croue, JP.; SO4•–-based catalytic ceramic UF membrane for organics removal and flux restoration. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2020. Learn More
13. Wang, Y.; Couet, M.; Gutierrez, L.; Allard, S.; Croue, JP.; Impact of DOM source and character on the degradation of primidone by UV/chlorine: Reaction kinetics and disinfection by-product formation. Water Research. 2020. Learn More.
14. Hena, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, JP.; Removal of metronidazole from aqueous media by C. vulgaris. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2020. Learn More.
15. Ding, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, J.P.; Li, M.; Wang, L.; Wang, Y.; Hydroxyl and sulfate radical-based oxidation of RhB dye in UV/H2O2 and UV/persulfate systems: kinetics, mechanisms, and comparison. Chemosphere. 2020. Learn More.
16. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Nxumalo, E.; Verliefde, A.; Mhlanga, S. f-MWCNTs/AgNPs-coated superhydrophobic PVDF nanofiber membrane for organic, colloidal, and biofouling mitigation in direct contact membrane distillation. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2020. Learn More
17. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Nxumalo, E.; Mamba, B.; Water as the Pore Former in the Synthesis of Hydrophobic PVDF Flat Sheet Membranes for Use in Membrane Distillation. Hydro Science & Marine Engineering. 2019. Learn More
18. Roman, M.; Van Dijk, LH.; Gutierrez, L.; Vanoppen, M.; Post, J.; Wols, B.; Cornelissen E.; Verliefde, A.; Key physicochemical characteristics governing organic micropollutant adsorption and transport in ion-exchange membranes during reverse electrodialysis. Desalination. 2019. Learn More.
19. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Lapeir, L.; Verbeken, K.; Zaouri, N.; Nxumalo, E.; Mamba, B.; Verliefde, A.; Mhlanga, S.; Fouling-resistant PVDF nanofibre membranes for the desalination of brackish water in membrane distillation. Separation and Purification Technology. 2019. Learn More
20. Zhang, S.; Rouge, V.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, JP.; Reactivity of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) to sulfate radicals: Reaction kinetics and structural transformation. Water Research. 2019. Learn More. Learn More.
21. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Derese, S.; Mamba, B.; Verliefde, A.; Mhlanga, S.; Adsorption of phenolic compounds by polyacrylonitrile nanofibre membranes: A pretreatment for the removal of hydrophobic bearing compounds from water. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2019. Learn More
22. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Verliefde, A.; Mhlanga, S; Enhanced flux in direct contact membrane distillation using superhydrophobic PVDF nanofibre membranes embedded with organically modified SiO2 nanoparticles. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology. 2019. Learn More
23. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Khumalo, N.; Derese, S.; Mamba, B.; Verliefde, A.; Mhlanga, S.; Superhydrophobic PVDF nanofibre membranes coated with an organic fouling resistant hydrophilic active layer for direct-contact membrane distillation. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2019. Learn More
24. Nthunya, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Derese, S.; Verliefde, A.; Mamba, B.; Nxumalo, E.; Mhlanga, S.; A Review of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Membrane Distillation Membranes: Membrane Synthesis and Applications in Water Treatment. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology. 2019.  Learn more
25. Nthunya, L.; Derese, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Verliefde, A.; Mamba, B.; Barnard, T.; Mhlanga, S.; Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using one-pot and microwave-assisted methods and their subsequent embedment on PVDF nanofibre membranes for growth inhibition of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria. The New Journal of Chemistry. 2019. Learn More
26. Vanoppen, M.; Vanvooren, T.; Gutierrez, L.; Roman, M.; Croue, J.P.; Verbeke, K.; Philips, J.; Verliefde, A.; Wastewater in reverse electrodialysis: what is the best pre-treatment? Separation and Purification Technologies. 2019. Learn more
27. Gutierrez, L.; Keucken, A.; Aubry, C.; Croue, J.P.; Nanomechanical characterization of recalcitrant foulants and hollow fiber membranes in ultrafiltration systems. Desalination and Water Treatment. 136 (2018) 49–64. Learn more
28. Ma, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Vanoppen, M.; Verliefde, A.; Transport of uncharged organics in ion-exchange membranes: experimental validation of the solution-diffusion model. Journal of Membrane Science. 2018. 564, 773-781. Learn more
29. Gutierrez, L.; Keucken, A.; Aubry, C.; Zaouri, N.; Teychene, B.; Croue, J.P.; Impact of operation conditions, foulant adsorption, and chemical cleaning on the nanomechanical properties of ultra-filtration hollow fiber membranes. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2018, 549:34-42. Learn more
30. Vera, T.; Rodriguez, G.; Arreaga, P.; Gutierrez, L.; Population and building vulnerability assessment by possible worst-case tsunami scenarios in Salinas, Ecuador. Natural Hazards. 2018. 93(1), 275-297. Learn more
