Smart Water Solutions: Recent Episodes
Hakim El Fadil
Discussions on science, technology and investment happening in the water industry. Hakim is a water tech researcher at KU Leuven with 8 years industrial water expertise gained at The Dow Chemical Company and DuPont.
My co-host Rhea Verbeke and I welcomed Professor Martin Truffer, a distinguished glaciologist, who highlighted the critical role glaciers play in maintaining stable water supplies. We explored the alarming rate of glacier retreat due to climate change, noting that while some glaciers may be beyond saving, others can still be preserved if we act quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Truffer emphasized the importance of understanding glacier dynamics and the potential of AI in predicting future changes, advocating for a focus on reducing carbon emissions over technological fixes. This conversation underscores the urgent need to address climate change, using glacier retreat as a powerful indicator of broader environmental shifts.
Professor Stephan Pfister from ETH Zurich focuses on integrating water scarcity into life cycle assessments (LCA) to guide sustainable resource management. His research examines the trade-offs between water use, land use, and biodiversity, offering insights for improved environmental policies. Additionally, Professor Pfister highlights the need for global collaboration in agriculture and industry to promote sustainable development and positive environmental impacts.
Atomically Precise Membranes by Professor Radha Boya at the The University of Manchester, is pioneering the development of atomically thin membranes using graphene and other two-dimensional materials. These angstrom-scale channels enable highly selective ion and molecule separation, greatly enhancing water desalination efficiency. Her work focuses on advanced nanofabrication techniques, manipulating the precise dimensions of these channels to optimize filtration performance, potentially revolutionizing water purification technologies.
Professor Kim Trevathan narrates his personal journey paddling the Tennessee River, reflecting on environmental changes observed over two decades. His narrative wove together personal anecdotes with environmental insights, illustrating how human interventions like damming have altered river ecosystems. Kim’s stories highlight the importance of direct interaction with nature for understanding environmental impacts and fostering a deeper appreciation for natural waterways.
In our today’s podcast episode, Rhea and I have welcomed Sterling Professor Menachem Elimelech from Yale University. He discussed the challenges and advancements in seawater desalination, emphasizing that significant gains lie in optimizing system design and using real-time monitoring and sensor technologies rather than focusing solely on new membrane materials. He also highlighted the potential of electro-dialysis for brackish water desalination and the importance of understanding multi-component transport in membranes.
Professor Elimelech also covered practical aspects of pretreatment and post-treatment in desalination. He noted that current pretreatment technologies are outdated and suggested that developing fouling-resistant membranes could reduce the need for extensive pretreatment, saving costs and energy. He emphasized the need to improve boron and chloride removal for agricultural use and critiqued the research culture that prioritizes flashy material advancements over practical system improvements. This conversation sheds light on future directions in desalination technology and the importance of bridging research with practical applications.
In a podcast episode, Carlos Garcia from Genaq details their advanced technology for extracting water from the air. He explains that their machines are designed to efficiently handle variable power inputs from renewable sources like solar panels, eliminating the need for costly batteries and inverters. This significantly reduces both initial investment and operational costs.
Garcia highlights a project in Djiburi, Eastern Africa, where Genaq installed a self-sufficient, 5,000-liter-per-day machine powered solely by solar energy, demonstrating the system's capability in remote areas. He also discusses ongoing innovations aimed at utilizing excess solar energy to extend production into nighttime hours, effectively doubling output without substantial cost increases.
Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr IoT Technologies, introduces advanced IoT technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. He detailed a new sensor device that simplifies battery replacement—a critical improvement that significantly reduces maintenance time and costs. Gerhard also discussed the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, including a battery recycling program that complements their durable, easy-to-manage IoT devices.
Ion Padilla discussed the innovation of using satellite data for environmental monitoring, emphasizing Wegaw's hybrid model which integrates automated and manual data collection. This approach offers cost-effective, accurate environmental assessments, reducing the need for expensive, frequent field campaigns. Ion highlighted the system's ability to provide daily updates on snow depth across the globe, a vital tool for managing water resources in real-time.
Slava Libman, CEO of FTD Solutions, takes us into the world of digital transformation in water management. Libman explains the development and application of digital twins for water treatment and distribution systems, highlighting how this technology can simulate, predict, and optimize water process flows and treatment outcomes using data analytics and AI. This episode offers an in-depth look at how integrating digital twins into water systems not only improves operational efficiencies but also enhances decision-making and strategic planning for water utilities and industries. The discussion further touches on the potential of these technologies to support sustainable water management practices, reduce costs, and improve environmental impacts.
In this episode of Smart Water Solutions, Gregg Semler, CEO of InPine Energy, introduces us to the transformative Hydro XS technology. Semler discusses the engineering behind leveraging the kinetic energy of water flowing through municipal and industrial pipelines to generate renewable energy. This not only provides a sustainable energy solution but also optimizes water infrastructure efficiency. By dividing the mechanics of micro-hydroelectric systems and their integration into existing water systems, this conversation shines a light on the untapped potential of water as a clean energy source, contributing to both energy and water sustainability goals.
In this episode of Smart Water Solutions, co-hosted by Rhea and I, we had the privilege of speaking with Peter Jaffé, a distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University. Professor Jaffé shared insights into his pioneering research on environmental bioremediation, specifically his work on a bacteria strain adept at breaking down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), notorious for their persistence in the environment.
