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Dr Denys Villa Gomez
Dr

Denys Villa Gomez

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Phone: 
+61 7 336 53857

Overview

Background

Denys Villa Gomez holds a joint appointment at the University of Queensland as Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering and as a Research Fellow at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. She obtained her PhD at the world-leading institute’s IHE-Delft/Wageningen University, The Netherlands in 2013. She applies advanced methodologies such as omics approaches and micro spectral tools to develop biotechnology processes that reduce carbon emissions and recover resources from mine waste and wastewater. She is the leader of the key area “Synbio Mining” within the recently created UQ Biosustainability Hub and chief investigator at the ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers cited more than 500 times, and has served as editor and reviewer for leading journals and advisory roles in industry and scientific committees (e.g. International Mine Water Association).

Teaching and Learning:

  • Course coordinator and lecturer for Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CIVL2135)
  • Course coordinator and lecturer for Environmental Phenomena (ENVE3160)
  • Lecturer in Integrated Design for Environmental Management (CIVL4516)
  • Lecturer in Sustainable Built Environment (CIVL4180)

Availability

Dr Denys Villa Gomez is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Research interests

  • Critical metals recovery

    Finding efficient and sustainable methods to extract these resources from waste streams and low-grade ores is crucial. My work aims to develop innovative techniques that can address this global challenge.

  • Bioprocesses enhancing circular economy

    Bioprocesses play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a circular economy by enabling the conversion of waste materials into valuable products and resources. My work aims to develop innovative biotechnological solutions that convert greenhouse gases, mine waste and organic waste into valuable resources.

  • Pollution prevention and control

    My research focuses on leveraging life cycle assessment to pinpoint sustainability improvements in industrial processes. I'm also exploring the potential of biological systems as early warning detectors for pollution.

Research impacts

Denys has contributed to expanding the knowledge of engineering approaches and biobased processes for the treatment and management of waste and resource recovery from urban and industrial waste and wastewater. Her research leans on applying biological processes such as biological sulphate reduction for making the treatment of waste more sustainable and economically viable by maximising the efficiency and decreasing the environmental footprint of the operations. This has influenced the field nationally and internationally, as shown in her research metrics, conference invitations as a keynote speaker and as a member of international scientific committees. She is ranked No. 1 in Australia, and No. 11 worldwide in the SciVal topic “acid mine drainage; sulfate-reducing bacteria; sulphate”.

Works

Search Professor Denys Villa Gomez’s works on UQ eSpace

75 works between 2009 and 2026

61 - 75 of 75 works

2017

Conference Publication

Integrated leaching/bioleaching and sulphate reducing processes for metal recovery and treatment of mine tailings

Gomez, Denys Villa, Hofmann, Harald, Kerr, Adam, Benjamin Ryan, Peces, M. and Southam, Gordon (2017). Integrated leaching/bioleaching and sulphate reducing processes for metal recovery and treatment of mine tailings. The 9th Acid and Metalliferous Draining Workshop, Burnie, Tasmania, 1 December 2017.

Integrated leaching/bioleaching and sulphate reducing processes for metal recovery and treatment of mine tailings

2017

Journal Article

Role of microbial accumulation in biological sulphate reduction using lactate as electron donor in an inversed fluidized bed bioreactor: operation and dynamic mathematical modelling

Cassidy, J., Frunzo, L., Lubberding, H. J., Villa-Gomez, D. K., Esposito, G., Keesman, Kj. and Lens, P. N. L. (2017). Role of microbial accumulation in biological sulphate reduction using lactate as electron donor in an inversed fluidized bed bioreactor: operation and dynamic mathematical modelling. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 121, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2017.03.006

Role of microbial accumulation in biological sulphate reduction using lactate as electron donor in an inversed fluidized bed bioreactor: operation and dynamic mathematical modelling

2017

Book Chapter

Metal recovery from industrial and mining wastewaters using sulphate-reducing bioreactors

Villa-Gomez, Denys Kristalia and Lens, Piet N. L. (2017). Metal recovery from industrial and mining wastewaters using sulphate-reducing bioreactors. Sustainable Heavy Metal Remediation: Volume 2: Case studies. (pp. 81-114) edited by Eldon R. Rene, Erkan Sahinkaya, Alison Lewis and Piet Lens. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-61146-4_3

Metal recovery from industrial and mining wastewaters using sulphate-reducing bioreactors

