Development of technology that uses bacteria to remove contaminants from water and recover valuable metals that would otherwise go to waste is among the most potentially impactful goals of ASU’s Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, directed by Bruce Rittmann, a  professor  the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the Fulton Schools. Rittmann, whose work has been recognized by the Internation Water Association, is focused on using tiny organisms to solve water challenges and ways to use bacteria to benefit both human health and provide economic benefits to society. Research progress so far also promises to open paths to progress in protecting various environments, preventing more kinds of diseases and boosting extraction of valuable materials.