The conversation discusses the bacteria's unique ability to thrive in acidic, iron-rich conditions and its specialized metabolic pathways that facilitate the degradation of these stubborn pollutants (e.g. PFAS). Professor Jaffé detailed the scientific journey of discovering and understanding this bioremediation process, highlighting the crucial electron transfer mechanisms involved. This episode offers an in-depth look at the innovative strategies being developed to combat pollution, promising a new path in water treatment and environmental restoration.
In this episode, Rhea and I are joined by Dr. Elizabeth K. Thomas, Associate Professor of Geology at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Thomas employs advanced scientific methods to uncover ancient climate secrets. She analyzes lipid biomarkers found in sediment cores, which are cylindrical samples drilled from the Earth's surface containing layers of accumulated sediment. These biomarkers act as chemical fingerprints, revealing signs about past environmental conditions, including variations in precipitation patterns. Additionally, she examines isotopic signatures within these sediment cores. Isotopes, different forms of an element, with varying numbers of neutrons, provide insights into past climate conditions. By integrating these techniques, Dr. Thomas paints a detailed picture of how Earth's climate has evolved and influenced water distribution over millennia. Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of geology, climate science, and water management.
In this podcast episode, Rhea and I host Seth B. Darling, Argonne's Chief Science and Technology Officer, discussing his journey from chemistry to the water sciences, with a special focus on block copolymers. The conversation zeroes in on the critical nexus between water and energy, emphasizing the urgent of water reuse and the untapped potential of wastewater as a source for nutrients and rare earth elements. Darling's insights highlighted the necessity for scientific research to be guided towards real-world applicability, stressing on life cycle analysis to ensure the viability and sustainability of water technologies. Key discussions include advancing membrane technologies to resist fouling and deploying sensors for enhanced water treatment. The episode advocates for research directed at scalable and sustainable solutions, aiming to catalyze action towards more effective water resource management.
In this episode, we welcomed Maxime Therrillion, Head of Business Development at OSMOSUN, to discuss how they integrate solar energy with reverse osmosis for sustainable water desalination. Maxime shared his journey into the water sector, driven by the goal of addressing vital water needs. OSMOSUN, established in 2014, focuses on combating water scarcity without contributing to climate change.
Maxime explained their technology, which enables reverse osmosis systems to run on solar power without needing batteries or grid connections. This approach not only offers a cost-effective solution but also reduces environmental impact. The discussion covered adapting to different geographies, the significance of water quality, and OSMOSUN's financial models that support global deployment.
A key story shared was their project in Cape Verde, demonstrating the technology's impact on agriculture by providing fresh water for irrigation, thus tackling both climate and social challenges. This episode is essential for those interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and water solutions.
In this intriguing episode, Julie Bliss, CEO and co-founder of Aclarity, narrates her transformative journey from an academic researcher to an innovative entrepreneur, tackling the global issue of PFAS contamination. PFAS, short for "forever chemicals," are used in everyday items like non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. These chemicals can seep into water sources, not breaking down and leading to health risks such as cancer and immune system damage. Her discovery during an EPA internship ignited a passion to solve the pressing problem of "forever chemicals" in our environment. Developing a patented electrochemical oxidation technique, Julie's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and the drive to make a significant impact on public health and safety. Her dedication to eliminating PFAS exposure compels us to consider the broader implications of environmental contaminants and the power of scientific entrepreneurship to address them. Tune into this episode to explore how does Aclarity’s electrochemical oxidation technology work in treating PFAS contamination in water, and what sets it apart as a unique and effective solution?
In today's edition: Producing a single barrel of oil might use up anywhere from two to ten barrels of fresh water, depending on different factors. Figuring out the best mix of water technologies and business strategies to treat the wastewater from the oil and gas industry is our discussion with Mike Dyson, CEO of Infinity Water Solutions. The talk emphasizes the importance of rethinking water as a valuable resource rather than a waste product. Just like how the banana industry ensures bananas arrive ripe worldwide, the oil and gas industry are now carefully managing water treatment. This means they're focusing on using water wisely and innovatively to support their work. Mike sheds light on the hurdles of integrating new tech into traditional fields and the power of collaboration in overcoming these challenges. Looking ahead, Dyson envisions a future where efficient water use is not just an ideal but a reality. How can industries adopt more sustainable practices to ensure a water-secure future?
In this episode, Rhea and I interviewed Peter Van Thienen, who is the principal scientist at KWR. Peter offers insights into collapsology, defined as the study of how and why societies might decline or collapse due to environmental or economic pressures, and its critical relevance to water infrastructure. With a transition from geosciences to water research, he emphasizes the importance of preparing water systems for the unpredictability of future societal shifts and environmental changes. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for water infrastructure to be resilient and adaptable. Peter’s research field also advocates for proactive strategies to protect water resources against the backdrop of potential societal collapse, ensuring community well-being and environmental sustainability.
In our episode, we explore the journey and mission of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), as shared by Adrian Sym. Water stewardship involves responsibly managing and conserving water resources to ensure their sustainability and equitable access for present and future generations. AWS brings together businesses, NGOs, and governments to promote sustainable water use and tackle global water challenges. With a focus on collaboration and the AWS Standard, they aim to improve water management worldwide. But what makes their approach unique, and how does it impact areas like the Ica Valley in Peru, where water scarcity and agriculture intertwine?
