Monday, November 10, 2025
Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 AM
M1: Innovations in Clean Water: Tech, Investment, and Field Solutions
IWC Rep: Michael J. Soller, P.E., DBIA, Bowen Engineering, Indianapolis, IN
Session Chair: Russell Huffmyer, V-Systems, Pittsburgh, PA
Discussion Leader: Gavin Watts, MPW Industrial Water Services, Inc., Hebron, OH
This Potable Water session highlights: 1)Recent advancements in reverse osmosis (RO) technology, including dynamic, single-stage RO systems and pilot study results at drinking water facilities in the southeastern U.S. 2) Results how regional water studies guide investment decisions in areas not traditionally impacted by water scarcity, helping to prioritize public and private funding for market development. 3) Evaluation of UV and hypochlorite disinfection methods for produce washing, using a bench-to-pilot-scale study in a remote island community, achieving simple, low-cost systems suitable for small to mid-sized agricultural operations.
IWC 25-01: Dynamic Single-Stage RO: A Game-Changer for High-Recovery PFAS Removal in Drinking Water Treatment
Daniella Mosqueda, Jenn Watt, and Nick Heiner, Veolia WTS, Oakville, ON, Canada; Mike Boyd, Veolia WTS, Louisville, CO; Andrew Culton, Veolia WTS, Ashland, VA
Dynamic Single-Stage RO (DSSRO) represents a breakthrough in PFAS removal from drinking water. This innovative technology uses a unique two-pump, single-stage design that achieves high recovery rates while significantly reducing PFAS-concentrated waste streams. Pilot studies across three southeastern USA drinking water facilities demonstrated DSSRO’s ability to achieve over 85% recovery while maintaining excellent permeate quality, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution for PFAS contamination treatment.
Discusser: Max Finder, ROTEC Reverse Osmosis
IWC 25-02: Leveraging a Regional Water Study to Support Industry and Promote Utility Partnerships
Chad Roby, Jacobs, Columbus, OH
An integrated water resources model was developed for a 15-county area. The model was transformed into a publicly accessible dashboard that now informs and supports equitable development decisions that ensure sustainable and resilient water resources. The dashboard serves as a powerful tool with many uses such as determining what public, and private investments would accelerate the development of an area.
Discusser: David Donkin, UCC Environmental, Waukegan, IL
IWC 25-03: Evaluating UV and Hypochlorite Disinfection for Produce Washing
Bryan Nielsen, Thomas Igou, Ph.D., and Priyal Panchal, WaterTectonics, Everett, WA
This study evaluated treatment trains for using irrigation water in produce washing to meet FSMA standards. Bench-scale testing assessed media and membrane filtration paired with UV or hypochlorite disinfection. All configurations achieved non-detectable E. coli. Pilot-scale trials (2.5 – 10 GPM) used cartridge filtration (30/20/10 µm). UV transmittance ≥80% and chlorine CT ≥20 mg·min/L were critical for disinfection. Both approaches offer cost-effective, scalable solutions for small agricultural operations requiring on-site treatment of non-potable water.
Discusser: Dennis Bitter, Atlantium Technologies, Sarasota, FL
M2: Media Based Removal of Trace Contaminants
IWC Rep: Jonathan Shinko, Michael Baker International, Pittsburgh, PA
Session Chair: Tom Imbornone, Kurita America, Indianapolis, IN
Discussion Leader: Brandon Kern, DuPont Water Solutions, Midland, MI
The selective removal of trace contaminants continues to present challenges as we treat water streams with growing complexity. This session focuses on the removal of trace contaminants in problematic water streams. The technologies discussed in this session are media based, including but not limited to, ion exchange. The first paper discusses the importance of a complete water analysis hen attempting to use ion exchange for selective ion removal, including emerging contaminents. The second paper discusses using an iron oxide media for removal of trace contaminants in challenging streams where ion exchange and membranes are not optimal. Finally, we wrap up the session with column studies showing removal of trace contaminants from a concentrated sodium chloride brine stream using Activated Alumina and a hybrid ion exchange media.
