<ul>
<li>15:15-15:35; A unique solution for Ion-Exchange operation optimization: Economical and environmental impacts. Elad Barak.</li>
<li>15:35-15:55; An innovative composite framework with a highly permeable metal-organic framework -membrane for sustainable water desalination.</li>
<li>15:55-16:15; MHD-EHD Physical Desalination of Seawater Coupled with Centrifugation and Crystallization Mechanisms</li>
<li>16:15-16:35; Reducing Desalination's Carbon Footprint with Enzymes.</li>
</ul>
 
Elad Barak:
A unique solution for Ion-Exchange operation optimization: Economical and environmental impacts. 
1. Performing an automatic regeneration according to the characteristics of the input stream (flow rates and concentrations of hardness ions) considering the change in temperature throughout the year and according to the production plan - the nature of the feed stream changes, the amount of water required for treatment changes and therefore also the loading rate of the ion exchangers.
2. Determining the volume of water required for regeneration. 
The above is expected to significantly reduce the amount of acid required for regeneration and large amount of water required for washing and rinsing.
Methodology:
- During the project, the "effective" capacity of the resin was tested in relation to the theoretical capacity -a long experiment with many repetitions: loading the resins until "breakthrough" and then a long regeneration until reaching a constant hardness value.
- For several months, data was collected on the inlet current to the ion exchangers: calcium and magnesium using ICP-MS, and conductivity. 
- An in-depth analysis was performed on how the system works and how it is implemented in the field.
Main findings:
- The resin capacity was found to be lower than the theoretical (about ~ 30%).
- A strong relationship was found between the concentrations of calcium and magnesium (each separately) and the conductivity of the feed to the ion exchangers.
How to integrate the findings into the existing system and the consequences of the change:
- To determine the number of ions loaded into the ion exchangers, an algorithm was implemented in the control system that calculates the amount of hardness ions from the measured conductivity. When the cumulative amount reaches the predetermined value (because of understanding the "effective" resin capacity)- the unit automatically started its regeneration.
- The amount of water required for regeneration was determined from the experiment to determine the capacity of the resin and by combining additional data.
These days we are running an experiment to examine the effect of the regeneration solution conductivity on the required regeneration volume to increase the availability of the system, especially during the summer days when the loads are high.
 
Muneer Bata:
Addressing the critical challenges of traditional desalination processes such as high energy consumption and significant fouling, this study investigates the integration of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF-303) with chitosan and Arabic gum into a polysulfone matrix. The research highlights the importance of enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of water desalination systems by leveraging the unique properties of its constituents.
The synthesis utilized a strategic layering approach, starting with the integration of MOF-303 into the polysulfone base, followed by the addition of chitosan and Arabic gum. This methodology was designed to optimize the membrane's hydrophilicity and mechanical strength, thereby improving its permeability and antifouling properties. Under varying pressures, desalination tests demonstrated a substantial increase in both water flux and salt rejection rates, achieving optimal performance at 6 bar with a flux of 48 L/m²h and salt rejection stabilizing at 90%.
SEM analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of MOF-303 and revealed enhanced structural integrity of the membrane. The results underscore the membrane's potential for large-scale applications, marking a significant advancement in desalination technology. Future efforts will focus on scaling production and conducting real-world tests to further validate the membrane's performance and operational durability.

Part 2. The Future of Cleaner Water Through Desalination

CEO, VWMS GmbH (Coliminder)

Charlotte Stewart,  Strategic Account Executive (Samotics)

Mohamed Mokhlef's journey into the water industry wasn’t a straightforward one. As a young man, he dreamed of a career in media, believing it held the power to influence minds and drive change. But a conversation with his father changed everything. He learned that billions of people worldwide lack access to clean water and proper wastewater services—a silent crisis with far-reaching consequences. That realization shifted his perspective and set him on a path he never imagined.
Today, Mohamed leads IWTE, a company founded by his father in 1992. What started as a small family business has grown into a regional leader in water treatment under his leadership. Since 2021, he has focused on transforming IWTE into a modern, forward-thinking organization, opening its first international branch in Saudi Arabia, working on ISO certifications, and preparing to publish its first ESG report.
Alongside IWTE, Mohamed founded Meyahh, a startup designed to empower small contractors, support local manufacturers, and bring more investment into the water industry. He believes collaboration and innovation are key to solving the region’s water challenges.
Mohamed’s journey has taken him to over 15 countries and 96 cities, where he’s met hundreds of experts and seen firsthand the issues that need solving. His focus is clear: to turn challenges into opportunities and to help create a more sustainable future for the Middle East and Africa.

CEO, Meyahh

Program Manager, Water Stewardship SCS Global

Dr. Ir. Harrie Besselink 
Director BioDetection Systems BV. (BDS)
 
Harrie Besselink is Director of  the Product and Application Unit (PAU) at BioDetection Systems BV. He obtained his Master’s degree in Molecular Science, orientation Biochemistry/Toxicology at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. His PhD degree in Environmental Toxicology he also obtained at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. After working at Wageningen University and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (IVM), he joined as pioneer of bioassays BioDetection Systems in 2001 as Head of Laboratories. Managing contract analyses, technology transfer and training courses is his daily business. Furthermore, he is specialized in validation and valorisation of bioassays (e.g. OECD and ISO). In addition, he is an international expert in assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in environmental and biological samples using biological analysis techniques and key innovator in the development of application tools for various CALUX bioassays. He participated in various national and international/European research programs, such as TECHNEAU (bioassays), DEMEAU (WWTPs), AQUANES (alternative WWTPs). Currently, he is participating in EU PROMISCES (focussing on PFAS), EU SafeCrew (focussing on DBPs), and EU OneBLUE (focussing on Safe Urban Water).

Director BioDetection Systems (Product and Application Unit (PAU))

I´m glady to introduce myself
My name is Norbert Rademacher. I´m a HACH Application Development Manager and hold a degree in electrical and enviromental engineering.
I´ve been advising and supporting HACH customer for almost 30years this year with my expertise in industrial water applications and water cycle management.

Application Development Manager, HACH

Over 10 years of experience as a researcher at the Desalination Technology Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Successfully, I have led multiple research projects as a principal investigator, contributing to advancements in desalination technologies and water treatment. My efforts have been recognized and I have been nominated by the global prize for innovation in desalination and the 8th edition of King Hassan II great world water prize.
 
Expertise
• Atmospheric Water Harvesting: participateDevelopment of device to extract water from air in arid regions. • Metal-Organic Framework Synthesis: Innovation of materials and devices to capture harmful gases contributing to acid rain. • Polymer and Ceramic Membrane Synthesis: desalination and water treatment technologies to improve efficiency of membrane and reduce the environmental impact of traditional methods. • Micro - Nano plastics in Water: Development of advanced detection methods and mitigation strategies for sustainable water management.

Researcher, King abdulaziz city for science and technology

Peter Cartwright entered the water/wastewater treatment industry in 1974 and formed his consulting engineering business in 1980. He is a Chemical Engineer and a Registered PE in the state of Minnesota. Peter has authored over 300 articles and presented more that 300 lectures in conferences globally. He also provides expert witness testimony in legal cases. Peter is the recipient of the Award of Merit, Lifetime Member and Hall of Fame Awards from the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Frank Tiller Award from the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS). He was the 2016 McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer for the National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation and is currently one of two instructors providing technical training for the WQA Professional Certification program.

President, Cartwright Consulting Co., LLC

ogram Manager R&D – Industry 4.0 (De Watergroep)

I am a molecular biologist-microbiologist with an interest in applying microorganisms to environmental and industrial processes. During my PhD research, I have focused on aerobic granular sludge, a biofilm used in biological wastewater treatment. I studied the microbial activity and composition of the biofilm and the conversions of organic macromolecules during the wastewater treatment process. I am interested in combining advanced techniques to study mixed microbial communities and their in situ behavior. With a little help from microorganisms, I hope to contribute to transitioning to a sustainable society.

Process Engineer, CIMICO

Xiao Zhang is a PhD researcher at Wetsus and University of Twente. Her research focuses on developing stable polyelectrolyte multilayer nanofiltration membranes, which are designed to perform effectively under harsh process conditions, such as high salinity and extreme pH. These advanced membranes aim to provide solutions for the efficient treatment of various industrial streams.

PhD Researcher, Wetsus

Show Manager Aquatech Mexico – Informa Markets

Engineer by vocation, with experience in renewable energies, space structures and now in wastewater treatment, particularly in advanced digital control solutions with artificial intelligence. I like to keep up to date with new technologies and keep learning new things.

Digital Solutions Sales Technician, CIMICO

Andrea Naves has been working in the Sustainability area of the Eurecat  Foundation since 2020. She currently works as an Advanced Researcher in the Water, Air and Soil Unit of the center. Her main lines of research are included within water treatment technologies, both conventional and advanced systems with membranes, in the industrial field. She has experience in tertiary treatment systems for water regeneration and reuse, as well as zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems. She has worked in more than 20 research projects, public and private, participating in various scientific-technical publications and patents.

Advanced Researcher, Eurecat

Dr. Perryman received a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California at Davis, where his research focused on synthesis and operando characterization of Earth-abundant electrocatalysts. He performed postdoctoral research at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA, as well as at the Chemical Engineering department of Stanford University where research efforts were dedicated to developing bipolar membrane electrolyzers for hydrogen production from seawater. He is the CTO of Brineworks, based in Amsterdam, NL.

Chief Technology Officer, Brineworks

Head of Business Development , Oxyle

Jan Bos is co-founder of Nuoro, a Belgian engineering cooperative with a focus on clean water and green energy.  Even before he could walk, Jan Bos’ parents took him out sailing. From a very young age, he was surrounded by the sea and the elements, which is where he developed a great passion for water, the environment, and the living world. Bio-engineering and environmental technologies are his habitat. His curiosity and adventurous spirit have led him around the world.
Jan Bos had the opportunity to live and work in Latin America on and off for about 10 years. He gained experience through dozens of fascinating projects, from small rural municipal wastewater treatment systems in Paraguay to state-of-the-art industrial wastewater and biogas projects in France, Australia, and Colombia. From conceptual design to basic and detailed engineering to commissioning and start-up: as a process engineer, he loves to see his designs come to life.

Director, Nuoro

CEo & CoFounder, HULO.ai

Hans-Jürgen Wedemeyer was born in Monheim, Germany, in 1963 and  graduated as a plant technician from the “Bayer AG Leverkusen” in  1984 and as a lab technician in 1992.  He started his career in 1985 at Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany.  Wedemeyer was working as a lab technician in the department Plant  Protection and was responsible for analytic pretreatment.  In 1992 he changed within Bayer AG to the Lewatit Ion Exchange  Resins business unit as an Assistant Lab Manager for Ion exchanger  applications.  Since 2006 Wedemeyer is working as a global technical manager at Ion  Exchange Resins business unit (now part of LANXESS and renamed  into Liquid Purification Technologies) and is responsible for  make-up- water, condensate polishing and ultra-pure-water applications  with Ion exchangers.  Hans-Jürgen Wedemeyer is married and has one child.  Cologne, June 2016

Aplication Technology Manager, Lanxess

Since 1992, I have been committed to technological innovation, product research and development, and production in the clean drinking water industry, accumulating over three decades of experience in the development and manufacturing of clean drinking water products and equipment. Currently, I serve as the Vice President and Chief Research and Development Officer at Angel Group, where I lead cutting-edge research on advanced clean drinking water technologies and the development of innovative products. Driven by the mission to enhance consumers' quality of life, I focus on delivering comprehensive clean drinking water solutions.
Since 2012, I have successfully launched several industry-leading core technologies, including high-performance, long-lasting reverse osmosis membrane technology; antibacterial nano-crystal whisker activated carbon with superior antibacterial properties; super activated carbon that effectively removes residual chlorine and heavy metals; folded filter cartridge technology that enhances water flow; next-generation flat ultrafiltration membranes; APCM filtration membranes; UVC-LED sterilization technology; and counterbalance pump technology. These innovations have achieved international leadership and have been successfully commercialized. My contributions have not only driven technological advancement but also involved me in the formulation of multiple national and industry standards, addressing critical gaps in the clean drinking water sector and significantly advancing the industry's technological progress and standardization. To date, I have obtained 79 patent authorizations and published five papers in SCI-indexed international journals.
Awards: - Second Prize of the Science and Technology Award from the China Membrane Industry Association (twice) - Gold and Silver Awards at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in Switzerland (3 Gold and 3 Silver Awards) - Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Nuremberg, Germany (3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze Awards) - Gold and Silver Awards at the Asian International Innovation and Invention Awards (3 Gold and 3 Silver Awards) - Gold and Silver Awards at the Silicon Valley International Invention Fair in the United States (2 Gold and 2 Silver Awards)

Vice president, Shenzhen Angel Drinking Water Industrial Group Corporation

Marthe de Graaff works as a senior process engineer at Evides Industriewater on several topics relating resource recovery. She also has experience on full scale industrial wastewater treatment plants as a process advisor. In this presentation the new installation at Yara will be presented where nitrogen rich wastewater is upgraded to be reused again to produce fertilizers.

Senior process engineer, Evides Industriewater

Experienced process engineer with over 20 years of international experience in waste water treatment, effluent reuse and sludge treatment. In this role I have a broad experience in the design of new waste water treatment systems, upgrades of existing sytems, trouble shooting, commissioning and process support.

Sr. Process engineer, RoyalHaskoningDHV

Hendrik Swart has focused on sustainable water technologies since the start of his academic career, earning a Master's in Water Technology from the Wetsus Academy. At REDstack, he contributed to the development of the electromembrane stack, transitioning from R&D to process engineering. Now, as a Sales Engineer, he helps bring this technology to market, enabling industries to save water, chemicals, and reduce costs. At Aquatech, he will discuss solutions for the industrial sector.

Sales Engineer, REDstack BV

Presenter Biographic
Dave Wilson has a BSc in Applied Geology from the University of Birmingham, UK and started his career working with groundwater sampling and monitoring instrumentation. He has spent the last 18 years installing and maintaining sensors in Drinking Water and WasteWater applications and has delivered teaching material on the real world use of monitoring technology in treatment plants around the world. Having helped to integrate and build In-Situs Process monitoring business he is now the Vice President of Global Sales for In-Situ.

Vice President of Global Sales, In Situ

Head of International Cooperation, Embassy of The United Mexican States

Sandro Hansen is a seasoned sanitary and environmental engineer with over two decades of experience in water and wastewater treatment systems across large industrial and sanitation sectors. He holds postgraduate degrees in business management and water desalination and reuse, complemented by certifications in machine learning and artificial intelligence. His career encompasses consultancy roles in Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Currently, as an application specialist at Turing, a company specializing in digital solutions for water systems, Sandro leverages his expertise to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Turing's platforms, such as TOP Clear, provide digital solutions throughout the water lifecycle, aiming to reduce total water costs and improve reliability.

Application Specialist, Turing

Manager Sales, Econvert, part of Nijhuis Saur Industries

Prof. Leo Posthuma is an expert in the field of environmental risks and sustainable development at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and as Professor by special appointment 'Sustainability and Environmental Risks' at Radboud University Nijmegen.
Leo Posthuma studied biology at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. In 1987 he graduated cum laude, with specialisations in animal ecology, plant ecology, phytopathology and population genetics. His PhD-research at the same University focused on long-term effects of unintended mixtures of chemical pollutants. Working at RIVM since 1992, Leo is concerned with scientific support for decision-making under uncertainty, especially geared towards solving complex (‘wicked’) environmental problems. Keywords are environmental risks, sustainable development, and solution-focused and practical approaches and methodologies.
Leo currently acts as expert and project leader in projects on risks and sustainability ranging from local to global scales. His key interest lie in the provision of strategic goals, to provide universally applicable and validated knowledge, data and approaches. But also on effective application of such knowledge to current problems. His contributions to the latter range from solving problems with slightly contaminated soil, water and sediments up till the design and operationalization of a method for a swift disaster assessment and evaluation approach for United Nations field teams.
As expert and professor, Leo Posthuma focuses on the transposition of environmental problems into sustainable solutions.

