Isaac Owusu
The researcher's work is centered around advancing membrane separation technologies for separating volatile fatty acids from waste streams, with a strong emphasis on their biodegradability. Their research extends into anaerobic digestion, where they explore methods to enhance biogas production and analyze microbial communities in pilot-scale reactors. The researcher also investigates the removal of fluorides using nanofiltration and reverse osmosis techniques, highlighting their role in water quality management. Furthermore, their work delves into energy recovery through anaerobic digestion, examining how substrate proportions influence the long-term performance of these systems. The impact of these technologies on the environment is significant, particularly in reducing fluorides and managing sulfur-based compounds like sulfonamide resistance genes. Additionally, the researcher studies SARS-CoV-2, which involves both wastewater treatment processes and life cycle assessments to monitor its fate across various stages. Their research underscores the importance of understanding microbial dynamics and energy recovery through membrane systems, contributing to sustainable practices in waste management and environmental monitoring.
Faculty Biography
Mr. Isaac Owusu is a lecturer at the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Public Health, KNUST. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Disability Studies from the University of Leeds (UK); a Bachelor of Arts (Geography and Resource Development) from the University of Ghana and a Diploma in Education from the University of Education, Winneba. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the School of Public Health, KNUST. His PhD work is focused on the use of assistive technology among persons with physical disability.He has published more than 15 articles in peer-reviewed journals and attended several conferences where he presented research findings. He once served as a reviewer for the Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development Journal. He was among a group of consultants engaged by the National Council for Persons with Disability (Ghana) to prepare a document used in training Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on strategies for mainstreaming disability in Ghana. He authored the Livelihood section of the document.He is currently the Examinations Officer for the School of Public Health; a member of the examinations committee of KNUST Institute of Distance Learning (IDL) and a board member of KNUST Counselling Centre (KCC). He is also a member of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD).
Algal biology and biofuel production
Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production
biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Fluoride Effects and Removal
Food Waste Reduction and Sustainability
Membrane Separation Technologies
Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Removal
Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies
Department of Community Health
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology