Abstract: Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents – Technology Evolution
The widespread use of chlorinated ethenes, ethanes, and methanes as organic solvents, and their subsequent disposal practices, has resulted in extensive global soil and groundwater contamination. Conventional means of solvent contaminated aquifer restoration not only entail great expense, but often merely transfer the contaminants to another medium. In situ bioremediation is a more favorable alternative as it transforms the contaminants to stable, nontoxic end products without bringing groundwater to the surface, potentially reducing remediation costs. Over the last three decades, bioremediation of chlorinated solvents has matured from innovation to nearly conventional practice. This presentation will provide an overview of the bioremediation of chlorinated solvents including technology advances and future challenges.
Dr. Claudia Walecka-Hutchison is an EH&S Remediation Manager at The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan. In this capacity, Claudia is involved in the development of site-specific solutions for Dow’s global remediation portfolio. Claudia also actively supervises research studies and specializes in bioremediation and fate and transport of a wide array of site contaminants including petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and emerging contaminants. She is a member of ITRC Remediation Management of Complex Sites and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) teams. Prior to joining Dow in 2013 she worked for URS, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Northern Arizona University. Claudia received a master’s degree in hydrology in 1999 and a Ph.D. in soil, water and environmental science in 2005 from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.
Complimentary sandwiches will be available, first come, first serve at 6 with Claudia’s talk starting around 6:30.
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