Prof. and senior Researcher Sustainability and Environmental Risks

Daniele Strongone is the General Manager for AWC Europe, the Spain-based division of American Water Chemicals (AWC) looking after the EMEIA and APAC regions. He is also the President and one of the Co-founders of the Water Positive Think Tank. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Napoli Federico II (Italy) and a Master’s Degree in Chemical and Bioprocesses Engineering from the Engineering School of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). With a passion for sustainability and experience in Europe, Australia, Africa and Middle East, he has worked in several areas of the water treatment industry such as chemicals, equipment, drinking water and wastewater project management, leading business strategies and growing revenue. His biggest mission is to help leaving a positive impact on the water resources.

General Manager, American Water Chemicals (AWC)

Vanessa has a degree in European studies, specialized in business and communication, a master’s degree in international commerce and an MBA. At Isle Vanessa works as principal consultant in Isle´s European office, she is based in Spain. Vanessa has a broad experience in delivering new technologies for pipeline condition assessment and leak detection to utility clients around the globe.    
She has a broad experience in managing R&D projects for new technologies focusing on the client´s needs and expectations and the market up-take of these technologies. She furthermore has extensive experience in project management with clients in Europe, South America and the Middle East. Through her active participation, she has been able to establish a robust network of connections and gain a comprehensive insight into the requirements and obstacles encountered by utilities throughout the world, along with the emerging technologies that align with various demands.

Principal Consultant, Isle Utilities

Has over a decade of experience scaling water startups and driving adoption of innovative technology into the water industry across the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Joshua has held a number of leadership roles, spearheading the growth of new technology and supporting international brands globally. His expertise spans sales and service, growing from an R and D base, helping him become a key force in delivering sustainable, high-performance water treatment solutions. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of York.

Sonia Vila Cremer a Water Industry Expert with 15+ Years of Experience, joined DuPont Water Solutions in 2012 as Application Development Engineer. After progressed through various roles in Application Development, R&D, and Technical Service & Development (TS&D), supporting FilmTec™ RO/NF products and DuPont™ IntegraTec™ Ultrafiltration across diverse market segments, Sonia is currently leading a team of experts in innovative water technologies, including MBR, UF, RO, and IX, providing strategic product selection and design support, plant start-up assistance, operational follow-up, and troubleshooting. Apart of this Sonia spearhead the laboratory responsible for service provision and product complaint evaluations in the EMEA region.
Sonia is also Passionate about bridging sustainability with cost-effective water solutions through collaboration and expertise.

EMEA Technical Service and Development Leader, Dupont

Sales manager, Danfoss

Program Manager Infra 2025 (Vitens)

Xylem VUE

Matt has over 30 years’ experience in the water and wastewater industry, covering a variety of commercial and leadership roles across global organizations such as Suez, Black & Veatch, Bluewater Bio and Evoqua. At Specific Energy, Matt is responsible for strategy and growth of the business across EMEA and other international markets; through developing and maintaining customer and partner relationships, and demonstrating the advantages Specific Energy can bring to pump system design, operation and asset management programs for operational resilience and energy efficiency.

Vice President, EMEA, Specific Energy

AI Solutions Director  (Sand Technologies)

Van Leur studeerde aan de Wageningen UR Bodem, Water en Atmosfeer. Ze kwam in 1994 via een stage bij Meteo Consult terecht, waar ze bijna vijf jaar weerberichten voor kranten, radio en televisie verzorgde. Ze werkt freelance sinds april 1997 als weervrouw voor de televisiezenders van RTL.
Naast haar werkzaamheden voor televisie schrijft ze artikelen en columns over haar kennis en ervaringen en verzorgt ze lezingen over weer, klimaat en duurzaamheid. In oktober 2011 maakte ze als weerkundige deel uit van Solar Team Twente tijdens de World Solar Challenge: een zonne-auto race van ruim 3000 km dwars door Australië. Ook hierover werd een televisieprogramma gemaakt.
Twintig jaar lang presenteerde Van Leur het weerbericht bij de nieuwsuitzendingen van RTL 4. Op 30 juni 2017 deed ze dat voor de laatste keer. Vanaf 5 juli 2017 presenteerde ze de wekelijkse weerrubriek Wat een weer bij RTL Late Night.

