News & EventsDepartment Events
Events
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Oct6
EVENT DETAILS
lessHow Does Dissolved Organic Matter Impact Microbial Arsenic Transformations?
Abstract. Growing awareness of elevated concentrations of arsenic in rice have motivated significant research attention to the biogeochemical dynamics of arsenic in rice paddy soils. However, fundamental understanding of how environmental conditions regulate microbe-mediated arsenic transformations – and the resulting impacts on arsenic speciation and fate – is lacking. This presentation explores the multi-faceted role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality and quantity in regulating microbial uptake and transformation of arsenic, with a focus on methylation-demethylation reactions. The presentation will discuss: (i) Bioavailability of arsenic in the presence of DOM-stabilized iron colloids; (ii) Effects of bio-labile carbon in suppressing microbial uptake and methylation of arsenic through a carbon catabolite repression-like mechanism; and (iii) Effects of methylated organic substrates for methylotrophic methanogenesis on stimulating the demethylation of methylarsenic species. Implications of the research findings for concentrations of inorganic and methylated arsenic species in rice paddy soils will be discussed.
Bio. Dr. Matthew Reid is an assistant professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University and directs the Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Engineering Research Group. Research in the Reid Lab focuses on applications of biogeochemistry and ecosystem engineering to water quality problems and greenhouse gas emissions from environmental processes. The Reid Lab performs research across physical scales from molecular-level investigations and modeling to field-scale observations and experiments. Dr. Reid was a postdoctoral scientist in the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL), where he was supported by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship. Dr. Reid completed his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University in 2014 and received his bachelors degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago. Dr. Reid has also worked as a high school chemistry teacher with the United States Peace Corps in Tanzania.
TIME Friday, October 6, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Oct13
EVENT DETAILS
lessThe bio(electrochemical) production and consumption of hydrogen peroxide at a wastewater treatment plant.
Abstract: Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) have been proposed for several approaches within the wastewater treatment arena. These technologies are possible through the activity of electroactive producing electrical current from the complete oxidation of simple organic compounds. In this talk, I will first focus on approaches in which an MET is used to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the oxidation of primary sludge and the cathodic reduction of oxygen. Dual-chamber systems were used to collect H2O2 produced at the cathode at concentrations of up to 3.1 g/L and efficiencies of up to 80%. Single chamber MET systems allow the H2O2 produced to serve as an oxidant for primary sludge treatment, accelerating its treatment. The high efficiency of H2O2 production led to various studies on how to consume it in wastewater settings. Single-chamber systems allow the H2O2 produced to serve as an oxidant for primary sludge treatment, accelerating its treatment. At a 6-d HRT, 52% of VSS were removed and 1.2 x 105 most probable number per gram solids (dry-weight basis) of fecal coliforms were obtained, values below regulatory limits required for Class B biosolids production. On the other hand, collected H2O2 was evaluated for its capacity to provide aeration for organic oxidation in secondary treatment. The H2O2 is degraded through the activity of catalases, producing high concentrations of O2 (>20 mg/L) in the wastewater. As such, organic removal was demonstrated within 24 hours in bath reactors. This approach is currently being evaluated as an alternative to aeration of activated sludge in order to decrease emissions at wastewater treatment plants.
Bio: Dr. César I. Torres is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). He is also the Associate Director of the Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology and a member of the Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis, and the Center for Bio-mediated & Bio-inspired Geotechnics. His main research is bioenergy, microbial electrochemistry, and wastewater treatment; he has published over 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals on these topics. César combines biofilm modeling, electrochemical, microscopic, -omic, and analytical techniques, to characterize microbial and electrochemical kinetics and thermodynamics of microbial electrochemical technologies.
TIME Friday, October 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Oct14
EVENT DETAILS
lessMcCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering
TIME Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION Louis Room, Norris University Center map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Oct18
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Oct20
EVENT DETAILS
lessApplication for degree due to The Graduate School to receive a degree in Fall Quarter
TIME Friday, October 20, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Oct20
EVENT DETAILS
lessFE and Organic Matter in Soils
Abstract- TBABio- TBA
TIME Friday, October 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Oct25
EVENT DETAILS
lessTitle- Cyclic soil modelling in the context of offshore wind geotechnics: recent developments and application to monopile foundations
Abstract: With the accelerating growth of the offshore wind energy sector worldwide, the installation of ever-larger offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in harsh marine environments is posing serious engineering challenges. As OWT foundations mobilize approximately 20-30% of the capital expenditure costs, questions and open gaps related to foundation design emerge as some of the most pressing concerns. This seminar delves into the numerical analysis of cyclic soil-structure interaction within the context of offshore wind geotechnics, with a particular focus on monopile-supported wind turbines. Emphasis is placed on the possibilities that advanced geotechnical modeling unlocks in support of practical design. Specifically, a bounding surface plasticity platform for modeling cyclic sand ratcheting – SANISAND-MS – is introduced as a tool for the detailed serviceability assessment of cyclically loaded monopiles. Following an overview of model formulation and its alignment with experimental evidence, attention shifts to the establishment of 3D FE models capable of realistically capturing cyclic soil-foundation interaction. The ultimate goal of this effort is to facilitate the development and calibration of efficient engineering models of reduced order, such as 1D soil reaction models and/or 0D macroelements. Finally, recent achievements of the ongoing MIDAS project are briefly presented, underscoring the synergy between physical and numerical modeling research in the development of improved geosolutions for the offshore wind industry.
