Tobias Schnabel trained as a state-certified CTA for environmental analysis and microbiology and then studied industrial engineering with a focus on energy technology at the Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences in Darmstadt and water and environment at the Bauhaus University in Weimar. During his many years at the MFPA Weimar, he completed his doctorate externally under Prof. Jörg Londong in the field of urban water management and process engineering for the removal of micropollutants using AOP processes. Since 2022, he has been Professor of Urban Water Resource Management at Hof University of Applied Sciences and heads the “Water and Photonics” research group at the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems and the “Sector Coupling in Environmental Technology” research group at the Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology. His research focuses on methods for trace analysis of organic micropollutants, photonic processes for water and wastewater treatment, water sensor technology and a wide range of AOP processes.

Journal Article

 A. Wolfram, E. Dana, T. Schnabel, P. Kurzweil, Selective photoelectrochemical response of TiO2 to wastewater-associated organic molecules: From model compounds to real effluent matrices, Chemosensors 14 (2026) 181. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14080181.

A. Nahdi, M. Ghiloufi, F. Touati, H. Dhaouadi, T. Schnabel, N. Jaffrezic-Renault, S. Kouass, H. B. Halima, Ultra-Sensitive Amperometric Detection of Ciprofloxacin in Environmental and Biological Matrices Using an ITO Modified With Tungsten Trioxide-Based Nanocomposite, Electrochemical Science Advances 6 (4) (2026) e70032. doi:10.1002/elsa.70032.

M. Dutschke, F. Schütz, T. Schnabel, C. Springer, Studies on the synergistic effect within a carrier-bound TiO2/UV/O3 system in the degradation of chlorinated SVOCs from real groundwater, Journal of Environmental Management 400 (2026) 128709. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.128709.

M. Ghiloufi, T. Schnabel, C. Springer, S. Mehling, A. Wolfram, F. Touati, S. Kouass, Hydrothermal Versus Physical Mixing: Superior Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2/WO3 Nanocomposites for Water Treatment Applications, Environments 12 (10) (2025) 359. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100359.

D. J. Raithel, T. Schnabel, Entfernung von natürlichen organischen Substanzen mit konventionellen und neuartigen Verfahren, KA – Korrespondenz Abwasser, Abfall 72 (9) (2025) 502–513. doi:https://doi.org/10.3243/kwe2025.09.002.

N. C.rdenas Vasquez, S. Mehling, H. Alarc.n Cavero, T. Schnabel, Visible Light-Active Copper Cobaltite Supported Film for Hexavalent 1 Chromium Photocatalytic Reduction, ChemistrySelect 9 (44) (2024) e202404596. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202404596.

Mehling, Simon; Hörnlein, Stefanie; Schnabel, Tobias; Beier, Silvio; Londong, J.rg (2024): Measurement and thermal characterization of graywater discharge events for house-central collection systems in the context of heat recovery. Water Reuse. DOI: 10.2166/wrd.2024.054

Cardenas, Nataly; Alarcon, Hugo; Schnabel, Tobias; Mehling, Simon (2024): Synthesis and characterization of nickel cobaltite–supported film for hexavalent chromium photocatalytic reduction. Water Science & Technology. DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.330

Ghiloufi, Mabrouka; Schnabel, Tobias; Mehling, Simon; Kouass, Salah (2024): Investigation of the Effect of Oxide Additives on the Band Gap and Photocatalytic Efficiency of TiO2 as a Fixed Film. MDPI Materials 24, 4671 (17). DOI: 10.3390/ma17184671

Cardenas, Nataly; Mehling, Simon; Alarcon, Hugo; Schnabel, Tobias (2024): Visible Light-ActiveCopperCobaltite Supported Film for Hexavalent ChromiumPhotocatalytic Reduction. Chemistry Select. DOI: 10.1002/slct.202404596

Schnabel, T., Honke, R., Schmid, A., Mehling, S., Göhring, R., Simek, O., Wolfram, A., Wet-terauer, A., Springer, C. (2023). Low-Cost Test Rig for Characterization of Photocatalytic Pla-nar Materials Using Photonically Sized UV-A LED Light Sources. HardwareX, 16, E00487. doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00487

S. Mehling,  T. Schnabel, M. Dutschke,J. Londong. „Floating  Immobilized  TiO2 Catalyst for the Solar Photocatalytic Treatment of Micro-Pollutants within the Secondary Effluent of Wastewater Treatment Plants“. Water Science and Technology 87, Nr. 5 (1. März 2023): 1082–95.  https://doi.org/10.2166/  wst.2023.066.

