Smart Water Solutions

Brian Sheng, CEO of Aquaria, explains how their system captures clean water from air using a fast, energy-efficient setup. We cover how it works, where it performs best, and how clients can adopt it with flexible financing.

Professor Robert Nicholls from the University of East Anglia explains how sea levels are rising due to ocean warming, melting glaciers, and ice sheet loss. He also highlights how human activities like groundwater extraction cause land to sink in many coastal cities. Even if emissions stop today, sea levels will keep rising for centuries. This episode covers the causes, local impacts, and adaptation strategies.

Professor Sera Young explains that water security depends on availability, accessibility, quality, and reliability. A household may have water, but if access is restricted, unsafe, or unreliable, they still face water insecurity. To measure this, she developed the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) and Individual Water Insecurity Experiences (IWISE) scales, now used in over 50 countries. Her research highlights why measuring water insecurity is key to solving it.

Professor Bierkens explains his work on water safety. He uses mathematical models with satellite and socioeconomic data to track water movement and storage in soil and groundwater. He shows that while overall water will be enough, some areas may face short-term shortages or quality issues. He also notes that climate change, through changes in rainfall and sea levels, affects water availability and quality.

Professor Heidi Richards shares her journey from biochemistry to membrane research, tackling wastewater treatment and acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa. She reveals promising results from testing membrane distillation on highly saline AMD, achieving near-complete sulfate removal and detecting lithium in the brine concentrate. This discovery could push the mining industry to rethink AMD treatment—not just for compliance. ;)

Ramón Rubio de Castro, founder of The Water MBA, explains how his platform helps water professionals gain practical knowledge. He shares how it offers structured content on desalination, wastewater treatment, and project management, making learning accessible and clear. He also highlights the importance of understanding the real strengths and limitations of water technologies beyond marketing claims.

Professor João Crespo explains how placing energy where it matters in membrane separation, such as at the surface instead of the bulk, can significantly improve filtration by reducing mass transfer limitations and combating concentration polarization. He shares insights into the challenges of turning ideas into real products, drawing from his spin-off company that recovers bioactive compounds from olive oil waste. He emphasizes that success requires more than technology—it depends on making products practical, market-ready, and accepted. For instance, he suggests a future where fresh water from desalination becomes waste, and the real value lies in extracting minerals from brine, like magnesium, which is widely used in batteries, fertilizers, and lightweight materials for cars and planes.

Prof. Dr. Mathias Ulbricht joins Rhea and me to share his journey in membrane technology, discussing his "toolbox" approach to customizing membranes, solutions for fouling resistance and recycling, and the importance of collaboration and mentorship in transforming research into real-world impact.

Dr. Jeroen Warner from Wageningen University discusses the complexities of transboundary water governance, highlighting how international frameworks like the UN Watercourses Convention offer principles for cooperation but often lack enforcement. Using examples like the Nile Basin, he explains how power dynamics between upstream and downstream nations shape resource management and explores the challenges of ensuring equitable and sustainable water sharing.

Professor Jesse Nippert discussed how these adaptations, like enzyme activity and water transport, influence how plants, especially woody species, dominate during droughts. The conversation also revealed that afforestation isn't always straightforward and can sometimes negatively impact the climate. Finally, it highlighted the importance of understanding plant physiology to improve climate models and better predict environmental changes.

Professor Wim Thiery discusses the critical impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in Africa. We explore how climate extremes like droughts and floods, combined with changes in land cover, are reshaping water availability. Professor Thiery emphasizes the need for both global climate action and smart local water management to address these challenges effectively.

Michael A. Larsen, CEO of EnviroNor, discusses their floating desalination vessels—old ships turned into mobile water treatment plants. These vessels can produce up to 10,000 cubic meters of drinking water per hour. Unlike traditional plants, they can move to the best locations, saving energy and minimizing environmental impact. Their mobility also makes them ideal for helping cities during water shortages, offering a practical solution for unpredictable water needs.

Quantum Wei, founder of Harmony Desalting, explained their Batch Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology, which dynamically adjusts pressure to save energy. Using conventional membranes and a unique bladder system, Batch RO handles fluctuating salinity and pressure, making it more efficient and resilient against fouling and scaling. At the Yuma Desalting Plant, Batch RO treated scaling-prone brine from a brackish water RO system, achieving 83% water recovery without additional antiscalants. Harmony Desalting is scaling up Batch RO for industrial use, integrating multiple membrane modules, and testing under higher salinity to make desalination more affordable and accessible. Independent control of process parameters gives Batch RO an edge, offering more water with less energy and fewer chemicals.