Looking ahead, AWS is keen on enhancing their strategies to address the intertwined challenges of water stewardship and climate change. They plan to leverage their community and resources more effectively, making a significant impact on climate resilience. How can individuals and organizations get involved and contribute to these efforts? Sym highlights the importance of joining AWS, engaging in training, and staying informed as key steps towards making a real difference in water stewardship.
Extreme weather changes, especially severe floods, are now a routine part of our lives. The old ways of tracking water levels in rivers and streams are often too slow, inaccurate, and expensive to maintain. By switching to modern technology, we can get fast, precise information with fewer maintenance demands, improving how we monitor water levels and manage flood risks. In our podcast, I talk with Guillaume Valladeau, the CEO of VORTEX-IO, about how their innovative technology is making a difference in predicting and monitoring water levels. Valladeau highlights the importance of VORTEX-IO's real-time data in responding to flood events, especially useful in insurance scenarios, emphasizing its critical role for businesses and governments in addressing water-related hazards effectively.
In this episode, Naomi Timmer, a figure in water management, shares her comprehensive approach to tackling water challenges. As the director of European Junior Water Programme and H2O People, Timmer integrates her expertise in political science and religious studies to emphasize the importance of personal and professional development in water management. One of the central questions in our discussion has been: How can we integrate technical expertise, leadership, and community engagement to address water management challenges in an innovative and comprehensive manner?
In this podcast episode, Dr. Newsha Ajami, Chief Strategy and Development Officer for Research at Berkeley Lab, discusses the evolving intersection of water policy and science. Dr. Ajami highlights the need for water management strategies to adapt to climate change and the importance of integrating science, human needs, and environmental considerations into policy-making. She addresses the challenges in developing sustainable urban water systems and the necessity of bridging the gap between science, policy, and community. Traditional water models, which focus on average scenarios like snowfall, precipitation, and flooding levels, are becoming outdated due to climate change's unpredictability. This change challenges the effectiveness of single-solution approaches such as desalination, which alone cannot comprehensively tackle diverse water challenges like desertification, flooding, and irregular precipitation patterns. In water, As Dr. Ajami concluded this episode ‘’we need system level thinkers as well as topic expert’’. The episode would encourage you to consider transitioning from traditional practices to holistic solutions for a sustainable water future.
Join us on our latest podcast episode to explore membrane technology with eminent scientist and researcher Dr. Lidietta Giorno of ITM-CNR, hosted by Rhea and me. Dr. Giorno guides us through her innovative research, a fusion of biology, chemistry, and engineering. She shares her insights, reflecting on the interconnectedness of knowledge: 'the sectorial subdivision of disciplines is something artificial that we have invented in order to educate people. But in the end, the knowledge is very unified’ echoing Aristotle's belief that 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.'
Ever wondered how the sophisticated designs of nature can shape future membranes for a greener planet? Discover the mystic of bioremediation and biosensors – how do these innovative membranes promise a cleaner environment? We also explore the world of enzyme-immobilized membranes. Imagine the possibilities they could unlock in water treatment and more. And there's more: get the scoop on self-cleaning membrane technologies that Lidietta is researching. Could this be the birth of a new era in membrane maintenance?
Join us in our latest podcast episode where I discuss with John Matthews, Executive Director at AGWA, about effective water management in the era of climate change. He talks about the organization's approach to building resilience and adapting water resources management, a critical need in today's changing climate. Our conversation highlights how AGWA uses its methods to improve how we manage water globally. They bring together water management and climate science expertise, assisting governments, businesses, and communities in making smarter decisions about water use in the face of climate change
One of the key parts of our conversation revolves around the challenges of updating legacy water systems and the urgency of new investments in water infrastructure, especially in developing countries. John emphasizes the importance of adapting our water management systems to be more climate-resilient and the need for integrating policy, finance, and technical knowledge to create sustainable water management solutions.
He also shares some inspiring success stories from around the globe. From Udon Thani in Thailand, where urban lakes have become multifaceted solutions to water management issues, to Panama's climate ministry integrating water as a central theme in policy-making, and California emerges as a beacon of hope under Governor @Gavin Newsom, redefining water resilience as a driver of prosperity.
For young professionals in the water sector, John offers valuable advice. He stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and continuous learning. He encourages embracing the complexities of water management that go beyond the water cycle, involving legal, governance, economic, and social systems.
Join Rhea and me on a captivating journey with Prof. Brett Bryan from Deakin University, as we deal with the dynamic world of water sustainability in our latest podcast episode. Ever wondered how water scarcity touches our global food supply, or the role invisible 'virtual water' plays in our daily lives? Prof. Bryan reveals the involved connections between local water bodies and global water trends, with a surprising twist on the impact of small lakes. What does this mean for our planet's health and our future? He brings to light the power of ecosystem service flows and the necessity of collaborative, cross-disciplinary solutions. Imagine a world where shared responsibility becomes the cornerstone of managing our water resources. Can storytelling transform the way we approach and solve complex environmental issues? Prof. Bryan thinks so. Tune in to discover the answers and explore the complicated textile of water sustainability with us.
