Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
W1: PFAS Management – Removal and Destruction approaches
IWC Rep: Bradley D. Wolf, P.E., Berkeley Research Group, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA
Session Chair: Ashwin Thakkar, Aquatech International, Canonsburg, PA
Discussion Leader: Larry Gottlieb, ResinTech, Inc., Camden, NJ
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) management is going to be very critical and hence, this session will be a good overview with regards to separation and/or concentration of PFAS followed by various treatment approaches, i.e. electrochemical oxidation, multi-stage foam fractionation, hydrothermal alkaline treatment, etc. PFAS management for the various applications, i.e. landfill leachate, municipal wastewater, firefighting foam fractionation, etc. will be discussed in this session to explain how various separation and concentration technologies i.e. IX, RO membrane processes can be used ahead of any PFAS Removal and Destruction technologies.
IWC 25-61: In-Situ Generated Ferrate as a Treatment Reagent for PFAS-contaminated Landfill RO Leachate
Keith McLeroy, Ecolyse, College Station, TX; Vladimir Dozortsev, Ph.D., AMS, Sunnyvale, CA
A novel in-situ electrolytic ferrate (Fe+6) generation system has been developed, enabling the on-demand production of high concentrations (> 7,000 ppm) of a fresh Fe+6 treatment reagent on-site. This breakthrough technology offers a sustainable solution for addressing PFAS contamination in landfill reverse osmosis (RO) leachate. The system has demonstrated effective removal of up to 96% of various PFAS compounds and has oxidized organic residuals by over 85% in RO leachate. Results will be presented.
IWC 25-62: Relevance of AOF in PFAS Management – Challenges and Lessons Learned from an Applied Testing Laboratory Perspective
Devesh Mittal, Aquatech, Cannonsburg, PA
Explore the application of EPA Method 1621 and Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) analysis using Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) as a critical performance indicator in PFAS destruction. Drawing on Aquatech’s hands-on experience implementing and operating CIC instrumentation in its Applied Testing Laboratory, the session will cover key distinctions between AOF, EOF, and TOF; the advantages of AOF analysis for longer-chain PFAS; and practical challenges and lessons learned that are essential for advancing PFAS treatment technologies.
Discusser: Dave Ciszewski, Veolia WTS, Bellevue, WA
IWC 25-63: Cutting the Chain: Innovation to Destroy PFAS in Sludge Dewatering Filtrate at the City of Tacoma Central Wastewater Treatment Plant
Brian Pinkard, Calvin Rhodes, Dennis Raison, Joshua Arvin, and Somnath Mukherjee, Aquagga, Inc., Tacoma, WA; Teresa Peterson, City of Takoma, Takoma, WA; Erika Houtz and Lottie Franck, ECT2, Portland, ME; Joel Baker, University of Washington; Emese Hadnagy, Joel Baker, and Ansaf Karim, University of Washington, Tacoma, WA
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent collection points for PFAS. In this project, the team treated PFAS from the Tacoma WWTP’s anaerobic sludge dewatering filtrate using a combined approach of filtration, multi-stage foam fractionation, and hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT). Foam fractionation completely removed long chain PFAS such as PFOS and PFOA with an overall concentration factor of 371x. The primary and concentrated foamate were treated by HALT to destroy the concentrated PFAS with >99% efficacy.
IWC 25-64: Electrochemical Approaches for PFAS Removal and Destruction
Thomas Igou, Ph.D., WaterTectonics, Everett, WA; Dora Chiang, Ph.D., P.E., Jacobs, Atlanta, GA; Qingguo (Jack) Huang, Ph.D., University of Georgia, Griffin, GA
Electrochemistry continues to offer advantages over traditional techniques, including in-situ generation of treatment chemicals, compact footprint, simple controls, and less sludge. Recent findings demonstrate electrochemical coagulation (EC) can achieve removal of PFAS via two primary pathways – (a) foam fractionation, and, (b) adsorption to EC-generated metal hydroxide flocs. Here, we update and contextualize the existing body of literature surrounding EC in standalone and integrated electrochemical treatment trains for PFAS removal in industrial wastewater treatment applications.
Discusser: Ashley Jones, Stantec, Nashville, TN
W2: Modeling for Today’s Water Treatment Challenges
IWC Rep: Michele Funk, P.E, Bechtel Corporation, Reston, VA
Session Chair: Donna Murphy, DuPont Water Solutions
Discussion Leader: Jaron Stanley, WesTech Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT
Simulating a water treatment process can help with design of new systems or optimization of existing ones. Modeling can be used to predict performance under various types of streams or conditions and it can assist in the strategy for managing those streams for reuse. This session will look at how modeling is addressing some of today’s water treatment challenges and present case studies on topics from Hardness removal for Direct Lithium Extraction, Wastewater mapping for capacity optimization and water reuse, continuous scaling and corrosion assessment for cooling tower management and pushing traditional boundaries on scaling for achieving optimal recovery in Dynamic RO systems.