Mark Ralph, CEO of Axine Water Technologies, explains how their method enhances conventional electrochemical oxidation by using multiple catalysts in a single reactor to break down tough contaminants like PFAS and pharmaceuticals. Their treatment-as-a-service (TAAS) model provides a complete package, including installation, operation, and maintenance, helping clients meet regulations without technical hassles. Their versatile system serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals and electronics manufacturing. Axine's R&D focuses on improving performance and energy efficiency through advanced materials and machine-learning algorithms, with more innovations on the horizon.

Pablo Cassorla, founder and CEO of Remote Waters, shared how his team is developing decentralized desalination systems by examining around 400 components and redesigning the system with software. This innovation enables rural communities to access fresh water using renewable energy at an affordable cost. 

Akash Singh, co-founder of Urbanblue Technologies, addresses the inefficiencies of traditional wastewater treatment sensors by using real-time imaging and AI. Their system continuously samples water, captures high-resolution images of microorganisms, and uses AI to provide immediate recommendations for improving water quality. This approach, which is scalable and reduces energy consumption, offers a cost-effective and accurate alternative to outdated BOD and COD sensors. Urbanblue's affordable hardware-as-a-service model emphasizes the long-term benefits of efficient water management, making innovative, data-driven solutions the future of water treatment.

Sreenath Bolisetty, CTO and Co-founder of BluAct Technologies, explains how protein nanofibers can effectively remove heavy metals and radioactive pollutants from water. These nanofibers, made from whey protein, have a high surface area and binding sites that adsorb multiple metal ions and pollutants. Integrated into activated carbon, they efficiently purify water. The solution operates without electricity, using gravity and sustainable materials. It can recover valuable metals from wastewater and remove contaminants like arsenic, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. 

Karthik Kunjali, Co-founder & CEO at Stockholm Water Technology (SWT), discusses how their CDI technology stands out from reverse osmosis by attracting and removing contaminants, making it ideal for low-salinity applications and specific pollutant removal like heavy metals and nutrients. This method is energy-efficient and customizable, perfect for aquaculture and municipal wastewater polishing. While many CDI attempts have failed due to unreliability and complexity, SWT's advanced material design and intelligent software optimize energy use and contaminant removal. Their modular and scalable architecture offers tailored, sustainable water treatment solutions. 

Rhea and I hosted Professor Larry Mayer, Director of the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire. He discussed the latest advancements in ocean floor mapping, utilizing sophisticated sonar technology to provide essential data on ocean currents and salinity, crucial components of the global water cycle. Comprehensive ocean mapping is vital for predicting changes in marine environments and supporting effective ocean resource management.

My co-host Rhea Verbeke and I welcomed Professor Martin Truffer, a distinguished glaciologist, who highlighted the critical role glaciers play in maintaining stable water supplies. We explored the alarming rate of glacier retreat due to climate change, noting that while some glaciers may be beyond saving, others can still be preserved if we act quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Truffer emphasized the importance of understanding glacier dynamics and the potential of AI in predicting future changes, advocating for a focus on reducing carbon emissions over technological fixes. This conversation underscores the urgent need to address climate change, using glacier retreat as a powerful indicator of broader environmental shifts.

Professor Stephan Pfister from ETH Zurich focuses on integrating water scarcity into life cycle assessments (LCA) to guide sustainable resource management. His research examines the trade-offs between water use, land use, and biodiversity, offering insights for improved environmental policies. Additionally, Professor Pfister highlights the need for global collaboration in agriculture and industry to promote sustainable development and positive environmental impacts.

Atomically Precise Membranes by Professor Radha Boya at the The University of Manchester, is pioneering the development of atomically thin membranes using graphene and other two-dimensional materials. These angstrom-scale channels enable highly selective ion and molecule separation, greatly enhancing water desalination efficiency. Her work focuses on advanced nanofabrication techniques, manipulating the precise dimensions of these channels to optimize filtration performance, potentially revolutionizing water purification technologies.

Professor Kim Trevathan narrates his personal journey paddling the Tennessee River, reflecting on environmental changes observed over two decades. His narrative wove together personal anecdotes with environmental insights, illustrating how human interventions like damming have altered river ecosystems. Kim's stories highlight the importance of direct interaction with nature for understanding environmental impacts and fostering a deeper appreciation for natural waterways​​.

In our today's podcast episode, Rhea and I have welcomed Sterling Professor Menachem Elimelech from Yale University. He discussed the challenges and advancements in seawater desalination, emphasizing that significant gains lie in optimizing system design and using real-time monitoring and sensor technologies rather than focusing solely on new membrane materials. He also highlighted the potential of electro-dialysis for brackish water desalination and the importance of understanding multi-component transport in membranes. Professor Elimelech also covered practical aspects of pretreatment and post-treatment in desalination. He noted that current pretreatment technologies are outdated and suggested that developing fouling-resistant membranes could reduce the need for extensive pretreatment, saving costs and energy. He emphasized the need to improve boron and chloride removal for agricultural use and critiqued the research culture that prioritizes flashy material advancements over practical system improvements. This conversation sheds light on future directions in desalination technology and the importance of bridging research with practical applications.

