AWWA Water Science Author Spotlight

Abstract

Having recently published an article in AWWA Water Science, Anthony Kennedy answered questions from the publication's editor-in-chief, Kenneth L. Mercer, about the research. Stannous Chloride Reduction–Filtration for Hexavalent and Total Chromium Removal From Groundwater Anthony Kennedy, Rachel Croft, Leah Flint, and Miguel Arias-Paic At the time of the research, I worked at the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). I currently work at Corona Environmental Consulting, developing a research focus related to advanced water treatment processes and process optimization. Anthony enjoys backcountry skiing in Grand Teton National Park, March 2021. I've had two great mentors so far in my career: Professor Summers at CU Boulder and Dr. Miguel Arias-Paic at USBR. Professor Summers’ best advice was to focus on what is important and to not get caught up in minutia that can degrade your confidence. Dr. Arias-Paic said that for most problems we face in water treatment, a technological solution already exists; we just need to be more creative in how we apply those technologies. The primary motivations for the research were the cost and logistical challenges associated with brine generated from ion exchange treatment. Although ion exchange brine volume from regenerations can be significantly minimized, it still contains high levels of total dissolved solids and hexavalent chromium, in addition to other metals such as arsenic, vanadium, and uranium, and must ultimately face hazardous waste disposal. With stannous chloride, rapid-sand-filter backwash waste can also contain high levels of the less toxic trivalent chromium, but without the high total dissolved solids, making it more suitable for discharge to wastewater collection systems or sludge-drying ponds. In my personal life, I'm very conscious of my consumption and environmental impact. In my research, I try to simplify technologies and processes such that they use a more sustainable material or consume fewer materials, chemicals, etc., compared with conventional technologies, with the goal of meeting the same treatment target. Three challenges are (1) actual implementation of water treatment research; (2) widespread adoption and implementation of direct potable reuse to mitigate the effects of climate change on the drinking water industry; and (3) funding for drinking water, wastewater, and water reuse infrastructure. In July 2021, Anthony visited Parco Naturale Puez Odle in South Tyrol, Italy. I grew up near Pittsburgh, which has seen a comeback due in large part to a hardworking, motivated, but also modest and humble, populace. I take the same approach with my research—just sound, thorough research that can be used to improve the design, operation, and potentially the sustainability of water treatment facilities. To learn more about Anthony's research, visit the article, available online at https://doi.org/10.1002/aws2.1174.