IWC 25-65: Thermodynamic Modeling of Water Softening for Direct Lithium Extraction: Predictive Insights and Process Optimization
Leslie Miller, OLI Systems, Reston, VA; Hikaru Yakushiji
Water softening is essential for optimizing direct lithium extraction (DLE) processes. This paper explores how thermodynamic modeling and real-time control strategies improve scaling prediction, reagent use, and process stability across chemical, membrane, and hybrid softening technologies. A case study demonstrates how predictive monitoring reduced variability and chemical costs while boosting system reliability. Results highlight how integrating advanced models with field data can enhance lithium recovery, reduce operating costs, and support more sustainable brine treatment solutions.
IWC 25-66: Modeling Cyclical Water Balances with Ion-Association Chemistry Tools
Thomas Hope, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO; Maaz Ahmad, Burns & McDonnell, Denver, CO
This paper/presentation presents a time-dependent water balance model based on first-order differential equations solved using Euler’s method to simulate constituent accumulation in cyclical systems. The model accounts for inflows, outflows, and internal recycling, providing insights to support water treatment system design. PHREEQC, an ion-association chemical modeling tool, is integrated to predict aqueous speciation and water chemistry. Sensitivity analyses assess the effects of water quality and operational changes, enabling data-driven decisions during facility design and planning.
Discusser: Arash Karimi, Worley Consulting, Calgary, AB, Canada
IWC 25-67: Navigating Industrial Wastewater: Process Mapping for Reuse and Optimization
Shannon Brown, HDR, Omaha, NE; Soraya Laghmari-Bouzidi, Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany
Wastewater mapping is fundamental for assessing operating industrial wastewater treatment facilities when reviewing system capacity, planning capital upgrades, or making process changes. Wastewater mapping methodology includes stream characterization, water balance, grouping of streams, and review of treatment operations and options. A detailed overview of wastewater treatment mapping for industrial applications, and key findings from a case study wastewater mapping of a full-scale, operating industrial wastewater treatment process, are provided in this paper.
IWC 25-68: Predicting and Achieving Optimal Recovery in Dynamic RO Systems
Samantha Fowler, Kurita America Inc, Salt Lake City, UT; Matt James, Kurita America Inc, Orlando, FL
Dynamic reverse osmosis (RO) systems require accurate brine quality prediction and optimized antiscalant dosing for success. This study verifies improved dosing strategies through bench-scale and pilot tests, leveraging shortened inhibition times and altered hydraulics. The updated dosing, integrated with predictive software, enables higher recoveries for slower-forming scales such as clay and silica, while maintaining control over faster-forming scales. The study highlights advanced monitoring methods beyond traditional approaches, offering practical guidance for field applications.
W3: Power WasteWater
IWC Rep: Rebecca D. Osteen, Southern Company, Birmingham, AL
Session Chair: Keith Ambrose, P.E., Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Charlotte, NC
Discussion Leader: Rena Bae, P.E., Stantec, Charlotte, NC
Join us for an exciting technical discussion on the latest and greatest innovations in wastewater treatment for the power industry. We will explore novel techniques and approaches to treating power plant wastewaters such as combustion residual leachate (CRL) and flue gas desulphurization (FGD) wastewater. Whether you have years of experience in power plant wastewater treatment or are curious to learn more, this session offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your technical expertise, ask questions, and be a part of an engaging and dynamic conversation.
IWC 25-69: Combustion Residual Leachate and Groundwater Treatment Systems Options
Dallas Torgersen, WesTech Engineering, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT
This paper provides an overview of the regulatory framework and considers possible treatment system configurations for leachate and groundwater at coal ash sites. To illustrate possible compliance strategies, this paper presents real-world case studies that are available, as well as proposed conceptual designs for new systems that have not yet been implemented. By examining both proven and conceptual solutions, this paper aims to provide options for treatment to consider with a focus on technology selection.
Discusser: Carson Brown, Southern Company, Birmingham, AL
IWC 25-70: Bench-Scale Investigation of Dissolved Metals Removal from CCR Leachate Contaminated Groundwater Using Iron-Based Media in a Permeable Reactive Barrier
Krystina Mair, WSP, Cambridge, ON, Canada; Katy Falk, WSP, Cambridge, ON, Canada
In 2024, WSP conducted bench-scale investigations using iron-based media to treat CCR leachate contaminated groundwater. The study evaluated Granular ZVI, Granular FeOOH, and FerroBlack® for removing dissolved metals like arsenic and selenium. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) methods for in-situ groundwater treatment, offering an alternative to traditional pump and treat methods. Results from 17 benchtop trials will be discussed.