IWC 25-04: Trace Contaminant Removal by Ion Exchange Resin: The Importance of a Complete Water Analysis for Modeling
Kaitlyn Clark, Ecolab, Purolite™ Resins, King of Prussia, PA
The removal of trace contaminants in water depends significantly on the concentrations of bulk ions as well as the concentration of the trace contaminant. The low concentration of trace contaminants allows for meaningful throughputs to be achieved with ion exchange resin even when the trace contaminant is not highly preferred. This paper focuses on the basic principles of trace contaminant removal by ion exchange resin. Importance of water analysis and emerging contaminants will be highlighted.
Discusser: Lois Remmel, Graver Technologies, Spring, TX
IWC 25-05: Regenerable Activated Alumina and Hybrid Ion Exchange Resins for the Removal of Fluoride, Silica, and Arsenate from High-TDS Sodium Chloride Brines
Larry Gottlieb, ResinTech, Inc., Camden, NJ ; Mark Babijaev, Noram Engineering and Constructors Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Two extended column studies evaluated specialized treatment technologies for high-TDS sodium chloride brine purification. ResinTech SIR-900 activated alumina removed fluoride and arsenate from 1% brine, while ResinTech ASM-125 hybrid ion exchanger targeted silica and arsenate in 8.7% brine. Both materials underwent multiple regeneration and exhaustion cycles under simulated industrial conditions. Results demonstrate effectiveness, selectivity, and operational feasibility for industrial brine treatment applications, providing critical data for full-scale equipment design and implementation.
Discusser: Douglas Kellogg, Graver Technologies, Glasgow, DE
IWC 25-06: Silica and Phosphate Removal with a Granular Iron Oxide Media
Zhendong Liu, and Firuza Mir, LANXESS Corporation, Birmingham, NJ; Stefan Hilger, Dirk Steinhilber, and Stefan Neufeind, LANXESS Deutschland GmbH, Cologne, Germany
An iron oxide media demonstrated great promises in selectively removing silica and phosphate from different waters. It offers a new way to treat these species, either directly or as a polisher after precipitation/biological processes. It can also be regenerated by simple chemicals with stable cycle performance. This media is advantageous over conventional ion exchange (IX) and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies which have unfavorable selectivity or being non-selective to these species.
Discusser: Paul Nedwick, ResinTech, Inc., Camden, NJ
M3: Decarbonization: Overcoming Water Challenges for a Sustainable Future
IWC Rep: Patricia M. Scroggin-Wicker, P.E, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO
Session Chair: Andrew Erickson, Sargent & Lundy, Chicago, IL
Discussion Leader: HG Sanjay, Bechtel Corporation
As the urgency for decarbonization grows, the integration of carbon capture technologies and hydrogen production present both opportunities and challenges. This session brings together three studies that explore innovative strategies and technologies aimed at enhancing water treatment and management. Papers for this session will put a focus on the critical issues in both carbon capture and green hydrogen including ammonia-laden wastewater to hourly cooling evaluations in water-scarce regions, and finally, a case study evaluating three methods for production of high purity water. Join us for this engaging session that promises to highlight the challenges of water for a sustainable future!
IWC 25-07: Sustainable Wastewater Treatment in Carbon Capture Facilities: Evaluating Ammonia Control Technologies
Bryan Hansen, P.E., and Ali Feroz Khan, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO
Treatment of ammonia-laden wastewaters associated with post-combustion carbon capture (PCCC) projects present numerous challenges. This paper examines various ammonia treatment technologies and evaluates their effectiveness in mitigating ammonia-laden wastewater. Methods evaluated include nitrification-denitrification, breakpoint chlorination, electro-oxidation, and membrane degasification. The impact of these technologies on the final effluent quality is explored and a comparative cost analysis is provided. Addressing ammonia contamination can improve wastewater treatment strategies, enhance water reuse potential, and minimize environmental impact.