Mehling, Simon, Tobias Schnabel, and Jörg Londong. 2022. ”Investigation on Energetic Efficiency of Reactor Systems for Oxidation of Micro-Pollutants by Immobilized Active Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis”, Water 14, no. 17: 2681. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14172681

S. Mehling, T. Schnabel, J. Londong (03/2022):Analysis of the behavior of cumulative analytical parameters and their correlation to micropollutant degradation during treatment of real wastewater bycarrier-bound photocatalytic ozonation. , Water Science and Technology, http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2022.053

T. Schnabel, M. Dutschke, F. Schütz, C. Springer (02/2022):Photocatalytic Air Purification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Application of a Flow-Through Reactor, Kinetic Studies and Degradation Pathways, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.113993

M. Dutschke,T. Schnabel, F. Schütz, C. Springer (11/2021): Degradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds from contaminated ground water using a carrier-bound TiO2/UV/O3-system. , Journal of Environmental Managment, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114236

T. Schnabel, S. Mehling, M. Dutschke, J. Londong (02/2022): Investigation of factors influencing the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals on supported catalysts using UV-A LEDs. , Chemistry Select, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/slct.202103759

S. Mehling, T. Schnabel, J. Londong (11/2021): Photocatalytic ozonation in an immersion rotary body reactor for the removal of micro-pollutants , Water Science and Technology, dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2021.617

T. Schnabel, S. Mehling, M. Dutschke, C. Springer (11/2021): Determination of photocatalytic properties of supported catalysts with low-cost NOx sensors and the Arduino platform , Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A Chemistry, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113611

M. Scheurer, A. Sandholzer, T. Schnabel, S. Schneider-Werres, M. Schaffer, H. Börnick, S. Beier (09/2021): Persistent and mobile organic chemicals in water resources: occurrence and removal options for water utilities , Water Science and Technology, Water Supply, doi: http://dx.doi.10.2166/ws.2021.336

T. Schnabel, S. Mehling, J. Londong, C. Springer (03/2021): Photocatalytic degradation Water containing Petrol-Derived Hydrocarbons and Methylene Blue using floatable Titanium Dioxide Catalysts , Water Reuse, http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wrd.2021.118

T. Schnabel, S. Mehling, J. Londong, C. Springer (10/2020): Hydrogen peroxide-assisted photocatalytic water treatment for the removal of anthropogenic trace substances from the effluent of wastewater treatment plants, Water Science and Technology, http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2020.481

T. Schnabel, C. Springer, K. Krause, S. Hörnlein, J. Londong (08/2020): Spurenstoffelimination aus gereinigtem Abwasser in einem photokatalytisch wirksamen Rotationstauchkörpers , Korrospondenz Abwasser, Abfall

T. Schnabel, C. Springer, S. Hörnlein, S. Mehling, S. Beier, J. Londong (3/2020): Titandioxid basiertes photokatalytische Material für den Abbau von Pharmaka aus dem Kläranlagenablauf , Gwf AW, 3/2020

M. Bickendorf, T. Schnabel, J. Londong, (3/2020): Die photokatalytische Oxidation als ein Verfahren der weitergehenden Abwasserreinigung , Korrospondenz Abwasser, Abfall

T. Schnabel, D. Martschoke, F. Schütz, (10/2019): Photokatalytische Reinigung von organisch belasteter Innenraumluft am Beispiel von polycyclischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAK) , Wohnmedizin Zeitschrift

T. Schnabel, D. Martschoke, D. Dressel, K.Krause (3/2018): Pausenlos gute Luft - Naphthalinabbau mit photokatalytischen Reinigungsverfahren - Teil 2, Bauen im Bestand