31. Zhang, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Qi, F.; Croue, J.P.; The characteristics of Organic Matter influence its interfacial interactions with MnO2 and catalytic oxidation processes. Chemosphere. 2018. 209, 950-959. Learn more
32. Zaouri, N.; Gutierrez, L.; Dramas, L.; Garces, D.; Croue, J.P.; Interfacial Interactions between Skeletonema Costatum Extracellular Organic Matter and metal oxides: implications for ceramic membrane filtration. Water Research. 2017. 116, 194-202. Learn more
33. Allard, S.; Gutierrez, L.; Fontaine, C.; Croue, J.P.; Gallard, H.; Organic matter interactions with natural manganese oxide and synthetic birnessite. Science of the Total Environment. 2017. 583, 487-495. Learn more
34. Merle, T.; Dramas, L.; Gutierrez, L.; Garcia, V.; Croue, J.P.; Investigation of severe UF membrane fouling induced by three marine algal species. Water Research. 2016, 93, 10-19. Learn more
35. Pei, Y.; Jarrett, K.; Gutierrez, L.; Saunders, M.; Croue, J.P.; Roth, P.; Lowe, P.; Synthesis and Characterization of Non-ionic AB-diblock Soft Matter Nanoparticles with an Emphasis on Worm Micelles. RAC Advances. 2016, 6, 28130-28139. Learn more
36. Lua, D.; Zhang, T.; Gutierrez, L.; Maa, J.; and Croué, J.P.; Influence of surface properties of filtration-layer metal oxide on ceramic membrane fouling during ultrafiltration of oil/water emulsion, Environmental Science and Technology, 2016, 50 (9), 4668–4674. Learn more
37. Gutierrez, L.; Aubry, C.; Dramas, L.; Aimar, P.; Croue, J.P.; Characterization of Skeletonema Costatum Intracellular Organic Matter and Study of Nanomechanical Properties under Different Solution Conditions. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2016, 506: 154-161. Learn more
38. Wang, R.Q.; Gutierrez, L., Choond, N.S.; Croué, J.P.; Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Method for Measuring the Composition of Aquatic Humic Substances. Analytica Chimica Acta, 853, 1, (2015) 608-616. Learn more
39. Gutierrez, L.; Aubry, C.; Valladares, R.; Croue, J.P.; Natural organic matter interactions with polyamide and polysulfone membranes: formation of conditioning film. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2015, 477 (0), 1-8. Learn more
40. Gutierrez, L.; Aubry, C.; Cornejo, M.; Croue, J.P.; Citrate-coated silver nanoparticles interactions with effluent organic matter: influence of capping agent and solution conditions. Langmuir, 2015, 31 (32), 8865-8872. Learn more
41. Aubry, C.; Khan, M.; Bezhad, A.R.; Anjum, D.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, J.O.; Cross-sectional analysis of fouled SWRO membranes by STEM-EDS. Desalination 2014, 333, 128-125. Learn more
42. Niu, X; Liu, C; Gutierrez, L.; Croué, J.P.; Photobleaching-induced Changes in Photosensitized Properties of Dissolved Organic Matter. Water Research, 66 (2014) 140-148. Learn more
43. Aubry, C.; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, J. P., Coating of AFM probes with aquatic humic and non-humic NOM to study their adhesion properties. Water Research 2013, 47, (9), 3109-19. Learn more
44. Rosado, S.; Wang, H.; Gutierrez, L.; Romero-Maraccini, O.; Niu, X.; Gin, K.; Croue, J. P.; Nguyen, T. H., Roles of Singlet Oxygen and Triplet Excited State of Dissolved Organic Matter Formed by Different Organic Matters in Bacteriophage MS2 Inactivation. Water Research 2013.  47(14), 4869-79. Learn more
45. Khan, M; Manes, C; Aubry, C; Gutierrez, L.; Croue, J.O.; Kinetic study of seawater reverse osmosis membrane fouling.  Environmental Science and Technology 2013, 47, (19), 10884-10894. Learn more
46. Gutierrez, L.; Nguyen, T. H.; Interactions between rotavirus and natural organic matter isolates of different physicochemical characteristics.  Langmuir 2013, 29, (47), 14460-14468. Learn more
47. Gutierrez, L.; Nguyen, T. H., Interactions between Rotavirus and Suwannee River Organic Matter: Aggregation, Deposition, and Adhesion Force Measurement. Environmental Science & Technology 2012, 46, (16), 8705-8713. Learn more
48. Nguyen, T. H.; Easter, N.; Gutierrez, L.; Huyett, L.; Defnet, E.; Mylon, S. E.; Ferri, J. K.; Viet, N. A., The RNA core weakly influences the interactions of the bacteriophage MS2 at key environmental interfaces. Soft Matter 2011, 7, (21), 10449-10456. Learn more
49. Gutierrez, L.; Mylon, S. E.; Nash, B.; Nguyen, T. H., Deposition and Aggregation Kinetics of Rotavirus in Divalent Cation Solutions. Environmental Science & Technology 2010, 44, (12), 4552-4557. Learn more
50. Mylon, S. E.; Rinciog, C.; Schmidt, N.; Gutierrez, L.; Wong, G.; Nguyen, T. H., Influence of Salts and Natural Organic Matter on the Stability of Bacteriophage MS2. Langmuir 2010, 26, (2),1035-1042. Learn more
51. Brady-Estevez, A. S.; Nguyen, T. H.; Gutierrez, L.; Elimelech, M., Impact of solution chemistry on viral removal by a single-walled carbon nanotube filter. Water Research 2010, 44, (13), 3773-3780. Learn more
52. Gutierrez, L.; Li, X.; Wang, J. W.; Nangmenyi, G.; Economy, J.; Kuhlenschmidt, T. B.; Kuhlenschmidt, M. S.; Nguyen, T. H., Adsorption of rotavirus and bacteriophage MS2 using glass fiber coated with hematite nanoparticles. Water Research 2009, 43, (20), 5198-5208. Learn more