In a podcast episode, Carlos Garcia from Genaq details their advanced technology for extracting water from the air. He explains that their machines are designed to efficiently handle variable power inputs from renewable sources like solar panels, eliminating the need for costly batteries and inverters. This significantly reduces both initial investment and operational costs. Garcia highlights a project in Djiburi, Eastern Africa, where Genaq installed a self-sufficient, 5,000-liter-per-day machine powered solely by solar energy, demonstrating the system's capability in remote areas. He also discusses ongoing innovations aimed at utilizing excess solar energy to extend production into nighttime hours, effectively doubling output without substantial cost increases.  

Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr IoT Technologies, introduces advanced IoT technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. He detailed a new sensor device that simplifies battery replacement—a critical improvement that significantly reduces maintenance time and costs. Gerhard also discussed the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, including a battery recycling program that complements their durable, easy-to-manage IoT devices​​.

Ion Padilla discussed the innovation of using satellite data for environmental monitoring, emphasizing Wegaw's hybrid model which integrates automated and manual data collection. This approach offers cost-effective, accurate environmental assessments, reducing the need for expensive, frequent field campaigns. Ion highlighted the system's ability to provide daily updates on snow depth across the globe, a vital tool for managing water resources in real-time​​.

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 also enhances decision-making and strategic planning for water utilities and industries. The discussion further touches on the potential of these technologies to support sustainable water management practices, reduce costs, and improve environmental impacts.

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 water systems, this conversation shines a light on the untapped potential of water as a clean energy source, contributing to both energy and water sustainability goals.

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 bacteria's unique ability to thrive in acidic, iron-rich conditions and its specialized metabolic pathways that facilitate the degradation of these stubborn pollutants (e.g. PFAS). Professor Jaffé detailed the scientific journey of discovering and understanding this bioremediation process, highlighting the crucial electron transfer mechanisms involved. This episode offers an in-depth look at the innovative strategies being developed to combat pollution, promising a new path in water treatment and environmental restoration.

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 precipitation patterns. Additionally, she examines isotopic signatures within these sediment cores. Isotopes, different forms of an element, with varying numbers of neutrons, provide insights into past climate conditions. By integrating these techniques, Dr. Thomas paints a detailed picture of how Earth's climate has evolved and influenced water distribution over millennia. Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of geology, climate science, and water management.

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 towards real-world applicability, stressing on life cycle analysis to ensure the viability and sustainability of water technologies. Key discussions include advancing membrane technologies to resist fouling and deploying sensors for enhanced water treatment. The episode advocates for research directed at scalable and sustainable solutions, aiming to catalyze action towards more effective water resource management.

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 without needing batteries or grid connections. This approach not only offers a cost-effective solution but also reduces environmental impact. The discussion covered adapting to different geographies, the significance of water quality, and OSMOSUN's financial models that support global deployment. A key story shared was their project in Cape Verde, demonstrating the technology's impact on agriculture by providing fresh water for irrigation, thus tackling both climate and social challenges. This episode is essential for those interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and water solutions.

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 internship ignited a passion to solve the pressing problem of "forever chemicals" in our environment. Developing a patented electrochemical oxidation technique, Julie's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and the drive to make a significant impact on public health and safety. Her dedication to eliminating PFAS exposure compels us to consider the broader implications of environmental contaminants and the power of scientific entrepreneurship to address them. Tune into this episode to explore how does Aclarity's electrochemical oxidation technology work in treating PFAS contamination in water, and what sets it apart as a unique and effective solution?

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 arrive ripe worldwide, the oil and gas industry are now carefully managing water treatment. This means they're focusing on using water wisely and innovatively to support their work. Mike sheds light on the hurdles of integrating new tech into traditional fields and the power of collaboration in overcoming these challenges. Looking ahead, Dyson envisions a future where efficient water use is not just an ideal but a reality. How can industries adopt more sustainable practices to ensure a water-secure future? 

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. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for water infrastructure to be resilient and adaptable. Peter's research field also advocates for proactive strategies to protect water resources against the backdrop of potential societal collapse, ensuring community well-being and environmental sustainability.

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 management worldwide. But what makes their approach unique, and how does it impact areas like the Ica Valley in Peru, where water scarcity and agriculture intertwine? Looking ahead, AWS is keen on enhancing their strategies to address the intertwined challenges of water stewardship and climate change. They plan to leverage their community and resources more effectively, making a significant impact on climate resilience. How can individuals and organizations get involved and contribute to these efforts? Sym highlights the importance of joining AWS, engaging in training, and staying informed as key steps towards making a real difference in water stewardship.