T. Schnabel, D. Martschoke (06/2017): Abbauen statt Ausbauen - Naphthalinabbau mit photokatalytischen Reinigungsverfahren, Bauen im Bestand

T. Schnabel, C. Springer (05/2013): Unter dem Putz auf Spurensuche - GC-MS in der Bauschadensanalytik, Bauen im Bestand

Contributions to conference proceedings and publication series

Müller-Czygan, Günter; Schnabel, Tobias; Aicher, Andreas; Mehling, Simon (2023): Combination of near-natural and innovative wastewater treatment as an effective component of sustainable water resource protection in rural areas. Proceedings of the VІІІ International Scientific and Technical Conference 2023. 2023, S. 32-36.

T. Schnabel: Photokatalytischer Abbau von pharmazeutischen Mikroschadstoffen an trägergebundenen Katalysatoren. Dissertation, Schriftenreihe Band 41, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Fakultät Bauingenieurwesen, Bauhaus-Institut für zukunftsweisende Infratstruktursysteme (b.is) Coudraystraße 7, D-99423 Weimar, Rhombos-Verlag Berlin, ISBN: 978-3-944101-82-8, ISSN 1862-1406

T. Schnabel, C. Springe, K. Krause, S. Hörnlein, S. Beier, J. Londong: Spurenstoffelimination aus gereinigtem Abwasser mittels photokatalytisch wirksamen Rotationstauchkörpern. GWA Band 252 zur Essener Tagung 2020, ISBN: 978-3-938996-58-4

Lectures

T. Schnabel, FeierABEND "Photonische Technologien in der Wasseraufbereitung und Analytik , ifat, HST Systemtechnik, München, 05/2026 (2026).

T. Schnabel, Panel Discussion "Water ressources management , Water and digital health, Embassy of India, Berlin, 04/2026 (2026).

M. Moesler, A. Wolfram, t. a. Schnabel, Hydrothermale vs. PhysikalischeBeschichtung mit Titandioxid zur Entwicklung von In-Situ Sensorenvon CSB in Wassermatrizes, Vortrag, Thüringer Werkstofftage,Ilmenau, 03/2026 (2026).

T. Schnabel, S. Mehling, C. Springer, A. Wetterauer, M. Dutschke, S. Pflanzen, Verbundprojekt 1: Weiterentwicklung der technologiebasis, Vortrag, PhoTech Konferenz, Ilmenau, 09/2025 (2025).

T. Schnabel, Wenn die klospülung zur apotheke wird – wege zu einem nachhaltigen wasserkreislauf, Vortrag, Stadtvorlesung, Münchberg, 11/2025 (2025).

T. Schnabel, S. Mehling, C. Springer, A. Wetterauer, M. Dutschke, S. Pflanzen, Verbundprojekt 1: Weiterentwicklung der technologiebasis, Vortrag, PhoTech Konferenz, Weimar, 09/2024 (2024).

T. Schnabel, Shit happens: Die toilette im wandel der zeit, Vortrag, Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften, HS Hof, Hof, 06/2023 (2023).

T. Schnabel, Energieautarke, weitergehende abwasserbehandlung, Vortrag, Wilo Abwassertage, Hof, 06/2023 (2023).

T. Schnabel, Entfernung von mikroverunreinigungen an tr.gergebundenenphotokatalysatoren, Vortrag, 55. Essener Tagung, Young Scientists Forum, Essen, 03/2022 (2022).

T. Schnabel, S. Beier, J. Londong, Entfernung von mikroverunreinigungenaus abwasser mit tr.gergebundenen photokatalysatoren, Vortrag, SIMAS Erfahrungsaustausch, Seelscheid, 10/2019 (2019).

S. Beier, M. B.rmel, C. Gr.ber, T. Schnabel, J. Londong, C. Klümper,Kunststoffeintr.ge im bereich der siedlungswasserwirtschaft, Vortrag, Thüringer Umwelttag der IHK, IHK Erfurt, 25.09.2019 (2019).

T. Schnabel, Photocatalytic air and water treatment, Vortrag, PorotecTagung, Wiesbaden-Niedernhausen, 11/2018 (2018).

T. Schnabel, Photokatalytische wasser und luftreinigung, Tandemvortragmit der Firma Lynatox GmbH, Thüringer Werkstofftage, Weimar, 03/2018 (2018).

