EBNet

The Brief

The overarching goal of this series of three animations was to illustrate the interaction between engineering and microbiology within Environmental Biotechnology applications. By making these complex concepts accessible, EBNet aimed to promote a better understanding of key tools in the field.

The target audience included individuals with a scientific interest, but not necessarily experts – such as policymakers, funding panel members, or informed members of the public. The animations were designed to be publicly available resources on EBNet’s YouTube channel, freely downloadable under a Creative Commons license.

The Approach

To meet the brief, we developed visually engaging and concise animations that simplified complex concepts while retaining technical accuracy.

Aeration in Wastewater Treatment

This animation focuses on aeration, a critical and energy-intensive process in wastewater treatment. It demonstrates how fine bubbles improve gas transfer efficiency and reduce energy consumption through innovations like fluidic oscillation. Using dynamic visuals, we highlighted the role of smaller bubbles in enhancing oxygen diffusion, driving microbial activity, and achieving significant energy savings. To enhance the animation, we incorporated 3D sphere rendering in Illustrator, elevating its realism and visual impact.

Resource Recovery via Anaerobic Fermentation

This animation illustrates how organic waste could replace fossil hydrocarbons in producing valuable chemicals. The animation emphasises the role of engineering in creating sustainable resource recovery systems, underscoring environmental and economic benefits. By deconstructing complex visual references, we were able to translate intricate processes into accessible and digestible scenes

Advancing Slow Sand Filtration (SSF)

This animation explores the historical yet evolving technology of slow sand filtration. It details the biological processes in the Schmutzdecke layer and recent engineering innovations like underwater skimming, which preserves microbial communities while reducing system downtime. We depicted the original 19th-century slow sand filtration process, visually contrasting it with modern advancements. To distinguish the past, we used sepia and black-and-white tones, evoking historical imagery. This aesthetic transitions into EBNet’s vibrant color palette to represent the present-day innovations. The animation includes a detailed cross-section of the filtration process, illustrating the different layers, including the Schmutzdecke. This visual comparison effectively highlights the evolution of the technology while maintaining focus on the biological and engineering aspects.

The Result

The animations deliver complex scientific principles in an engaging and understandable way, bridging the gap between advanced Environmental Biotechnology and broader public awareness. They can be shared as educational tools within the scientific community and beyond.