Meteoroloog, Helga van Leur

President, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd.
Responsible for Technology, Heavy Industry & Environment Business, Corporate Marketing, Corporate Diversification and Communication.
Mr. Ajay Popat pursued his engineering degree in Plastics Technology from the Plastic & Rubber Institute, UK and Masters in Business Administration specializing in Marketing & Strategy with honors from NMIMS Institute. He has also been conferred with a Fellowship by Indian Plastics Institute in 2007.
He has more than 40 years of experience in Strategy, Business & Organisation Development with leading organizations like Resins & Plastics Ltd. (then a subsidiary of Asian Paints Ltd.), Pidilite Industries Ltd. and Ion Exchange. He had an extremely successful career track record with Pidilite industries from 1983 to 1994 where he grew from the position of Sales Representative to All-India Sales Manager with successive promotions and career progression every year.
Associated with Ion Exchange since 1994, he has spearheaded several initiatives in developing and successfully commercializing proprietary, advanced & sustainable technologies for purification & separation in water, wastewater treatment and more recently in areas of renewable energy in compliance with legal, environmental, economic and social requirement of our country. During his tenure, Mr. Popat successfully conceived the idea of a separate Environment Management business, which he formed through a joint venture between Ion Exchange and a leading Belgium company. Under his leadership as a CEO of this joint venture (and then elevated to the Board of the Company), Mr. Popat created a leadership position for the joint venture, leading to his elevation as the President of the parent company, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd. where he is responsible for Corporate functions in Technology, Marketing, Communications, Heavy Industry Business Verticals, Environment Division and Corporate Affairs.
Mr. Popat is active in promoting the cause of water industry through active participation with the Water and Environment Council in CII, FICCI, Bombay Chamber of Commerce, Indian Environmental Association, Water Quality Association – India Task Force, Process Plant and Machinery Association of India (PPMAI) and other trade bodies. He is a Director in the governing bodies of these organizations and leads CII’s Core group on Promotion of New and cutting–edge Technology for Waste Water Management. He has chaired and delivered more than 100 papers on the subject of Sustainable Environment Management practices. He continues to play an active role to facilitate industry & its associated initiatives to achieve efficiency and excellence in water and energy management practices benefiting all stake holders.
He likes to read, socialise, pursue indoor & outdoor sports activities and pursue lifestyle improvement activities for the benefit of self, associates and the society.

President, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd.

Nebojša Ilić is a chemical engineer deeply committed to environmental protection and sustainability. He specializes in advanced water treatment, with a focus on functional nanomaterials and hybrid treatment processes. Nebojša holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Belgrade, Serbia.  His academic journey included research stays in Germany and Thailand, where he explored diverse topics such as developing novel nanomaterials for methanol sensing, UV-blocking, and targeted cancer therapy. Nebojša's Ph.D. research at the Technical University of Munich focused on developing novel nanomaterials for removal of PFAS from water and providing insights into the fundamental forces governing the adsorption process. Furthermore, he investigated ultrasonic cavitation as a potential method for destroying concentrated PFAS streams and conducted preliminary environmental impact assessments of different PFAS treatment train strategies. Before co-founding SUIKI,  Nebojša honed his entrepreneurial skills in a well-known battery recycling startup, conceptualizing and testing various water treatment solutions for lithium carbonate purification and production. Currently, Nebojša is spearheading technology development and co-founding SUIKI, an internal startup within TDK. SUIKI is driven by a mission to rapidly develop and deploy innovative solutions for complex water treatment challenges, starting with destruction of PFAS in-situ using electrochemical oxidation. Nebojša's dedication to impactful research is reflected in his publications in prestigious journals like "Chemical Engineering Journal" and "Advanced Materials."  His combined expertise in chemical engineering, process optimization, and early-stage deep tech startups positions SUIKI as a leader in delivering transformative environmental solutions to the market.

Co-Founder, Head of Technology, SUIKI (by TDK)

With a technical background in Chemistry and a commercial focus for 20+ years, Colm has a proven track record of delivering performance improvement in manufacturing environments by streamlining workflows, optimising resources, and driving continuous improvement.
With a focus on identifying opportunities for growth, product development and developing global partnerships, Colm leads the Aquamonitrix team with values underpinned by a culture of collaboration and innovation.

CEO, Aquamonitrix Ltd

Gerrald Bargeman obtained his MSc and PhD degree at the University of Twente, and worked for Shell R&D and NIZO Food Research before joining AkzoNobel in 2002. At AkzoNobel and its divested businesses Nouryon and Nobian, Gerrald held scientific and leadership roles. Currently, he is Process Technology Specialist and part-time professor at the University of Twente, where he holds the chair “Membranes for Harsh Conditions”. Gerrald is (co-)author of approximately 50 peer reviewed journal publications.

Process Technology Specialist and Part-time Professor Membranes for Harsh Conditions, Nobian Industrial Chemical B.V

Joost is co-owner and managing director of Paques Biomaterials. He is also member of the supervisory board of (previously family owned) Paques Holding b.v., as well as board member with a few organisations like Suspacc and BEstart. In the past, Joost was executive leadership team member of Paques Global, managing director of Paques Europe and business developer at Paques Environmental Technology in Shanghai. Before that he worked at Accenture for 4 years. Joost studied at Delft, University of Technology and at Insead Business School in Fontainebleau, France. Paques Biomaterials is leading in the field of development and realization of PHA installations on the basis of organic waste streams. Paques Biomaterials uses naturally present micro-organisms and work from the BioBizz hub in Balk.

Managing director, Paques Biomaterials

With over 10 years of experience in the water sector, Nikki has developed her expertise in designing and optimizing water treatment systems. She has successfully implemented innovative and sustainable practices, ensuring efficiency and reliability across all operations. Furthermore, Nikki upholds high standards in monitoring and environmental compliance.

Manager Technology, Azulatis

Burcu is leading the Global Water Technology Group and over the years, she has led several projects ranging from feasibility studies to commissioning and troubleshooting of treatment plants for various industries. Based on her knowledge and experience Burcu was named a Fluor Fellow in the field of water and wastewater treatment. Since 2020, she serves as vice chairwoman of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AiCHE)  for the Netherlands/Belgium section.