In our podcast episode, we explore the world of water management with Professor Dragan Savic, CEO of KWR Water Research Institute. With his extensive background in Hydroinformatics and environmental engineering, Professor Savic shares his journey from academia to leading a prominent water research organization. But what makes KWR stand out in the crowded field of water research? Their unique approach blends scientific inquiry with practical applications, driven by the needs of Dutch and Flemish drinking water companies. How does this collaboration shape their research priorities, and what innovative solutions are they developing for the water sector? Professor Savic discusses the challenges and opportunities in aligning KWR's work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of tackling pollution and managing resource competition. But in an era of climate change and urbanization, how is KWR adapting its strategies for sustainable water cycle management? Discover how their innovative research and tools are paving the way for a more resilient future in water management, and what insights Professor Savic offers for those aspiring to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
In this episode, Valerie Fehst, co-founder of PipePredict, shares her journey from physics to launching a water leak detection system. How did her physics background lead to PipePredict's creation? The company's approach, blending data analysis, digital twin, machine learning, and existing sensors, aims to pinpoint leaks. But how does PipePredict navigate the complexities of diverse sensors and pipe types to ensure accuracy? Their work in leak detection also aids environmental conservation. What environmental impact is PipePredict achieving? Additionally, what future water management innovations is Valerie considering for PipePredict? For newcomers to the water industry, Valerie offers insights. Her story illustrates the significant impact achievable in specialized fields like water management.
In this latest podcast episode featuring Lyle King, CEO of Influx Search, as he sheds light on the nuances of recruiting in the water industry. King discusses his journey and the unique challenges in this specialized sector. But what drives a focus solely on water industry recruitment? 🤔He then explores the growth and expansion strategies of Influx Search, especially in clean tech and sustainability. Within technological advancements, how does Influx balance tech with the vital human element in recruitment? King emphasizes the importance of a passion for water conservation in candidates, beyond just technical skills. What advice does he offer to those transitioning to the water industry? For startups in the water sector, Influx Search isn't just a recruitment firm; it's a consultancy guiding them on talent needs, including navigating diverse regulatory landscapes.
📌 Your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated – feel free to share them!
In this episode, join Dr. Arian Edalat, Co-Founder and CEO of Active Membranes, as we explore the journey from academic research to real-world industrial applications in water treatment. How has Edalat's team successfully accelerated the commercialization of Active Membranes in the desalination industry? Edalat shares that targeting areas with significant challenges, where people are eager for solutions and the impact is greatest, is key to the successful early adoption of innovative water technologies like Active Membranes. We discuss the challenges of fouling and scaling in desalination plants and how Active Membranes electrically conductive membranes offer a cost-effective and efficient solution. What does the future hold for these innovative “smart membranes” in water treatment? Discover how Active Membranes, recognized as Water Tech Idol 2023, is pushing the boundaries to make desalination more sustainable and accessible. Learn about the potential of transforming commercial nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes into active membranes utilizing the expertise at Active Membranes.
In this episode, Rhea and I explore the world of agriculture and water management in Africa with our guest, Dr. André F. van Rooyen, a Principal Scientist at ICRISAT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We discussed the intricate dance between modern agriculture and age-old farming wisdom. As land areas get smaller, how can we optimize food production in places like Africa? Why, despite the World Bank's massive irrigation projects, do some solutions seem to add more complexity than clarity? Dr. van Rooyen challenges the notion that more water always equals more food and highlights the unintended consequences of over-reliance on fertilizers. Interestingly, he emphasizes that modern advanced agriculture has much to learn from indigenous, often illiterate, yet profoundly wise and intelligent farmers. Can we truly bridge the gap between modern science and millennia of farming knowledge, especially when it comes to water management?
In this episode, meet James Ellsmoor, the CEO @ Island Innovation. We'll explore the unique water challenges islands face. Consider this: tourism intensifies their water demands. So, how do they adapt? How does Island Innovation platform bridge sustainable island water solutions with water startups, governments, and financial institutions? Dive into our episode as we discuss the relationship between tourism, renewable energy, and island-specific water solutions. Are islands just smaller versions of global challenges or do they need their own solutions? Tune in to find out!
In this episode, Dr. Piotr Dlugolecki and I discuss water-based energy generation and storage, highlighting the potential of reverse electrodialysis technology and ion exchange membranes. We talk about the challenges and opportunities in hydrogen production, especially in Europe, and look at the future of energy storage solutions, including redox flow batteries. Our guest, Piotr, founder of Aqua-Azure, shares his journey from moving countries to starting a company and offers insights into helping businesses grow faster.
This episode features Karen Schuett, Co-Founder and CEO of Livestock Water Recycling (LWR). With her roots in zoology, Karen embarked on a journey from groundwater treatment in the oil and gas sector to forging solutions in livestock manure treatment. A local farmer's challenge with manure lagoons prompted this shift, leading to the development of LWR's specialized system.
Livestock waste is denser than municipal waste, making its treatment a challenge. LWR has developed a system that efficiently separates this waste and recovers nutrients. This approach is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and even allows farmers to sell the extracted nutrients. By using machine learning, LWR has cut chemical use by 40%. Karen Schuett and her team are now looking to harness data, like weather and animal health, to further refine their solutions. Learn about the future of livestock water recycling through Karen's insights
🎙️ Join us in our latest episode with Professor Julio Berbel from the University of Cordoba. Together with Rhea Verbeke, we delve deep into the intricacies of European water management. From the fundamental Water Framework Directive to the debate between water pricing vs. governance, we explore the future of sustainable water use. 💧 Curious about the balance between policy and practice? Give it a listen!
