RIT professor explores algae’s surprising humanitarian potential Sept. 30

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A. Sue Weisler

Professor Jeff Lodge, left, and Erick Lannan ’11 (mechanical engineering B.S./M.S.), explored the benefits of algae.

Microalgae can make a difference in small communities in need of “green” wastewater treatment solutions. The technique developed at RIT soon could be adopted to convert wastewater to potable water for people in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, still recovering from the earthquake of 2010.

Jeff Lodge, associate professor of biology in the School of Life Sciences at RIT, will present “Use of Microalgae for Clean Wastewater and its Potential Use for Rural Communities and Third World Countries,” from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 in Orange Hall, room 1340. The School of Life Sciences in the College of Science is presenting the event.

Lodge will talk about his role in the project and the work that began three years ago with Eric Lannan ’11 (mechanical engineering B.S./M.S.), and Ali Ogut, professor of mechanical engineering at RIT. While exploring algae as biodiesel, the team discovered the organisms’ potential in wastewater treatment. Lodge will discuss the significance of the research and international opportunities that have arisen to apply the green technology to Haiti and parts of India.

For more information, contact Jeff Lodge at jslsbi@rit.edu.

Sign-language interpretation will be provided.