Discusser: Juvencio Casanova, Veolia WTS, The Woodlands, TX
IWC 25-08: Reevaluating Cooling System Design: Implications of Hybrid Cooling on Carbon Capture
Matthew Porcelli, and Andrew Erickson, Sargent & Lundy, Chicago, IL
As efforts to combat climate change intensify, carbon capture technology is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. Effective integration requires managing significant cooling loads through evaporative, dry, or hybrid methods. Early studies may misrepresent cooling system capabilities, particularly in water-scarce areas, due to reliance on a singular “design case.” This paper emphasizes the necessity of hourly analyses for optimizing cooling and water management, balancing availability with carbon capture performance.
Discusser: Derek Henderson, Duke Energy, Raleigh, NC
IWC 25-09: Green Hydrogen: Estimating the levelized cost of water treatment for three feedwater sources using PEM/AEM Electrolyzers
Sean Lowe, Jake Lam, and Hudson Nash, Fluor, Houston, TX
Green hydrogen is one sustainable source of energy for the energy transition. This paper evaluates the water treatment cost for PEM and AEM electrolyzers based on three different sources of raw water: groundwater, surface water, and treated effluent. Based on the capital and operating costs for each water treatment system, a metric is developed to assist in early costing for green hydrogen projects.
Discusser: David Guinta, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO
M4: OARO: The Next Frontier in Brine Concentration
IWC Rep: Ed Greenwood, P.Eng., BCEE, WSP, Cambridge, ON, Canada
Session Chair: Kurt Blohm, Aquatech International, Canonsburg, PA
Discussion Leader: Richard L. Stover, GP Water, Waltham, MA
Osmotically Assisted Reverse Osmosis (OARO) is redefining what’s possible in desalination and industrial brine concentration. This session explores how OARO and related membrane innovations are pushing beyond the osmotic limits of conventional seawater RO (SWRO) to increase recovery and reduce brine discharge volumes. Low Salt Rejection RO (LSRRO)—a form of OARO—is also being applied in industrial processes such as chlor-alkali brine purification and reuse, and as a cost-effective strategy to reduce the CAPEX and OPEX of thermal systems in zero liquid discharge (ZLD) applications.
IWC 25-10: Case Study: Implementation of an NF System at a Chloralkali Facility – Brine Purification, Reuse, & Minimizing Liquid Discharge
Xiaofei Huang, Ph. D., Myles Davis, and Kirk Lai, Hydranautics, Oceanside, CA; Frank Miller, Bridgestone Associates, Chads Ford, PA
This case study highlights some of the challenges faced and benefits learned at a Chloralkali facility using specialty Nano Filtration (NF) membranes that reject impurities like SO4 while reusing NaCl from waste brine. Operating at lower pressures than traditional RO’s, these NF systems are minimizing final liquid discharge volumes, saving on energy costs, reusing portions of spent brine, concentrating up valuable NaCl, while rejecting unwanted impurities in multiple steps of one continuous process.
Discusser: Erik Desormeaux, Redwood Materials, San Francisco, CA
IWC 25-11: Optimization of Osmotically Assisted RO for high brine concentration
Neil Moe, Ph.D., Veolia Water and Process Technologies, Minnetonka, MN; Joshua Dewanaga, Veolia Water and Process Technologies, Seattle, WA
Reverse osmosis brine concentration by spiral wound OARO is in very early stages of implementation. The efficacy of this technology depends strongly on operating parameters such as pressure, and on the water and salt permeability of the membranes. We present a quantitative study of how these key parameters affect the membrane area and energy required by RO brine concentration, grounded in real performance data for several OARO membranes available in the market today.
Discusser: Omkar Lokare, Turing AI, Woburn, MA
IWC 25-12: Cost-Effective Brine Management and Reuse Enabled by Breakthrough Membrane Technologies
Zubair Tippu, Gradiant, Ghala, Muscat Oman; Siva Kota, Gradiant, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Discusser: Giancarlo Barassi, Ph.D., MBA, Aquatech International, Canonsburg, PA