Alumna Tina Arrowood delivers Ted Talk on minimizing salt threats to water systems
Alumna Tina Arrowood, principal research scientist at Minneapolis-based DuPont Water Solutions, has delivered a Ted Talk on, "A circular economy for salt that keeps rivers clean." She earned her doctorate in physical organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, advised by Professor Steven Kass, and her bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
At DuPont Water Solutions, Arrowood leads wastewater treatment innovation projects that enable the recovery and reuse of industrial or municipal wastewater and provide industries (e.g., power, food and beverage, petrochemical, chemical, textiles, paper and pulp, etc.) the ability to practice sustainable industrial water management.
According to the description for her Ted Talk: "By combining science, circular thinking, and disruptive innovation, Tina Arrowood helps envision a world in which fresh river water is not scarce, but well-managed.
"Arrowood understands that water is the world’s most valuable resource -- and one of the most finite. Her knowledge and expertise fuels her desire to drive effective water management strategies forward and inspires her to innovate breakthrough solutions that promote water reuse and recycling. Alongside her colleagues at DuPont Water Solutions, Arrowood focuses on her energy and passion to advance membrane technologies that enable wastewater to be converted into clean water sources used for a range of applications.
"In 2016, Arrowood's team commercialized the first series of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration elements designed to address wastewater challenges. With the award-winning FILMTEC™ FORTILIFE™ element portfolio continuing to make waves in the industry to minimize water discharge, Arrowood is now focused on mitigating the threat salt poses to water systems. She continues to teach industrial water users around the world about her findings. While doing so, she gathers insight on new and emerging water treatment challenges that help inform and shape membrane research and development."