In this episode, Oliver Lawal, the CEO and founder of AquiSense Technologies, talks about the challenges in water disinfection and the promise of UV-C LED technology as an alternative to chemical treatments. He shares the progress of UV-C LED chips, how they're becoming more affordable, and their real-world applications. The conversation explores how to enhance UV systems and what's on the horizon for water purification.
In this episode, Rhea and I talk with Professor Ryan Kingsbury from Princeton University about ion-selective transport in membranes. We discuss how traditional methods based on particle size and charge fall short for tasks like extracting lithium from brine. Professor Kingsbury highlights the importance of considering molecular interactions and electronic structures of ions. We also learn about his career journey, exploring the different rewards of academia and industry.
In this episode, we'll delve into the water treatment solutions for PFAS with our guest, Brian Pinkard, the CTO & Co-Founder at Aquagga. We'll uncover the journey from using hydrothermal technology for destroying chemical weapons, to now dealing with PFAS. Learn about the safety, cost-effectiveness, and advantages of Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment or HALT technology, and see how it measures up against other methods like incineration. Plus, we'll discuss the financial implications, regulatory factors, and corporate duties when it comes to water contaminated with PFAS.
In this podcast episode, Rhea and I were thankful to engage with Prof. Richard Luthy, a renowned ocean engineer, @US Nav Navy submersible pilot, and chemical engineering PhD from University of California, Berkeley, now teaching Civil Engineering at Stanford University. With water scarcity as a central topic, Prof. Luthy elaborated on the indispensable role of stormwater capture and reuse. He emphasized the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches in water management, advocating for reform in both urban and rural sectors regarding water rights and agricultural practices. His discussion highlighted the need to leave more water for ecosystems, urging us to recognize and acknowledge our collective responsibility in this issue. One of the profound quotes that Rhea and I gleaned from this conversation is, "We are all part of the problem, we are all part of the solution”
The water footprint is the water that we consume and pollute in the supply chain of our daily goods. We may use around 125 liters of water/day at home, but in total we are consuming around 7000 liters of water/day via the food we eat and the fashion we buy. To better understand the water footprint, Rhea and I hosted prof Markus Berger from the University of Twente. We learned more about different types of water and, more importantly, about how much our awareness of our daily purchased goods can affect water scarcity. It may sound like an exaggeration but raising awareness about and decreasing our water footprint may solve the current water crisis much faster than developing breakthrough water technologies.
Investing is oxygen for water techs. One can invest in assets such as oil and gas and real state, but how about investing in water? Apparently, there is not enough financial infrastructure to invest in water beyond a handful of large water OEM’s (Origin Equipment Manufacturing or a company that builds water treatment systems) and few big chemical firms which regularly acquire water tech startups. Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear, discusses in this podcast episode the possibility of investing directly in water asset by investing in decentralized water systems. These systems can be outsourced and paid per the amount of treated water/wastewater.
A growing global population causes an increased demand for food, and more specifically for more sustainable protein sources. In this podcast episode, Rhea and I had an inspiring discussion with Stefan Wuertz, Professor of Environmental Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, about microbial community-based protein production from wastewater for animal feed applications. Stefan’s interdisciplinary team is researching and engineering processes that can grow bacteria in wastewater. The bacteria biomass contains proteins that can be used as feed for animals. The water footprint of this process is much lower than that of conventional protein sources, as the water that is used here would normally be discarded. Currently, his team is computing the economical feasibility and sustainability of this process, while collaborating with the industry for product valorization.
Finding a niche in academic water research can be challenging for young professors and postdocs. In this episode, Rhea and I hosted Prof. Ngai Yin Yip, professor at Columbia University, who conducts research on membrane-less and non-evaporative desalination of hypersaline brines by temperature swing solvent extraction (TSSE). This TSSE desalination is driven by low-grade thermal heat to cost-competitively treat high-salinity waters. He is also developing a cost-competitive and sustainable membrane-based process to remove and recover nitrogen as ammonia and phosphor as phosphate from nutrient-rich wastewaters.
Ceramic membranes are robust, durable and outperform polymeric membranes in harsh liquid environments. However, their price is still high because of the raw materials and the high temperature of manufacturing. Here is an advanced silica-based (silica is the most abundant elements in Earth's crust) sol-gel ceramic membrane that is synthesized without high temperature processing. In this episode, Greg Newbloom, founder & CEO of Membrion, shares how he scales up an academic lab membrane to an industrial membrane to treat difficult wastewater such as produced water in petroleum industry. The Membrion technology comprises ion exchange membranes that are stacked together to remove charged species and recover clean water from wastewater.
Prof. Wiebe M. de Vos, leader of the research group Membrane Surface Science at Twente University, tries to solve complex water treatment problems through interdisciplinary and creative research. In this episode, he shares his three research pillars with us: 1- Complex fouling mechanisms occurring when treating e.g. produced water from O&G, 2- Coatings, layer by layer and polyelectrolyte membranes, and 3- A fully aqueous membrane synthesis platform. We also talk about the research edges and opportunities in ion exchange membranes.