T. Schnabel, Hplc und lc-ms in der photokatalyse-forschung, Vortrag, Thermo Anwendertreffen, Leipzig, 03/2017 (2017).

T. W.tzel, K. Krause, T. Schnabel, Measurement of human-dispensedpharmaceuticals in complex matrices, like digestates and blackwater, Vortrag, 18th EWA International Symposium "Challenges arising from Micro-Pollutants in Wastewater, Water, and Environment", Munich, 05/2016 (2016).

Scientific Poster

A. Wetterauer, M. Dutschke, S. Pflanze, R. Fenzlein, F. Seller, E. Isler, C. Springer, T. Schnabel, E. Rädlein, Vergleichende Analyse modifizierter titandioxid-photokatalysatorsysteme in realmatrix, Poster, 24. Thüringer Werkstofftag 2026, Ilmenau (2026). doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.29654.10568.

Cardenas, Nataly; Alarcon, Hugo; Mehling, Simon; Schnabel, Tobias (2024): SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NICKEL COBALTITE SUPPORTED FILM FOR HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM PHOTOCATALYTIC REDUCTION. Pro Ciencia. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32665.74085

Schnabel, Tobias; Faghih Nasiri, Elaheh; Mehling, Simon (2024): Photoelektrochemische Zellen zur simultanen Energieerzeugung und Schadstoffentfrachtung. Hofer Energiesymposium 2024, Hof. DOI: :10.13140/RG.2.2.14001.60004

Cardenas, Nataly; Alarcon, Hugo; Mehling, Simon; Schnabel, Tobias (2024): S.NTESIS Y CARACTERIZACI.N DE PELICULA SOPORTADA DE COBALTITA DE N.QUEL PARA FOTO-REDUCCI.N DE CROMO HEXAVALENTE. II Congreso Nacional de Semilleros de Investigaci.nII CONASEIN. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20220.45443

Martschoke, Daniel; Schnabel, Tobias; Kühmstedt, Michael (2024): Photokatalytische Luftreinigung. PhoTech Tagung 2024, Weimar. DOI: :10.13140/RG.2.2.14957.19686

Mehling, Simon; Wolfram, Axel; Schnabel, Tobias (2024): Herstellung von TiO2 -Photokatalysatoren via Sol-Gel basiertem Dip-Coating. PhoTech Konferenz, Weimar 2024. DOI: :10.13140/RG.2.2.35089.85602

Isler, Edgar; Dutschke, Manuel; Kleemann, Susanne; Wetterauer, Andre; Rädlein, Edda; Schnabel, Tobias; Springer, Christian (2024): Untersuchungen der Adsorptivität und Reaktivität von schwimmfähigen Titandioxid-Katalysatoren. Thüringer Werkstofftage 2024, Weimar. DOI :10.13140/RG.2.2.29595.27683

Dutschke, Manuel; Wetterauer, Andr.; Kleemann, Susanne; Schnabel, Tobias; Springer, Christian (2024): Abbau von Mineralölbelastungen auf Wasseroberflächen durch photokatalytisch beschichtete Schwimmkörper. Thüringer Werkstofftage 2024, Weimar. DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.32950.72008

T. Schnabel: Photocatalytic Air and Water treatment, Porotec Tagung (11/2018), Wiesbaden Niedernhausen, Tagungsbandbeitrag, Poster

T. Schnabel: Photokatalytische Wasser und Luftreinigung, Thüringer Werkstofftage (3/2018), Weimar, Poster

S. Mehling;M. Dutschke; A. Wetterauer; C. Telle; K. Heimler; T. Schnabel; C. Springer; C. Vogt; J. Londong: Abbau von Mikroschadstoffen an schwimmfähigen Photokatalysatoren durch solare Strahlung, DWA Landestagung Thüringen, 09/2022, Poster

Prof. Schnabel teaches mainly in the Bachelor of Engineering and the Master of Sustainable Water Engineering and Management.