Process Engineering Manager – Fluor Fellow, Fluor Corporation

Sustainable Water & Green Energy

Chief Digital Officer,  Veolia Water Technologies

Jochen Kallenberg brings extensive expertise in water treatment processes and chemical engineering, complemented by an advanced degree in marketing. With over 25 years of experience in the water treatment industry, he has developed deep knowledge in desalination, membrane technology, media filtration, and applications for the mining sector. His career includes roles at globally recognized membrane and mineral technology companies. He currently serves as Director of Water Treatment at Dryden Aqua in Switzerland. For the past four years, Jochen Kallenberg has been a board member and the acting Vice President of the European Desalination Society.

Director Water Treatment, Dryden Aqua

Panos has over a decade of experience in industrial wastewater treatment and sustainability, specializing in tailored solutions for complex water challenges. He has led sales and strategy for high-value projects across Europe. As Head of Industry – Europe at Isle, he helps businesses adopt cutting-edge water technologies and advance their corporate water sustainability goals.

Head of Industry - Europe, Isle Utilities

Director at BioDetection Systems in Amsterdam, The Netherlands since 2006.
Experienced in international effect-based monitoring tool development and applications since 1992. Former Managing Director and Head of several laboratories at Kaneka Corp. (Japan), Eurofins (GER) and SGS (GER/USA). 
University education at Tübingen University (Germany, 1992-1997, PhD), Lancaster University (1997, post-doc) and Kyoto University (1998-2001, post-doc).
He has ample experience in initiating/coordinating of various international collaborative research projects in many kinds of applications (ROHS, REACH, environment, water monitoring & treatment, wildlife & human health). 
His area of expertise spans innovative approaches in application of various (bio)analysis tools with many kinds of chemicals (EDCs, POPs, PFAS) in many different matrices (environment, feed/food, wildlife and human monitoring). 
He has been involved in more than 150  publications & cases related to these pollutants in various countries. 
He is currently involved in several EU Grean Deal water projects such as PROMISCES (PFAS and PMTs in the water cycle), SafeCrew (Desinfection byproducts), OneBlue (Marine water pollution) and HOLISTIC (Urban water pollution) as well as in Risk3Hunter for non-animal methods (NAMs).

Director, BioDetection Systems bv

Vice President and General Manager, McEwen Copper

With 18 years of experience working in the water sector, Ruben Wentink has developed a strong reputation as a strategic advisor in the Dutch water industry. As a strategic advisor for five years, he has focused on advising drinking water companies on critical topics such as the impacts of climate change on drinking water, strategies for reducing water consumption and navigating the complexities of water governance.
In the last two years, Ruben has shifted his focus to stormwater management, at FieldFactors,  leveraging his expertise to address climate impacts in urban environments. His work spans cities, sports facilities, and industries, where  innovative strategies are developed to mitigate the challenges posed by increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
This holistic approach to sustainable water management helps to create resilient water systems for the future.

Snr. Business Developer, FieldFactors

A passionate professional with more than decade of experience in closing the water loop in various types of challeging industrial and municipal wastewater streams with proven delivery of innovative recycling concepts. Talent for identifying the most cost-efficient solution for the client to build up a resilient and sustainable environment. 
Dimitra has developed innovative treatment solutions for mainly light & heavy industries and municipal applications, leveraging her deep technical knowledge and commitment to advancing water treatment technologies.
She is primarily working with leading industrial companies worldwide in water efficiency studies, wastewater treatment assessments and technology due diligence. Hence, her strong technical / commercial background contributes to an excellent understanding of the water market trends.

Senior Technology Consultant, Isle utilities

Antonia is an Environmental Engineer with a M.Sc at Politecnico of Turin. She is currently based in Switzerland, and she works for Isle Utilities as a Technology Consultant within the industrial team.  She has working experience on water usage within many production processes, ranging from F&B, to O&G, textile, chemical and many more. She has expertise in water treatment technologies, utilities and is very passionate about water neutrality and water stewardship. Before joining Isle, she worked at Philip Morris International and Siegried on innovative treatment technologies pilot projects, applied to wastewater, wastewater recycling and cooling towers.

Technology Consultant, Isle utilities

Kelli Fleischmann is an accomplished leader in the water quality and filtration industry, currently serving as the Vice President of Global Services at the Water Quality Association (WQA). With a proven track record in business development, operations management, and strategic planning, Kelli leads a global team, driving innovation and enhancing WQA’s product certification services to maximize customer satisfaction and market growth.
Prior to her current role, Kelli held leadership positions at Ahlstrom-Munksjo, where she spearheaded market expansion for advanced filtration technology, and at NSF International, where she led global teams in water systems and drinking water treatment certification. Her expertise in fostering collaboration, improving operational efficiency, and implementing customer-centric strategies has been instrumental in shaping industry standards.
Kelli’s career began with research in biochemistry at Detroit R&D, where she contributed to the development of drug metabolizing microarray kits. She later co-founded a creative graphics media startup, demonstrating her entrepreneurial mindset.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Detroit Mercy and remains committed to driving advancements in water quality, regulatory compliance, and customer engagement on a global scale.

Vice President of Global Services

DITEC Manager (Digitalization, Technology, and Circularity)

Bart is a Hach Application Development Manager for drinking water and desalination applications for the region EMEA. He holds a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering of Hogeschool van Utrecht, The Netherlands. Bart joined Hach Company in 2016 as sales engineer for the municipal market in The Netherlands and joined the EMEA ADM team in 2021. Before joining HACH, Bart worked in sales and product management roles with pumps, analyzers and integrated solutions.

Application Development Manager, Hach (Dr. Lange Nederland B.V.)