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 difference in predicting and monitoring water levels. Valladeau highlights the importance of VORTEX-IO's real-time data in responding to flood events, especially useful in insurance scenarios, emphasizing its critical role for businesses and governments in addressing water-related hazards effectively.

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 address water management challenges in an innovative and comprehensive manner?

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 science, policy, and community. Traditional water models, which focus on average scenarios like snowfall, precipitation, and flooding levels, are becoming outdated due to climate change's unpredictability. This change challenges the effectiveness of single-solution approaches such as desalination, which alone cannot comprehensively tackle diverse water challenges like desertification, flooding, and irregular precipitation patterns. In water, As Dr. Ajami concluded this episode ‘'we need system level thinkers as well as topic expert''. The episode would encourage you to consider transitioning from traditional practices to holistic solutions for a sustainable water future. 

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 unified' echoing Aristotle's belief that 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' Ever wondered how the sophisticated designs of nature can shape future membranes for a greener planet? Discover the mystic of bioremediation and biosensors – how do these innovative membranes promise a cleaner environment? We also explore the world of enzyme-immobilized membranes. Imagine the possibilities they could unlock in water treatment and more. And there's more: get the scoop on self-cleaning membrane technologies that Lidietta is researching. Could this be the birth of a new era in membrane maintenance?

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 governments, businesses, and communities in making smarter decisions about water use in the face of climate change One of the key parts of our conversation revolves around the challenges of updating legacy water systems and the urgency of new investments in water infrastructure, especially in developing countries. John emphasizes the importance of adapting our water management systems to be more climate-resilient and the need for integrating policy, finance, and technical knowledge to create sustainable water management solutions. He also shares some inspiring success stories from around the globe. From Udon Thani in Thailand, where urban lakes have become multifaceted solutions to water management issues, to Panama's climate ministry integrating water as a central theme in policy-making, and California emerges as a beacon of hope under Governor @Gavin Newsom, redefining water resilience as a driver of prosperity. For young professionals in the water sector, John offers valuable advice. He stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and continuous learning. He encourages embracing the complexities of water management that go beyond the water cycle, involving legal, governance, economic, and social systems. 

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 health and our future? He brings to light the power of ecosystem service flows and the necessity of collaborative, cross-disciplinary solutions. Imagine a world where shared responsibility becomes the cornerstone of managing our water resources. Can storytelling transform the way we approach and solve complex environmental issues? Prof. Bryan thinks so. Tune in to discover the answers and explore the complicated textile of water sustainability with us.

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 Flemish drinking water companies. How does this collaboration shape their research priorities, and what innovative solutions are they developing for the water sector? Professor Savic discusses the challenges and opportunities in aligning KWR's work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of tackling pollution and managing resource competition. But in an era of climate change and urbanization, how is KWR adapting its strategies for sustainable water cycle management? Discover how their innovative research and tools are paving the way for a more resilient future in water management, and what insights Professor Savic offers for those aspiring to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

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. What environmental impact is PipePredict achieving? Additionally, what future water management innovations is Valerie considering for PipePredict? For newcomers to the water industry, Valerie offers insights. Her story illustrates the significant impact achievable in specialized fields like water management.

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? 

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 technologies like Active Membranes. We discuss the challenges of fouling and scaling in desalination plants and how Active Membranes electrically conductive membranes offer a cost-effective and efficient solution. What does the future hold for these innovative “smart membranes” in water treatment? Discover how Active Membranes, recognized as Water Tech Idol 2023, is pushing the boundaries to make desalination more sustainable and accessible. Learn about the potential of transforming commercial nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes into active membranes utilizing the expertise at Active Membranes. 

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 Rooyen challenges the notion that more water always equals more food and highlights the unintended consequences of over-reliance on fertilizers. Interestingly, he emphasizes that modern advanced agriculture has much to learn from indigenous, often illiterate, yet profoundly wise and intelligent farmers. Can we truly bridge the gap between modern science and millennia of farming knowledge, especially when it comes to water management?

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 versions of global challenges or do they need their own solutions? Tune in to find out!

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 helping businesses grow faster.

This episode features Karen Schuett, Co-Founder and CEO of Livestock Water Recycling (LWR). With her roots in zoology, Karen embarked on a journey from groundwater treatment in the oil and gas sector to forging solutions in livestock manure treatment. A local farmer's challenge with manure lagoons prompted this shift, leading to the development of LWR's specialized system. Livestock waste is denser than municipal waste, making its treatment a challenge. LWR has developed a system that efficiently separates this waste and recovers nutrients. This approach is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and even allows farmers to sell the extracted nutrients. By using machine learning, LWR has cut chemical use by 40%. Karen Schuett and her team are now looking to harness data, like weather and animal health, to further refine their solutions. Learn about the future of livestock water recycling through Karen's insights