Episodes
Published 05/02/24
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...
Published 04/25/24
Published 04/25/24
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...
Published 04/18/24
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...
Published 04/11/24
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...
Published 04/04/24
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...
Published 03/28/24
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...
Published 03/21/24
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...
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/07/24
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....
Published 02/29/24
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...
Published 02/22/24
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...
Published 02/15/24
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...
Published 02/08/24
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...
Published 02/01/24
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...
Published 01/25/24
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...
Published 01/18/24
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...
Published 01/11/24
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...
Published 01/04/24
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....
Published 12/21/23
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...
Published 12/07/23
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...
Published 11/23/23
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...
Published 11/09/23
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...
Published 10/26/23
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...
Published 10/12/23