Imagine whenever you go to the supermarket, you can find the water consumption of any food product on its label! The amount of water that was consumed from its planting to its harvesting. Wouldn’t that help you make a sustainable choice? Why food?! because agriculture consumes above 60% of the total water consumption across industries. According to the United Nations, above 12 million hectares are becoming desert every year or as Ole Kristian Sivertsen said, “about one football field of fertile land disappears every two seconds”. One nonchemical way to return desert to fertile land has been developed by Desert Control. Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of Desert Control, explains in this episode how big and challenging the desertification problem and how Desert Control solution can stop and recover dying lands to green land. The solution is called Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) that can be produced onsite and sprayed directly to sand or arid soil to form a structure like sponge, which enables the sand to capture water for a long time and improve its mineral composition contents for agriculture. As a result, LNC saves up to 50% of water and fertilizer consumption.
Urban population growth, economic development and change of consumption patterns increase water demand. The challenge is how can water utilities continue using old water infrastructure to maintain the increase of water demand at lower cost? Daily urban water consumption is processed by algorithms to predict the exact needed water amount that should be supplied to the right underground reservoir and at the right time. This water supply via pumps consumes electricity which makes 30-40% of the total tap water cost. Electricity price in Europe and abroad changes every hour of the day for 24 hours. Processing all these data to reduce the water supply cost by more than 3% is one of SCUBIC achievements. Bruno Abreu, co-founder of SCUBIC, discusses in this episode how his platform deploys mathematical algorithms that benefit water utilities making intelligent decisions to cut the water supply cost and reduce the overuse of water infrastructure.
Professor Mathias Wessling from RWTH Aachen University in Germany, winner of the Leibniz 2019 price, is innovating four pillars of membrane technology: 1-hollow fiber NF, 2-layer by layer membranes, 3-AI backward design recipes, and 4-water treatment inverse problems. We (Rhea Verbeke and I) talked about the contributions of his research that have been made it from lab scale to pilot scale to industrial products. His membrane innovations are either licensed to companies such as Evonik or transformed into new companies such as Con-vergence, furthr-research, Amovion and Biothrust. Currently, his team is developing a novel membrane for dialysis that has thepotential to shift the dialysis market. Enjoy this episode that bridges valuable insights for academics, industrial experts and investors active in water field and beyond!
According to HydroIQ, half of the water supplied by utilities in Africa is lost before reaching the consumer due to leakages. Hence, there is a need for an online platform layer between water suppliers and consumers to visualize the exact consumed amount of water and pay for this amount frictionless. Victor L. Shikoli, co-founder of HydroIQ, shares in this podcast episode how HydroIQ assist homes, utilities, businesses and industries to use, manage, report, bill and pay for water efficiently.
Professor Mihail Barboiu belongs to the pioneers of biomimetic membranes. Via supramolecular chemistry, he designs artificial channels, embedded in membranes, through which water or ions can selectively permeate. In this episode, we dive into Prof. Mihail’s journey: his inspiration, the working mechanisms of artificial channels, the upscaling of these membranes, and the impact they can have on society as they can reach 2 LMHbar output. These membranes seem way ahead of the game implying they can cut CAPEX and OPEX of seawater desalination by half! We also touch on other applications such as the selective removal of lithium from sea water and the potential of artificial water channels in medical applications. This episode contains many insights, all the way from nano to macro!
"I have a dream: safe water for all children" professor Andrea Iris Schäfer, KIT. In this episode, Rhea and I hosted Prof. Andrea Schaefer who develops reliable drinking water systems at an affordable price for several communities in Africa and abroad. These decentralized systems combine membrane technology with renewable energy. Moreover, she is researching and developing low pressure reactive membranes to remove endocrine disrupters from wastewater. It was inspiring to learn how her academic career started and how it developed over the years. Her vision and the key insights she shared with us in this episode can be valuable for junior researchers who would like to pursue an academic career.
“Our ideas are our art as scientists” professor Jeffrey McCutcheon at the University of Connecticut, USA. In this episode, my co-host Rhea Verbeke and I discuss Prof's breakthrough research on additive manufacturing methods for water purification membranes. We talk about the gaps between academia and industry, about the hype cycle of new water technologies and the opportunities that lay in convergence research. He also shares interesting new research directions and talks about what you need to become a good academician.
''Thousands have lived without love, not one without water'' W.H.Auden was a poet (1907-1973). The Wyland Foundation, a non-profit organization, brings artists, scientists and teachers together to raise environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events. Steve Creech, president of The Wyland Foundation, shares in this episode the tools and the key lessons of the US Mayor’s Challenge to save water across the US.
In water, the business of science and engineering is to transfer skills that straddle both academia and industry towards solving urgent firm water challenges. In these regards, Wetsus is a platform coordinating multidisciplinary experts from both industry and academia to skill young water solutionists and deliver innovations applicable to the society. Jan Post, program director at Wetsus, discusses in this episode how Wetsus impacts water sector and what is going on its innovation pipelines focused on four research themes: 1-drought resilience, 2-healthy environment, 3-recovered resources and 4-sustainable water.