Philippe Tob is a chemical engineer, innovator, and entrepreneur dedicated to changing how we hydrate. As the founder of Aqvita, he has pioneered breakthrough mineral infusion technologies that transform purified water into mineral-rich hydration. Holding multiple patents, Philippe has reimagined water remineralization by mimicking nature’s process with precision and sustainability. At Aquatech, he will unveil how Aqvita’s latest innovations are setting new standards for the mineralization of purified water.

CEO, Founder at Aqvita

Program Manager Digital Twin Distribution Network (Brabant Water)

Enterprise Product Sales (Bentley)

Co Founder & CEO (Flowless)

Dr. Perrier is the Sr. Director of technology at KenWave Solutions Inc. and co-inventor of Dynamic Response Imaging™ for condition assessment.
With 20 years' expertise in vibroacoustic and 17 patents, Dr Perrier developed engineering solutions and performed technology transfer in automotive, manufacturing, construction, and water industry.

Sr. Director of Technology, KenWave Solutions Inc.

Shintaro Mori holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in materials science from Osaka Prefecture University in Japan. Since 2002, he has been a researcher at Kurita Water Industries Ltd., specializing in water treatment technologies, particularly for boiler and cooling water systems.
With a strong background in electrochemistry and corrosion protection, he has presented his research at international conferences. As an engineer, he has significantly enhanced the efficiency of water treatment processes, resulting in substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.
He is also an active member of the Japan Industrial Standards Committee (JIS) and the Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering Society. Additionally, he holds certifications as an Environmental Measurement Specialist and an Energy Manager.

Senior Chief Researcher, Kurita Water Industries

Tim van Hattum is Head of the Green Climate Solutions Programme at Wageningen University & Research and one of the initiators of The Netherland 2120. He is keynote speaker and author of the book the Only Planet Climate Guide for the 21st century. Tim is an expert in water management, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions with 25 years of experience as consult, policy advisor and researcher.

Head of the Green Climate Solutions Programme. Wageningen University & Research

Owner & Director, Influx Search

Senior Hydraulic Engineer, Qatium

Boom Chicago is an international creative group based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that writes and performs sketch and improvisational comedy at their theater on the Rozengracht.
The group performs their own shows and hosts outside productions at their theater on the Rozengracht. The venue with three theaters also houses Boom Chicago for Business, and the Boom Chicago Academy and InterActing, their program for teenagers with autism.
Shows performed at Boom Chicago examine a range of subjects including privacy, the role of technology, Europe, the extreme right, Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn, 9/11, social media, the gig economy, AI and the Metaverse.
Comedy Central News (CCN), a news show on the Dutch Comedy Central TV channel, was created by Boom Chicago

The world-class improvisers

Senior Market Director, Niras

From a young age, Kris has been fascinated by the purity and movement of clean water, which inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to environmental sustainability. His passion led him to study Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences, with a personal mission to make the world a better, more sustainable place.
With nearly 20 years of experience in various technical, process, and sales roles within the water treatment sector, Kris has established himself as a true water expert. His deep knowledge spans biological wastewater treatment, process and potable water filtration, and water reuse. Additionally, Kris is well-versed in biogas production, nutrient recovery, and heat valorization, making him a versatile professional in environmental technologies.
EXPERTISE AND SPECIALIZATIONS
• Over 20 years of experience in the water treatment sector • Specialist in biological wastewater treatment, water filtration, and water reuse • Expert in biogas, nutrient recovery, and heat valorization.

​Şenol ​Ağaç is actively supporting water technology companies in their sales efforts since 2016. He is working for 3 different clients and selling their products into the real estate industry in Germany and Europeanwide.
He is a conference speaker at Aquatech and other events & fairs in 2025.
With "Chancendeutschland" he has published a bestselling book on the future of German democracy.

Founder, Sustainable Water Consulting

Kaustub Singh is a research engineer in the R&D of Royal FrieslandCampina, specializing in membrane driven separation and purification technologies. He earned his PhD from Wageningen University, working on electro-driven water purification and resource recovery. In addition, Kaustub has contributed to the field redox active flow batteries. His work in water desalination and energy storage has appeared in several publications and multiple filed patents. At FrieslandCampina, he continues to advance (electrochemical) membrane separation technologies to support sustainable industrial processes such as side stream handling and valorization.

Research Specialist, R&D, Royal Friesland Campina

Wouter is an environmental engineer with over 12 years of experience in sustainable water technology, resource recovery, and waste stream reuse. He is a results-driven advisor who values technological solutions and human processes. Passionate about making the world a better place, he has worked on phosphorus recycling and set up numerous projects on organic waste valorization. Since 2022, he has worked at LeAF, previously at Arcadis, Nutrient Platform, and REWIN West-Brabant.

Senior Consultant, LeAF

Throughout my career, I have been active for 27 years as a project, process, and maintenance professional. My passion for energy and water management has driven me to develop innovative solutions and implement sustainable practices. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to efficiency, I have successfully completed numerous projects. My expertise and dedication make me a valued professional in the sector.

Capex Manager,  Puratos NV

Hamed is a industrial water expert with over 8 years of experience in process and R&D engineering in the field of water and wastewater treatment. He holds an EngD in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering and has led numerous projects focused on (waste)water treatment, resource recovery/reuse, and sustainable brine/concentrate management. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Hamed promotes holistic approaches to address water challenges, considering entire life cycles and natural system.