Bio: Federico Pisanò joined NGI in January 2023 as the Manager of Offshore Wind USA. Previously, he earned his Ph.D. degree in 2011 from Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and served as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of California at Davis (2012) and Politecnico di Milano (2013). In 2014, he assumed the role of Assistant Professor (subsequently promoted to Associate Professor in 2021) of Offshore Soil Mechanics at TU Delft in the Netherlands. His technical expertise revolves around developing and applying advanced numerical models to comprehend and predict soil behavior and soil-structure interaction processes, with a particular focus on offshore wind applications in recent years. Federico has co-authored more than 80 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He also co-chaired the 4th International Symposium on Cone Penetration Testing (CPT’18) and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the ISSMGE Technical Committee TC209 (Offshore Geotechnics) and member of Géotechnique Letters’ editorial panel. He received the ISSMGE Bright Spark Lecture Award for emerging academics in 2019 and the ICE David Hislop Award (Offshore Award) in 2022. In his current role with NGI, Federico works at the interface between industry and academia, supporting both consulting and R&D activities. His primary focus is on the emerging offshore wind market in the USA, where he is leading the establishment of a new NGI team in Boston.
TIME Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Oct27
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, October 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Nov1
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Nov3
EVENT DETAILS
lessTitle: Turbulence-driven hyporheic flow: connecting fine particle deposition, clogging and nutrient cycles.
Abstract: Fine natural sediments like clay particles are transported in rivers and deposited in riverbeds. Historically, these particles are considered wash-load, i.e., passive material that travels in suspension, having little to no interaction with other river processes. However, river water enters the porous beds, bringing with it those fine particles that are filtrated and immobilized in the riverbed. Over time, they accumulate and clog the riverbed voids, dramatically attenuating hyporheic exchange and diminishing the connection between surface and groundwater. Hyporheic exchange is crucial for microbially mediated transformations, such as carbon and nitrogen cycling. Despite the long stretches of land that rivers span, these biogeochemical transformations occur at limited hot spots in hyporheic zones, right on the areas that are prone to clogging. During this seminar, I will present how coupling surface water flow, hyporheic exchange and clogging led us to determine that surface water turbulence plays a key role in the deposition of fine particles in riverbeds, and in the attenuation of hyporheic exchange. These new insights will be essential to better quantify the role of rivers in carbon and nitrogen cycling estimations, and future work will be directed on upscaling these soil-grain scale processes into basic-scale models.
Bio: I am a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, in Prof. Aaron Packman’s laboratory. My research involves the numerical modeling of the intersections between environmental fluid dynamics and reactive transport phenomena, namely hyporheic exchange and, most recently, the bioclogging of soil-aquifer systems. I have taught the Hydraulics and Hydrology course here at Northwestern and at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where I received my master’s degree in Water Resources. Outside research, I am a contributor to the USGS’s dataretrieval python package for fetching streamflow gage and water quality data, and the maintainer of stpyvista, a python package to embed 3D visualizations in web applications.
TIME Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Nov6
EVENT DETAILS
lessPre-registration for Winter Quarter begins
TIME Monday, November 6, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Nov8
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Nov10
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Nov13
EVENT DETAILS
lessRegistration for Winter 2024 begins
TIME Monday, November 13, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Nov15
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Nov22
EVENT DETAILS
lessThanksgiving vacation begins 6:00 pm
TIME Wednesday, November 22, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Nov27
EVENT DETAILS
lessFall classes resume
TIME Monday, November 27, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar
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Nov30
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Dec1
EVENT DETAILS
lessTBA
TIME Friday, December 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
CONTACT Andrew Liguori andrew.liguori@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
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Dec2
EVENT DETAILS
lessFall Classes End
TIME Saturday, December 2, 2023
CONTACT Office of the Registrar nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL
CALENDAR University Academic Calendar