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 pre...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 tow...
Mar 28, 2024•58 min
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 withou...
Mar 21, 2024•36 min
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 internsh...
Mar 14, 2024•55 min
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 ...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 13 min
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...
Feb 29, 2024•59 min
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...
Feb 22, 2024•57 min
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 diff...
Feb 15, 2024•50 min
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 ad...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 sc...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 12 min
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 unif...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 31 min
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 governme...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 18 min
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 healt...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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...
Jan 04, 2024•52 min
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. Wh...
Dec 21, 2023•50 min
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 ...
Dec 07, 2023•41 min
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 tec...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 2 min
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 Rooye...
Nov 09, 2023•1 hr 12 min
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 versio...
Oct 26, 2023•45 min
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 helpi...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 4 min
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 efficientl...
Sep 28, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 63
🎙️ 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!
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 5 min
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....
Aug 31, 2023•56 min
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.
Aug 17, 2023•56 min
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, regula...
Aug 03, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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, advocati...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 16 min
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...
Nov 26, 2022•1 hr 9 min
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 investi...
Nov 17, 2022•50 min
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 bac...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 14 min
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 membra...
Oct 20, 2022•2 hr 14 min