2017

Conference Publication

Strategies in Ni and Co recovery with biogenic sulphide

Liu, Yun, Yao, Ming, Yoong, I., Peces, Miriam, Vaughan, James, Southam, Gordon and Villa Gomez, Denys K. (2017). Strategies in Ni and Co recovery with biogenic sulphide. 1st International congress on Metals in Anaerobic Biotechnologies (IMAB17), Seville, Spain, 4-6 October 2017. Seville, Spain:

Strategies in Ni and Co recovery with biogenic sulphide

2016

Conference Publication

Evaluation of pretreatment methods for the anaerobic digestion of bean straw

Montoya-Rosales, J. J., González-Rodríguez, L. M., Alatriste-Mondragón, F. and Villa-Gómez, D. K. (2016). Evaluation of pretreatment methods for the anaerobic digestion of bean straw. 4th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Limassol, Cyprus, 3-25 June 2016.

Evaluation of pretreatment methods for the anaerobic digestion of bean straw

2015

Journal Article

Effect of process variables on the sulfate reduction process in bioreactors treating metal-containing wastewaters: factorial design and response surface analyses

Villa-Gomez, D. K., Pakshirajan, K., Maestro, R., Mushi, S. and Lens, P. N. L. (2015). Effect of process variables on the sulfate reduction process in bioreactors treating metal-containing wastewaters: factorial design and response surface analyses. Biodegradation, 26 (4), 299-311. doi: 10.1007/s10532-015-9735-4

Effect of process variables on the sulfate reduction process in bioreactors treating metal-containing wastewaters: factorial design and response surface analyses

2015

Journal Article

Effect of hydraulic retention time on metal precipitation in sulfate reducing inverse fluidized bed reactors

Villa Gomez, Denys Kristalia, Enright, Anne Marie, Rini, Eki Listya, Buttice, Audrey, Kramer, Herman and Lens, Piet (2015). Effect of hydraulic retention time on metal precipitation in sulfate reducing inverse fluidized bed reactors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 90 (1), 120-129. doi: 10.1002/jctb.4296

Effect of hydraulic retention time on metal precipitation in sulfate reducing inverse fluidized bed reactors

2014

Journal Article

Sulfide response analysis for sulfide control using apS electrode in sulfate reducing bioreactors

Villa-Gomez, D. K., Cassidy, J., Keesman, K. J., Sampaio, R. and Lens, P. N. L. (2014). Sulfide response analysis for sulfide control using apS electrode in sulfate reducing bioreactors. Water Research, 50, 48-58. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.10.006

Sulfide response analysis for sulfide control using apS electrode in sulfate reducing bioreactors

2014

Journal Article

Morphology, mineralogy, and solid-liquid phase separation characteristics of Cu and Zn precipitates produced with biogenic sulfide

Villa-Gomez, D. K., van Hullebusch, E. D., Maestro, R., Farges, F., Nikitenko, S., Kramer, H., Gonzalez-Gil, G. and Lens, P. N. L. (2014). Morphology, mineralogy, and solid-liquid phase separation characteristics of Cu and Zn precipitates produced with biogenic sulfide. Environmental Science and Technology, 48 (1), 664-673. doi: 10.1021/es402795x

Morphology, mineralogy, and solid-liquid phase separation characteristics of Cu and Zn precipitates produced with biogenic sulfide

2013

Journal Article

Acid mine drainage treatment in fluidized-bed bioreactors by sulfate-reducing bacteria: a critical review

Papirio, S., Villa-Gomez, D. K., Esposito, G., Pirozzi, F. and Lens, P. N. L. (2013). Acid mine drainage treatment in fluidized-bed bioreactors by sulfate-reducing bacteria: a critical review. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 43 (23), 2545-2580. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2012.694328

Acid mine drainage treatment in fluidized-bed bioreactors by sulfate-reducing bacteria: a critical review

2012

Journal Article

Influence of sulfide concentration and macronutrients on the characteristics of metal precipitates relevant to metal recovery in bioreactors

Villa-Gomez, D. K., Papirio, S., van Hullebusch, E. D., Farges, F., Nikitenko, S., Kramer, H. and Lens, P. N. L. (2012). Influence of sulfide concentration and macronutrients on the characteristics of metal precipitates relevant to metal recovery in bioreactors. Bioresource Technology, 110, 26-34. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.041

Influence of sulfide concentration and macronutrients on the characteristics of metal precipitates relevant to metal recovery in bioreactors

2011

Journal Article

Effect of sulfide concentration on the location of the metal precipitates in inversed fluidized bed reactors

Villa-Gomez, D., Ababneh, H., Papirio, S., Rousseau, D. P. L. and Lens, P. N. L. (2011). Effect of sulfide concentration on the location of the metal precipitates in inversed fluidized bed reactors. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 192 (1), 200-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.05.002

Effect of sulfide concentration on the location of the metal precipitates in inversed fluidized bed reactors

2011

Journal Article

Preface: Chalcogen cycle science and technology

Lens, Piet N. L., Gomez, Denys Villa and Van Cappellen, Philippe (2011). Preface: Chalcogen cycle science and technology. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 189 (3), 623-623. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.02.080

Preface: Chalcogen cycle science and technology

2010

Conference Publication

A study of the metal removal mechanisms in sulfate reducing bioreactors: kinetics, speciation and solid phase characterization

Villa-Gomez, D. K. , Papirio, S. , Van Hullebusch, E. , Farges, F. , Nikitenko, S. and Lens, P. N. L. (2010). A study of the metal removal mechanisms in sulfate reducing bioreactors: kinetics, speciation and solid phase characterization. Anaerobic Digestion IX - Selected Proceedings of the 9th World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, 31 October 2010.

A study of the metal removal mechanisms in sulfate reducing bioreactors: kinetics, speciation and solid phase characterization

2009

Journal Article

Characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria dominated surface communities during start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor

Celis, Lourdes B., Villa-Gómez, Denys, Alpuche-Solís, Angel G., Ortega-Morales, B. Otto and Razo-Flores, Elias (2009). Characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria dominated surface communities during start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 36 (1), 111-121. doi: 10.1007/s10295-008-0478-7

Characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria dominated surface communities during start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2029
    ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future (ARC ITRP administered by The University of Western Australia)
    University of Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    Biosustainability Hub: Paving the way to net zero using biological strategies
    Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Using synthetic biology to accelerate critical metal recovery from mine waste
    Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2027
    ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (ARC Centre of Excellence administered by Macquarie University)
    Macquarie University
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Performance assessment of naturally cemented hardpans for zinc and lead tailings
    Cobar Operations Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Advancing rapid in-field quantification of Soil Organic Carbon
    Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Review of arsenic treatment technologies
    MMG Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Geometallurgical characterisation of the Old Tailings Dam (OTD) for the recovery of Cobalt
    Grange Resources (Tasmania) Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Exploration of new economy metals in Queensland's mine waste
    Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Waste-to-value: selective recovery of Nickel and Cobalt from mining waste
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Dr Denys Villa Gomez - Maternity Funding (Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund)
    Queensland Government Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Denys Villa Gomez is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Critical metals recovery from mine waste

    This project will deliver engineered microbiomes that seed innovative technologies unlocking the recovery of critical metals. This will place the mining industry in the position to implement circular economy practises during mine closure by creating value from its resources.

  • Using synthetic biology to accelerate critical metals recovery from mine waste

    This project aims to develop new biological tools to recover important metals from mining waste. Using advanced genetic engineering techniques, researchers will identify and enhance key microorganisms that can efficiently extract metals like gallium and rare earth elements. The goal is to design microbial communities that are better at recovering these valuable resources from waste materials.

  • Biobased mineral carbonation using mine waste by-products

    This research explores a novel way to reuse mine waste while helping combat climate change. The project aims to develop bioprocesses to capture carbon dioxide, produce elemental sulfur, and create high-purity calcium and magnesium carbonates, all with minimal chemical inputs.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    UQ01: Recovery of Critical and Valuable Metals from IOCG Mine Waste

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Using synthetic biology to accelerate critical metals recovery from mine waste

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin, Dr Yosephine Gumulya

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Accelerating the extraction of critical metals such as rare earth elements and gallium from red mud tailings.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment utilising synthetic membrane technology

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Mansour Edraki

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Acid Mine Drainage Passive Treatment Method Using Hyperaccumulator Plants for Post Mining Rehabilitation

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Gordon Southam

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Dr Denys Villa Gomez directly for media enquiries about:

  • Acid mine drainage
  • Bioenergy production
  • Bioremediation
  • Environmental Biotechnology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Metals pollution
  • Metals recovery
  • Metals recovery mine waste
  • Mine waste management
  • Mining pollution control

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au