IWC 25-71: Achieving FGD ZLD by Softening and Evaporation/Crystallization in a Cooling Tower System
Thomas Higgins, Ph.D., P.E., Worley Engineering, Saint Augustine, FL ; Kevin Say, P.E., Orlando Utilities Commission, Orlando, FL
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) operates two ZLD systems. Cooling towers use evaporator/crystallizers. The Recycle Ponds use FGD evaporation and calcium sulfate/sulfite disposal. Cooling tower and Recycle Pond chemistries are significantly different and cannot be combined for treatment in the evaporators due to formation of glauberite (sodium calcium sulfate). Our evaporator model showed that the softened recycle pond water could be treated in separate evaporators. The softening plant has been constructed and is currently in startup.
IWC 25-72: Dynamic Micro-granular Adsorptive Filtration (DmGAF): A Fouling-Resistant, Low-Cost Pretreatment for Zero Liquid Discharge in FGD Wastewater
Jinjian Wu, MicroHAOPs Inc., Seattle, WA ; Nathan Cai, MicroHAOPs Inc., Seattle, WA; Mark Benjamin, MicroHAOPs Inc., Seattle, WA
Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater is often cost-prohibitive due to severe scaling/fouling. This study presents Dynamic Micro-granular Adsorptive Filtration (DmGAF), a novel pretreatment technology with a self-renewing filtration mechanism that can handle high solids loadings without fouling. Pilot testing with high-solids influent (turbidity: 11.6–7,830 NTU) showed stable effluent quality (average 0.2 NTU), operating pressure consistently <16 psi and no sign of fouling, highlighting DmGAF’s potential to enhance ZLD system feasibility.
W4: Sustainable Water and Energy Strategies for High-Tech Industries
IWC Rep: Dennis K. McBride, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, MO
Session Chair: Krystal Perez, P.E., Brown and Caldwell, Seattle, WA
Discussion Leader: Rebecca Maco, Brown and Caldwell, Seattle, WA
As the demand for high-tech industries continue to grow, the need for sustainable water and energy solutions becomes increasingly pressing. This session highlights innovative strategies and technologies that address the unique challenges of water and resource use in data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and battery manufacturing. Join us to explore practical approaches for optimizing water efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing operational performance across high-tech facilities.
IWC 25-73: Comparing Energy Efficiency, Water Usage, and Economics of Data Center Cooling Options Including Zero Liquid Discharge
Benjamin Sparrow, Saltworks, Richmond, BC Canada; Ziyi Fang, Saltworks, Richmond, VA
Cooling tower blowdown (CTB) treatment and recycle represents a significant industrial water reuse opportunity, especially with increasing demand from data centers, electrification, and heavy industry. This paper presents treatment strategies to enable reliable operation of reverse osmosis (RO) on CTB, which can enable production of high-quality RO permeate for recycle, resulting in an approximate 40% reduction in cooling tower make-up water needs. Process flow diagrams, mass balances, pilot testing and cost analyses are shared.
IWC 25-74: Alternative Feed Sources for Direct Evaporative Cooling Systems
Anthony Zamarro, P.E., CDM Smith, Boston, MA
IWC 25-75: Exploring a semiconductor reclaim wastewater treatment plant operational optimization
Sessouh Akowanou, Fluor, Phoenix, AZ
Semiconductor facilities producing up to 40,000 wafers weekly can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily, a major concern in water-scarce regions. This paper explores zero liquid discharge strategies to reduce water use and cost. Operational strategies include chemical reduction, sludge dewatering, ion exchange optimization, and water reuse. Findings highlight the importance of reassessing water use with evolving technologies to improve sustainability and reduce operational expenses.
IWC 25-76: Advanced Water Treatment and Brine Minimization: Integrated Approach for Sustainable Battery Manufacturing
Tal Fabian, IDE Water Solutions America, Carlsbad, CA; Roi Zaken Porat, IDE Technologies, Kadima, Israel; Alex Drak, IDE Technologies, Kadima, Israel
Water scarcity, stringent regulations, and rising water costs drive industries toward sustainable management strategies. This paper discusses a leading industrial reclamation facility significantly reducing water intake and brine discharge. The system integrates pretreatment (ferric coagulation, clarification), ultrafiltration, BWRO, and MaxH2O Desalter technology. Waste heat evaporation further reduces brine economically. Initial operational data highlights environmental benefits, making this facility a benchmark for industrial sustainability and near-zero liquid discharge.