Prof. Dr. Rodrigo De Freitas Bueno | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award
Professor at Federal University of ABC, Brazil
Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno is a highly accomplished researcher with a PhD in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering from the University of São Paulo, complemented by a Master’s in Public and Environmental Health and multiple specializations in environmental pollution control, sanitary biology, and microbiology. As an Associate Professor at the Federal University of ABC and a collaborating researcher at USP, he has made significant contributions to wastewater treatment, industrial effluent management, water reuse, nutrient removal, and wastewater-based epidemiology—areas with direct impact on environmental sustainability and public health. His work demonstrates a strong integration of engineering innovation with health protection, supported by years of academic and applied research experience. While his achievements are greater international publication visibility, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary innovations could further amplify his influence. Overall, his expertise, societal contributions, and dedication position him as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with strong potential for continued impact.
Professional Profile
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Education
Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno possesses an extensive and multidisciplinary educational background that bridges engineering, public health, and biological sciences. He earned his PhD in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering from the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, focusing on wastewater treatment optimization and nutrient removal. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Public and Environmental Health at the Faculty of Public Health of USP, with research on sanitary sewage treatment and process control. He also holds a specialization in Environmental Pollution Control Engineering from USP and professional recognitions in Sanitary Biology and Environmental Microbiology from the Regional Council of Biology of São Paulo. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, specializing in Biotechnology and the Environment, from the University of Mogi das Cruzes. Additionally, he has undertaken numerous complementary courses in molecular biology, respirometry, quality management, and laboratory safety, enhancing his technical expertise.
Experience
Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno has built a distinguished professional career in the fields of sanitary and environmental engineering, combining academic leadership, applied research, and technical expertise. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Environmental and Urban Engineering programs at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC), where he contributes to teaching, research, and project supervision. In parallel, he is a collaborating researcher at the Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering of the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (PHA-EPUSP), engaging in advanced studies on wastewater treatment, nutrient removal, and water reuse. His professional activities span designing and optimizing treatment plants with a focus on energy efficiency, applying molecular biology techniques in environmental monitoring, and advancing wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for public health surveillance. Over the years, he has integrated engineering solutions with environmental health protection, contributing significantly to sustainable water management practices and the development of innovative treatment technologies.
Research Interest
Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental engineering, public health, and sustainable resource management, with a strong focus on water and wastewater systems. His work primarily explores the treatment of sanitary sewage and industrial effluents, emphasizing advanced processes for nutrient removal, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and the optimization of activated sludge systems. He is particularly interested in energy-efficient treatment plant operations, integrating kinetic modeling, process control, and respirometry to enhance performance. Another key area of his research is wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), using molecular biology tools to detect and monitor public health indicators through sewage analysis—a rapidly emerging field with high societal relevance. He also investigates water reuse strategies and pollution control technologies aimed at environmental protection and resource conservation. By bridging engineering innovation with environmental microbiology, his research seeks to deliver solutions that are both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible.
Award and Honor
Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno has earned recognition for his academic excellence and research contributions through various awards, honors, and competitive research grants. Notably, he was a scholarship recipient of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) during his PhD at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, supporting his advanced studies in wastewater treatment optimization and nutrient removal. During his Master’s program at the Faculty of Public Health of USP, he was awarded a scholarship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), reflecting his strong academic performance and research potential. His professional recognitions include specialist certifications in Sanitary Biology and Environmental Microbiology granted by the Regional Council of Biology of São Paulo. These distinctions highlight his dedication to scientific advancement, technical expertise, and societal impact, underscoring his position as a respected figure in sanitary and environmental engineering research.
Research Skill
Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that integrate engineering, microbiology, and environmental health sciences. He is proficient in the design, operation, and optimization of wastewater and industrial effluent treatment systems, with specialized expertise in nutrient removal processes, activated sludge modeling, and energy-efficient plant management. His skills extend to kinetic modeling, process control, and respirometry, enabling precise performance evaluation of treatment operations. In the field of environmental microbiology, he is adept in molecular biology techniques, including DNA-based pathogen detection, which he applies in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for public health surveillance. He is also experienced in laboratory instrumentation, such as spectrometry and advanced microscopy, and in implementing quality management systems for environmental monitoring. His multidisciplinary technical abilities allow him to bridge theory and practice, creating innovative solutions that enhance water reuse, pollution control, and environmental sustainability while addressing pressing public health and ecological challenges.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Sampling strategies for wastewater surveillance: evaluating the variability of SARS-COV-2 RNA concentration in composite and grab samples
Authors: MR Augusto, ICM Claro, AK Siqueira, GS Sousa, CR Caldereiro, R de Freitas Bueno, et al.
Year: 2022
Title: Long-term monitoring of SARS-COV-2 RNA in wastewater in Brazil: a more responsive and economical approach
Authors: ICM Claro, AD Cabral, MR Augusto, AFA Duran, MCP Graciosa, R de Freitas Bueno, et al.
Year: 2021
Title: Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in the activated sludge systems of continuous flow
Authors: RF Bueno, RP Piveli, F Campos, PA Sobrinho
Year: 2018
Title: Wastewater-based epidemiology: A Brazilian SARS-COV-2 surveillance experience
Authors: R de Freitas Bueno, ICM Claro, MR Augusto, AFA Duran, LMB Camillo, et al.
Year: 2022
Title: Simultaneous removal of organic matter and nitrogen compounds from landfill leachate by aerobic granular sludge
Authors: RF Bueno, JK Faria, DP Uliana, VS Liduino
Year: 2021
Title: Nitrificação e desnitrificação simultânea em reator com biomassa em suspensão e fluxo contínuo de esgoto
Authors: RF Bueno
Year: 2011
Conclusion
Given his extensive academic credentials, impactful research in environmental and public health engineering, and clear dedication to sustainable water management, Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses both scientific advancement and pressing societal needs, with potential for even greater impact through expanded international collaboration and broader dissemination of his research outcomes.