In today’s Flashback Friday #FBF we are taking a look back at “Theory & Field Studies – Chapter Two” of the in-depth dive into the field of phytoremediation from our 2013 Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit.

Aramis and I have been so fortunate to count Patrick Carey, GRP as a colleague and friend, and he’s lead many a panel session during our Virtual Summits. Once again, he does a great job in leading discussion regarding how plants are being used to alleviate environmental problems, with two industry experts.

L to R: Dr. Ian Balcom, Dr. Bob Cameron; Patrick Carey

In this final chapter Patrick follows up the “Environmental Healing through Phytoremediation – Chapter One” Panel Session by interviewing Dr. Ian Balcom in Lyndonville, Vermont and Dr. Bob Cameron in University Park, Pennsylvania.

The “Theory & Field Studies – Chapter Two” panel draws connections between the broad field of phytotechnologies to structure integrated applications and discuss critical areas of current and future research including specific compounds’ end fate in integrated biofilters and how non-traditional pollutants could well determine how many cycles and what uses reclaimed wastewater can do.

Image: Bob Cameron, PhD

Ian Balcom, PhD is Associate Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon and at the time was the Editor for the International Journal of Phytoremediation, which covers a wide range of topics related to phytoremediation – not just the techniques. Currently,

“He maintains an undergraduate student-centered researcher program on harnessing ecological processes to manage pollution. Recent student research projects include metagenomic analysis of the microbial communities in ecological wastewater treatment plants, pharmaceutical, and personal care product microbial biodegradation, design and construction of an eco-reactor for dairy industry wastewater treatment, and phytoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil using lifecycle cost minimization techniques.” ~ Northern Vermont University

Another long time collaborator here at Greenroofs.com, Dr. Robert “Bob” Cameron earned his doctorate from Penn State University at the Center for Green Roof Research, where he was also an Adjunct Professor. His thesis entailed the invention and construction of a functional architectural system to attenuate wastewater pollutants while reducing a building’s energy use and providing a platform for urban agriculture. See the 2:45 video of his early work at Penn State “Robert Cameron investigates biofilters to clean dirty water.”

With nearly four decades of experience with applied engineering, acquisitions & mergers, and novel product development on all continents except Antarctica, Bob is currently involved in sustainable technologies and innovative pharmaceutical and biotech applications.

Do not miss this second highly expert panel on the extremely important and interesting subject of phytoremediation and how greenroofs and greenwalls contribute!

Watch above or you can also see it on the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2013 Playlist, where all of the Greenroofs.com’s videos are publicly available on our GreenroofsTV channel on YouTube, free of charge.

Love the Earth, Plant a Roof (or Wall)!

By Linda S. Velazquez, ASLA, LEED AP, GRP
Greenroofs.com Publisher & Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summits Host