Sustainable Water Infrastructure for Bioenergy Production

Thursday, April 18th: 1:15-2:45 PM

Sustainable Water Infrastructure for Bioenergy Production

Authors: Nagamany Nirmalakhandan, Venkata Ramana Gadhamshetty, Veera Gnaneswar Gude
Presenter: Nagamany Nirmalakhandan
Affliations: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM; Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS

Abstract:  The forum will discuss: energy-wastewater-environment related issues using microbiological systems. The forum consists of a series of presentations from experts in the field from a variety of interdisciplinary backgrounds, with examples ranging from bioenergy production, novel water treatment technologies, and modern infrastructure to manager urban water. The presentation will be followed with a discussion among the panel, and between the panel and audience. 1) the forum will also discuss water related issues, especially in energy production. For example,  biofuel production from biomass such as algae require large quantities of water in various process applications and the same applies to solar energy technology utilization for domestic needs as well as industry applications.  The Panel will mainly discuss the water and land requirements for different biomass based renewable biofuels production and renewable energy sources. Sustainability of the existing processes, innovative approaches and future trends will be discussed. 2) freshwater and energy are two essential commodities in a modern society. The increase in population growth, rapid industrialization, and depleting fossil fuels has induced unprecedented challenge to sustain fresh water and energy for future generations. One approach to this global crisis of water and energy supply is to utilize renewable energy sources to produce freshwater from impaired water sources such as domestic wastewater. Sustainable practices and innovative technologies for water reuse with renewable energy utilization will have the potential to reduce the stress on the existing water and energy sources with a minimal impact to the environment.