Dr. Luiz Da Silva Correa

Title of Talk:
Safe Green Alternatives for Biofouling Prevention: Optimizing Desalination Technology to Promote Water Conservation and Equitable Clean Water Access

Short Bio:
Dr. Da-Silva-Correa is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Victoria, Canada. His research focuses on biofouling prevention in membrane technologies, with particular emphasis on advancing safe and green alternatives for desalination systems. During his doctoral research at UVic, he developed a screening and evaluation protocol using lab-scale CDC biofilm reactors and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane coupons, leading to the identification of Lauroyl Arginate Ethyl (LAE) as a highly effective, low-hazard biocide capable of preventing and removing biofilms without damaging membrane integrity. Building on this work, his postdoctoral research extends the approach to custom-designed lab-scale and pilot-scale RO systems to support the transition of green biocides from proof-of-concept to full-scale implementation. His work aims to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and safety of desalination technologies, contributing to reduced operational costs, lower energy consumption, and equitable access to clean water for communities facing water insecurity.