Platform Speaker - Kevin T. Finneran
Kevin T. Finneran, Ph.D
Professor
Clemson University
Dr. Kevin Finneran is a professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences. He is an expert in microbiology and combined microbial-chemcial reactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
PLATFORM PRESENTATION
Rendered Animal Co-Products as Electron Donors for Subsurface Remediation
Electron donor amendment technologies have evolved over time, utilizing varying lipid or carbohydrate based compounds. Several popular electron donor amendments contain soybean based emulsified vegetable oil (EVO), or low molecular mass organic acid compounds including acetate and formate. This project seeks to develop a group of novel electron donor amendments based on animal co-products to outperform conventional products. These co-products are comprised of waste generated in the animal rendering process such as feathers or bone. The now patented technology will lead to considerably lower cost electron donor amendments compared to commonly used substrates. Data will demonstrate that protein content and nitrogen release are key to increasing microbial activity.