You’re invited to the presentation “Development of Sulfate Remediation Technologies: Real-world Applications in Minnesota” by Natural Resources Research Institute Research Technical Manager Mei (May) Cai and Senior Research Program Manager Chan Lan Chun.
In-person attendees are invited to the Large Lakes Observatory room 200 for networking, sandwiches, and plenty of fresh water at 11:30 a.m. If the weather is nice, lunch will be outside. The online and in-person presentation will begin at noon. Sadly, the Zoom option is sandwich-free.
This event is free and open to the public.
Location
Large Lakes Observatory (Research Laboratory Building), Room 200
2205 E. 5th St.
Duluth, MN 55812
Parking
Attendees can park in the Research Laboratory Building parking lot or park on 5th and walk up to the south/main entrance through Old Main Park.
Registration
Event schedule
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch and networking (in-person only)
- 12:00 p.m. Attendee announcements
- 12:05 p.m. Seminar(s)
- 12:45 p.m. Moderated question and answer session
- Adjourning by 1 p.m. at latest.
Speaker Bios
Mei Cai holds a PhD in environmental engineering from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Her research focuses on addressing engineering challenges in stormwater and wastewater treatment. With emphasis on developing cost-effective solutions, Cai is dedicated to developing affordable and efficient water treatment technologies.
Chan Lan Chun holds a PhD in environmental engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her research group focuses on developing solutions for complex and costly environmental challenges based on fundamental scientific understanding of biogeochemical processes in natural and built environments.
Presentation Abstract
Sulfate is often scarce in many freshwater environments. However, its concentration has globally increased largely due to human activities as well accelerated mineral oxidation by hydrological alteration and climate change. This may increase the extent and effect of sulfate on biogeochemical cycles of other elements and lead to ecotoxicological consequences. Additionally, sulfate-laden wastewater posed a challenge for many industries and municipalities.
To address this issue, a research team at NRRI has developed a range of technologies for treating sulfate in various types of wastewaters, tailored to different sulfate concentrations through collaboration and partnerships. Our multi-pronged approach includes biological treatment coupled with sulfide immobilization for high sulfate levels; an in-situ electrode-integrated biofiltration system as a semi-passive treatment option and barite precipitation method for low sulfate levels. Each technology was developed through a stepwise process, from lab scale proof-of-concept to pilot-scale demonstration.
Collectively, these studies contribute to a suite of technologies and treatment options that address the sulfate issue effectively, benefiting the state of Minnesota and potentially other regions, through a treatment train approach.
About TPFF
Twin Ports Freshwater Folk (TPFF) is an informal gathering of people from the Twin Ports who are engaged in freshwater research, policy, or regulation issues. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month and include networking, informal discussion, and a seminar.
Event Sponsors
- Minnesota Sea Grant
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Large Lakes Observatory at the University of Minnesota Duluth
- Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth
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Contact:
Alex Frie, research and fellowship coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth.
Image credit: NRRI.