Water and wastewater utilities process their network data to secure safe drinking water and ensure treated wastewater discharge to the ecosystem. Displaying worth processed data on the screen to the operators to take the right action at the right time for the right location is vital. Syrinix is one of the key players in developing hardware and software to process and monitor utilities water networks. James Dunning, CEO of Syrinix, speaks in this episode about the value of proceed data to water utilities and how Syrinix adds value in this matter.
The harvesting cost of algal biofilm is one of the bottleneck of commercialising algae-based product. GWT developed a system that uses vertically oriented conveyor belts that grow algae on their surface. Max Gangestad, COO at GWT, elaborates on GWT solution and how algae can be used to make fertilisers, bioplastics, and biofuels.
According to Eureau.org, the total length of the sewer network in EU is 3 million km. Because of the aging, population growth and pandemic situation, the stress is increasing on this network, which leads to leakage and abrupt. One efficient way to assess the sewer network is to record and watch the cleaned pipes via cameras. VAPAR is a platform using AI to process this CCTV (closed-circuit television) files at a fast pace to detect the leakages and increase network exploitation efficiency. Amanda Siqueira, CEO at VAPAR, explains the golden circle: why, how and what is VAPAR solution to the water market.
Amrit Om Nayak, Co-Founder & CEO at Indra Water, discusses a novel decentralized Electro-oxidation (EO) system designed to treat two wastewater categories; Blackwater and greywater. This system provides a chemical free alternative to chemical coagulation or Membrane bioreactor (MBR). Among questions in the episode: when and how to use Indra system instead of conventional ones to treat a wide range of COD and harmful chemicals from different industrial wastewater streams.
Non-revenue water (NRW) is water that is supplied to the system but doesn’t reach the customer. Among the factors behind this phenomena are the lack of knowledge of the network and outdated infrastructures. Baker Bozeyeh, CEO of Flowless, explains in this episode how Flowless can enhance water supply efficiency by deploying emerging technologies for automated faults detection & process optimization.
Global demand for lithium is increasing at a faster clip than it was forecasted. The lithium is manufactured from either the extraction of lithium-containing salts from underground brine reservoirs or the mining of lithium-containing rock. Its concentration in the brine is one of the challenging steps in the mineral processing. Zachary Sadow, Chairman & CEO at KMX Technologies, discusses how KMX membrane technology facilitates a separation of pure water and valuable minerals such as lithium from brine and waste-streams at low temperature and pressure.
Desolenator uses both solar-generated heat and electricity to power the desalination process. William Janssen, discusses how Desolenator add techno-economic benefits compared to conventional desalination techs combined with renewable energy.
AQUA4D® 💧 is a resonance fields technic that has increased water use efficiency in Agriculture. Applications such as reverse osmosis (RO) desalination could also benefit from this technic by increasing RO efficiency without the use of antiscalant chemicals. In this 35# episode, Chris Thomas, marketing leader at AQUA4D® 💧 discusses the sustainable impacts of AQUA4D® 💧 in the water industry.
Reverse Osmosis membrane (RO) and thermal (MED, MVC and MSF) desalination are two main types of desalination technologies in the water market. The two solutions cost energy that is not always affordable. One way to reduce the energy cost is to couple renewable energy with these two desalination techs. Another way is to transfer academia breakthrough technologies such as solar membrane distillation to the industry. In this episode Prof Qilin Li at Rice university and the Founder and Chief Scientist at SolMem discusses:
-
Engineering one reactor that combines a solar thermal collector with a membrane distillation reactor.
-
Advantages of using a spiral wound membrane configuration in SMD
-
Challenges to transfer an academia SMD water tech to the water market
Peter Christou, founder and CEO of Swirltex, elaborates the following points: · how buoyancy manipulation of solid contaminants is paired with a swirling flow pattern leads to over 100% flux increase of a tubular membrane. · 50% of air mixed with water pumped through a tubular membrane where water spiraling around the membrane and air creates a surface tension around suspended solids to diminish concentration polarization and overcome building cake layer. · value of coupling Swirltex with RO technology to solve water applications such as produced water in O&G.
Moritz Waldstein, CEO of "mitte’’, lays out in this episode the key components of how ‘’mitte’’ solution will not only clean water but also enhance its taste and regain its natural mineral composition:
· Could an ‘’iPhone’’ moment happens in the drinking water industry? An intuitive home drinking water solution that combines state of the art water techs with an IOT system and respects the product life-cycle sustainability.
· Instead of only removing substances from water, ‘’mitte’’ adds minerals to water to restore its naturalness and tastiness.
· Sooner or later existing drinking water techs will be canalized and wiped out of the market, while the need for healthy and tasty water will continue to be more fragmented.
Michael Gardner, founder and CEO of AQAIX, discusses the following solutions:
Water industry can mimic the financial infrastructure available for the IT and electronic start-ups to release their product to the market. AQAIX is one promising platform.
Building a strong IT team inside a water tech company will not only enable extracting the values from the data but will also construct a strategic digital infrastructure.
Christoph Kellenberger is the founder and CEO of Novamem, elucidates the possibility of making a polymeric micro- to nanofiltration membrane from almost any polymer designed for specific water and solvent applications.
Wolfgang Vogl, CEO-Founder at VWMs GmbH, talks about his rapid microbiology analyser, how does it work, its techno-economical values and the ability of this technology to change the design of wastewater treatment plant configuration.
