Events Calendar

Astani CEE Department

Speaker: Kyle Doudrick, Arizona State University

Talk Title: Environmentally Responsible Use of Nanomaterials for the Photocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate in Water

Abstract: Nitrate is the most prevalent water pollutant limiting the use of groundwater as a potable water source. Current technologies available for treating nitrate in drinking water do not meet green principles and are ineffective as long-term solutions. Photocatalysis is emerging as a sustainable technology for treating contaminants that are difficult to remove using traditional treatment methods (e.g., nitrate). In this presentation, I will discuss research that leverages advances in nanotechnology to improve nitrate photocatalysis, the effect of charge transfer kinetics and pH, and the development of a framework for a nitrate-specific photocatalyst. I will also demonstrate the responsible use of nanomaterials by ensuring that appropriate detection methods are in place for the nanomaterials tested. While methods existed for the metals and metal oxides examined, there were none available for carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Acknowledging that risk assessment encompasses dose-response and exposure, new analytical methods were developed for extracting and quantifying CNTs in complex environmental (e.g., urban air) and biological matrices (e.g. rat lungs).

Biography: Kyle Doudrick is currently an NSF/ASEE Small Business Postdoctoral Research Diversity Fellow at Integrated Surface Technologies and an Adjunct Researcher at Arizona State University. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Memphis in Civil Engineering and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Environmental Engineering. Dr. Doudrick’s research is focused on the development of sustainable water treatment technologies and the impact these technologies have on human health and the environment. Within this scope, his expertise lie in photoelectrochemical water treatment systems and quantification of nanomaterials in complex environmental and biological matrices.

Host: Astani CEE Department

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Cassie Cremeans