Events Calendar

Oral Defense Dissertation: Chromium Remediation in Groundwater Using Integrated Microbial Fuel Cells and Electrokinetic Systems

Speaker: Lewis Hsu, Environmental Engineering Ph.D. Candidate

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a common metallic carcinogen heavily used in industrial applications such as electroplating and leather tanning. Improper handling and disposal, along with the high solubility of CrVI, have led to widespread contamination of soil and water systems. Several remediation methods have been proposed, including biologically based techniques.

Bioremediation of CrVI is a promising approach due, in part, to the ability of the technique to rapidly lower CrVI concentrations. The research presented here focuses on the development of a CrVI remediation approach based on microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. MFC technology has been proposed as a source of renewable energy and as a remediation tool. While much work has been done on developing the technology as a renewable energy source, relatively little work has been performed to assess its capabilities as a remediation tool.

To address this shortcoming, the research presented here will showcase several aspects of using an MFC as a remediation tool. These include (i) a predictive modeling approach for biological CrVI remediation, (ii) an evaluation of Shewanella bacteria as biocatalysts, (iii) the selection and analysis of mixed communities in a CrVI-reducting MFC, and (iv) the integration of a CrVI-reducing MFC with an electrokinetic system.

These findings show that CrVI removal to low parts-per-billion concentration levels is possible with MFC systems and that integration with existing technologies is a valuable application to consider when designing remediation strategies.

Location: Charles Lee Powell Hall (PHE) - 333

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes