Fred Kawahara

Title: Fred Kawahara: Innovator in Wastewater Treatment

Introduction

Fred Kawahara is a notable inventor based in Ft. Wright, KY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of environmental protection, particularly in the treatment of acidic metal-bearing wastewater. His innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also recovers valuable metal products from waste.

Latest Patents

Kawahara holds a patent for a process aimed at the purification of acidic metal-bearing wastewater to permissible discharge levels while recovering marketable metal products. This process involves treating wastewater to produce finished water that meets discharge standards. The metals are selectively precipitated in a specific sequence, with adjustments made to the pH and the introduction of sulfide ions for metal precipitation. Additionally, a bioconversion process using unique equipment converts sulfate in the wastewater to hydrogen sulfide gas, which is essential for the precipitation process. This innovative method allows for the direct discharge of treated water or its use in agricultural applications.

Career Highlights

Fred Kawahara is associated with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where he applies his expertise in environmental science and engineering. His work focuses on developing sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, contributing to both public health and environmental conservation.

Collaborations

Kawahara has collaborated with notable colleagues, including John O Burckle and Rakesh Govind, to advance research and development in wastewater treatment technologies.

Conclusion

Fred Kawahara's innovative work in wastewater treatment exemplifies the intersection of environmental protection and resource recovery. His contributions are vital for sustainable practices in managing industrial waste.