November Meeting
Room 473 Science
Building
Marshall University
Huntington, WV 25755
Speaker
Dr. Seulki Yeo
Department of Civil Engineering
Marshall University
Huntington, WV
Bridging Chemistry and Environmental Engineering: Chemical Insights into the Challenges Modern Water Utilities Face
Abstract
Modern water utilities face a difficult challenge: they must protect public health and meet strict regulations while dealing with aging systems and emerging contaminants. This presentation connects basic chemistry with real-world environmental engineering, drawing on my experience as both a researcher and an engineer working with public water utilities.
Through a series of case studies, I will highlight how chemical principles directly shape treatment outcomes. A prime example is the ubiquitous challenge of Manganese (Mn): while an aesthetic nuisance, its complex redox chemistry and the catalytic role of MnO2 precipitates directly impact water treatment efficiency. Furthermore, the reliance on Polymer Usage for effective coagulation demands optimization based on surface charge density and matrix characteristics, moving beyond simple dosing trials to precise colloid chemistry control. The most complex and rapidly emerging issue remains the PFAS family, requiring the chemical community to pivot from mere sequestration (using GAC/IX) to developing viable, cost-effective chemical destruction methods.
The presentation will end with a call for collaboration. Chemists bring deep knowledge in reaction mechanisms, material design, and analytical tools that can help environmental engineers solve urgent treatment challenges. By working together, chemical insight can be turned into practical solutions that make the water systems safer and more sustainable.
Short Bio
Dr. Yeo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Marshall University. She earned her Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin, where her research focused on water treatment (environmental chemistry) specifically, the physical and chemical reactions governing coagulation and flocculation. Her doctoral work examined how various types of organic matter interact with iron precipitates, advancing understanding of treatment efficiency and contaminant removal.
Before joining academia, she gained extensive industry experience collaborating with public water and wastewater utilities. Her professional work centered on optimizing treatment processes and improving water quality, including the management of chemical usage and the treatment of manganese (Mn) and PFAS.