The following courses are offered

• Ecotoxicology
• Environmental Analysis
• Water extraction and treatment
• Advanced Water Treatment (Master)
• Integrated Water Resources Management (Master)
• Water and Society (Master)
• Hydrology and Hydrogeology
• New Technologies in the Water Sector (Master)
• Environmental Chemistry

The “Photonics and Water” working group is currently working on the following research projects

CataVolt (Abgeschlossen)   https://forschung.hof-university.de/de/forschungsprojekt/6-catavolt

UV-Phon  https://forschung.hof-university.de/de/forschungsprojekt/15-uvphon

RUBIN-Photech. https://forschung.hof-university.de/de/forschungsprojekt/50-rubin-photech

EULe - DBU 

18/03/2018 Second place in the poster competition of the Thuringian Materials Day, Weimar

29/09/2021 Applied Photonics Award, category best dissertation, of the Fraunhofer IOS Jena,

Awarded by Prof. Andreas Tünnermann and Reinhard Genzel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txfvWtN3koA

07/02/2022 Semifinalist in the Ocean Optics grand program

13/07/2026 Zweiter Platz beim Gründungsideenwettbewerb Südwestthüringen, Kategorie „Technische Gründungsideen“, mit OnSpectra

Topics for Student Theses in Cooperation with DLR

As part of the DLR project C.R.O.P.®, recycling technologies are being developed for use in biological life support systems to enable long-term human stays on the Moon or Mars. The core of these developments is the C.R.O.P.® process, which processes nitrogen-containing waste, such as human urine, into fertilizer for food cultivation. The project also includes technology transfer from space research to agriculture. This area focuses on processing liquid manure into a plant-available fertilizer solution. The C.R.O.P.® process, originally developed for space applications, is being adapted to the challenges of agriculture.

Topic 1: Multivariate Data Analysis for Online Analytics of C.R.O.P.® Influent and Effluent Using Online UV-VIS Spectroscopy

This thesis focuses on analyzing UV-VIS spectra measured online to correlate wastewater parameters such as nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, COD, and DOC with UV-VIS spectra. A matrix-based calibration of these parameters will be developed for the control of the C.R.O.P.® system. The thesis also includes statistical data collection on laboratory analytical target parameters such as detection and quantification limits, as well as the optimization of the measurement system concerning the sample matrix.

Topic 2: Treatment of C.R.O.P.® Effluent Using Photocatalysis and Electro-Photocatalysis with High-Intensity Artificial UV-A Light

For advanced treatment of C.R.O.P.® effluent, a photocatalytic microreactor with very high UV intensity will be used. A process parameter analysis will be conducted for the mathematical optimization of the procedure. Key parameters include radiation intensity, residence time, and electrochemical parameters such as voltage and current. The treated urine matrix will be chemically analyzed post-treatment for organic micropollutants (xenobiotics) and conventional chemical parameters such as COD, DOC, and nitrogen species. The goal is to design a compact treatment system based on the collected measurement data from the small-scale reactor.

Topic 3: Development and Testing of a Photocatalytic System for Treating Urine Substrates Using Sunlight to Reduce Organic Load and Xenobiotic Compounds

The aim of this thesis is to develop a solar-powered process system for treating urine substrates through photocatalysis. Reaction rates will be correlated with solar radiation intensity to enable system control based on hydraulic residence time. Design approaches for larger-scale systems will be derived and justified using the collected data.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Tobias Schnabel - Tobias.schnabel@hof-university.de
Dr. Gerhild Bornemann - gerhild.bornemann(at)dlr.de

Additional Topics

Bachelor’s Theses

• Literature review on thermal utilization of wastewater and wastewater substreams. Development of an evaluation matrix for the state of the art and recommendations for further technological advancements.
• Energetic comparison of AOP processes based on literature values from research. Development of scale-up models with technical and economic target parameters to assess the future economic viability of different processes.

Master’s Theses

• Experimental determination of the band gap shift on titanium dioxide catalysts using dyes in wastewater treatment. Initial experiments for developing "artificial photosynthesis" as an energy-neutral system for micropollutant removal.
• Activity determination of different photocatalyst coatings through adapted measurement regimes, incorporating the modeling of LED UV arrays to be used. Development of small-scale coating technologies.