Piotr Dlugolecki, head of technology, discusses three points in this episode: 1- the techno-economical values of Berghof’s tubular UF, 2- B-smart ecosystem to run B-UF in a reliable and optimised way, 3- B-care service to develop a solution from an idea or technical challenges till the realization of an industrial water solution.
Maarten Ter Keurst, director of Investments at PureTerra Ventures, shares why, how and when water start-ups can consider investors such as capital ventures. Meanwhile, he elucidates the key mistakes that young water start-up leaders can circumvent.
Hassan Aboelnga, vice president of the Middle East Water Forum, explains that securing urban water is like solving rubik's cube. The solution is based on a developing and implementing water security indexes which takes into consideration the climate change, urban population growth, the water resources stress and the aging of tap water, rain water and wastewater infrastructures.
William T. Guiney, founder of Artic Solar, expounds the uniqueness and values of the XCPC (External Concentrating Parabolic Collector) technology as well as its implantation in the solar-thermal desalination (STD).
Jeroen De Lathouwer, VP business development, discusses how to increase the capacity of a wastewater treatment plant via only software upgrade!
Elango Thevar, CEO of NEER digital platform, elucidates how this platform uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to identify leaks and predict water, sewer and stormwater collection systems failures.
Howie Honeyman, CEO of Forward Water Technologies, reveals how custom made Forward Osmosis solutions enable accessing values in the wastewater treatment sector.
Submit your feedback!
Markus Multhauf shares a technical overview on how advanced purification techs produce pharmaceutical waters.
Feedback!
Rachel Major and Ari Ochoa talk in this episode about the innovative NuLeaf-tech solutions as compact ecosystems for smarter off-grid water.
Gaëtane Suzenet, Managing Partner, enlighten us on how policy makers and investors in EU are fortifying the water innovation and building an ecosystem to the market uptake.
Dr. Peter Holme Jensen, CEO of Aquaporin, elucidates how Aquaporin brings advanced sustainable values into the water market vs the conventional polymeric membrane.
Grégoire Landel, CEO & Founder of CityTaps, emphasizes the transparency and the values of prepaid with smart metrics potable solution towards the potable water consumers as well as the providers.
Grant Gibbs, director of Hippo Roller, shares the south African genuine solution that saves time and effort for rural area communities and return the time to African kids to play and study.
Dr. Wim Audenaert shared his entrepreneurial experience in the water industry and how he leveraged his academic knowledge.
Dr. Patrick Kiely team has developed an innovative bio-electrode sensor and engineered an intelligent decentralized wastewater system which they powered with renewable energy.
Dr. George Habib explains how to select the right membrane and the right process parameters to solve a wide range of water and process applications.
Submit your feedback here!
In this episode, Kai-Uwe Hoehn sheds light on the technologies used to achieve zero liquid discharge in the water industry including the option of using second-hand RO membrane.
Submit your feedback! Trever Andrew explains how his software innovation tool could be used as another safety layer to warn us from getting sick in case tape water is contaminated.
Your feedback matters!
Anna Poberezhna sheds light on how can blockchain technology save the water. Moreover, how it could disrupt the water industry.
Your feedback matters!
Dr Peter Aerts shared his vision on how the world first back washable membrane could shift the wastewater treatment industry.
Your feedback matters!
Steve Pease explains how and why Ion Exchange Resin is the key solutions to separate and purify the sugar and starch industries. He elucidates how idea are shaped from the customer needs to launching a new product. The current trend of healthy sugar is an emerging market for IXR.
Your feedback matters!
Dr. Bob Goltz shed light on how contemporary produced water management practices have shifted their focus from discharge and re-injection to reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Your feedback matters!
Dr. Andi Gorenflo shared how marketing navigates water business like Dow Water & DuPont water biz into untapped markets as well as guide the R&D team to develop innovation based on the market needs. Moreover, you will learn about his new developed water tech portfolio that add values to untapped water applications.
Your feedback matters!
In this episode we will learn how renewable energy combined with membrane technology solves groundwater fluoric and arsenic contamination. In addition, Prof. Jan Hoinkis shed light on how wastewater treatment can be tailored for each type of corps irrigation.
Your feedback matters!
The clock is ticking for the day zero water in metropolis like Cape Town, Bangalore and Dubai.
Water desalination is not enough. The current water management is not yet operating in an efficient way. How could smart water grid solve or delay the day zero water? IT infrastructures combined with advanced sensory are looked-for to play a vital role here.
Your feedback matters!
In this episode, we shed light on the following key points:
• brief history development of Reverse Osmosis membrane
• what water engineers should know while designing RO & NF for dairy applications
• how to operate RO & NF in efficient way for dairy applications
*NF: Nanofiltration membrane * RO: Reverse Osmosis membrane
To get more water solutions content, please subscribe!
Your feedback matters!
A controlled pretreatment connected with a well-designed Reverse Osmosis plant will enable you to run RO membrane plant for more than a decade. Dr Jochen Henkel has more than 7 years’ experience in designing Ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration membranes units for brackish water treatment. He has shared valuable technical insights from his experiences within this episode.
To get more water solutions content, please subscribe!
Your feedback matters!
In this episode, we discussed:
• what water engineers should know while using RO & NF in process applications
• how to operate RO & NF in efficient way in process applications
• key technical hints that will save you money while designing RO/NF plant for process apps
To get more water solutions content, please subscribe!