Industrial Water Expert, Royal HaskoningDHV

Stephen Wheeler is a Senior Ion Exchange Technologist at ResinTech, a US manufacturer of ion exchange products based in Camden, New Jersey. He has been in the water treatment industry for over 15 years.
 
Stephen runs the technical and applications support group for ResinTech and has been involved with their laboratory and R&D efforts to identify and remediate PFAS contaminants. Stephen has presented at multiple technical conferences on PFAS remediation technologies.
 
Stephen holds a degree in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University and is an Environmental Commissioner for the Borough of Clayton, NJ.

Senior Ion Exchange Technologist, ResinTech Inc

Co-founder and CPO, Open Hydro

Jordi Bacardit serves as a Marketing Manager for DuPont Water Solutions, where he oversees the Industrial Water and Energy sector across Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is also the global segment lead for Energy, encompassing Power Generation, Lithium Brine Purification, and Green Hydrogen. With over 15 years of experience in water treatment, Jordi has expertise in technology and application development, technical service, commercial development, and marketing roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Barcelona, complemented by an MBA from the University Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain.

Marketing Manager - Industrial Water & Energy, EMEA, DuPont Water Solutions

Myron oversees the implementation of ZwitterCo's growth strategies in North America and around the world, driving partnerships and the commercial adoption of the company's breakthrough zwitterionic membrane technology.Myron's leadership in the water treatment industry began at Osmonics, Inc., a pioneering membrane technology provider that was subsequently acquired by GE Water & Process Technologies, then Suez Water Technologies and Solutions, and eventually Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions.  Myron held increasingly senior positions throughout those corporate transitions, driving international expansion efforts across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and leading key account strategies for some of the largest global industrial clients. His expertise also expanded across core water treatment unit processes and service offerings, including chemical and monitoring solutions, engineered systems, and industrial design-build and financed solutions.  Myron holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and a master's degree in management from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

CCO(Chief Commercial Officer), Zwitterco

Jeroen Van Stappen has obtained his PhD in Geology in 2017 after which he continued in academic research with the focus on geo-chemical changes in the subsurface related to human activity. As of December 2022, Jeroen joined the Flanders Environment Agency as team lead of the inorganic and metal analyses of the laboratory. In 2024, the laboratory invested in the development of a biological section for effect based monitoring via Calux® tests. Since January 2025, Jeroen Van Stappen is the acting head of the laboratory until further notice.

head of laboratory Flanders Environment Agency / Team lead inorganics

Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer, Aqua Positive

Partners voor Water

Irene Marian is a Technical Sales Consultant with a degree in Chemical Sciences and over 15 years of experience in the water treatment and desalination industry.
 
She began her professional career in the pharmaceutical industry at Lilly Co., where she developed a focus on excellence and continuous improvement. 
 
Over 17 years ago, she joined Adiquimica, an international Spanish company specialized in water treatment products and services. Initially representing their commercial interests locally, her role soon expanded to include national and international business development, as well as developing transversal business lines such as IAQ. 
 
Working in business development, she found her passion in membrane technology, particularly reverse osmosis, and today combines her experience in the municipal sector with industrial demands to achieve increasingly greater water recoveries. 
 
Currently, she specializes in client and project management, sales, business development, and technical expertise within Adiquimica's Technical-Sales Department.

Sales Consultant, Adiquímica

Alvaro Lagartos is a Chemical Engineer with over 15 years of experience in the water industry and desalination. He has developed different roles in the industry from project engineer, process engineer, project manager, or technical service engineer in Europe, USA, LATAM, and Australia. Since 2017 he has been working for LG NanoH2O, initially as a Senior Application Engineer, and in 2023, he was promoted to Senior Technical Marketing Manager, his current role.

Senior Technical Marketing Manager, LG Chem

I am a chemical and process engineer graduated with honors at the University of Cagliari, Italy, in the 2013. Through my university career I became passionate about water treatment solutions and water management related topics which I further developed during my dissertations focusing first on the biological wastewater treatments at the municipal wastewater treatment of Cagliari and then within the research laboratories of the University of Cagliari testing Rhodotorula glutinis yeast ability applied to the biological wastewater treatments. My professional career started within the Oil&Gas industry as maintenance engineer where I have been involved in the maintenance services management for the biggest multinational oil companies worldwide, to move in 2018 to Philip Morris International at the Manufacturing & Technology Production site in Bologna as Utilities Engineer within the Facility and Utilities department. This role enabled me to gain fundamental expertise both in the O&M management and technology solutions of the main production utilities with a strong focus on Water and Wastewater Treatment systems. Since 2019 I have been a member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship team of Bologna site, becoming the team leader in 2022 after moving to Manufacturing Sustainability department as Sustainability Engineer. In October 2024 I joined the global operations sustainability department as Project Lead Environmental Sustainability. The role focuses on Climate Change, Water and Biodiversity topics relevant for the entire Philip Morris International Supply Chain.

Project Lead Environmental Sustainability, Philip Morris International

Tina Donda serves as the Senior Vice President of IAPMO R&T's Water Systems program, where she leads strategic planning and oversees key initiatives within the division. With over 20 years of experience in the water treatment industry, Tina has an extensive background in both the technical and operational aspects of product certifications. Prior to her current role, she managed the daily operations of IAPMO R&T’s product certification program for water treatment products. Tina is also actively involved in standards writing groups, contributing to the revision of existing standards and the development of new ones. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, and Management from Penn State University.

Senior VicePresident, IAPMO R&T's Water System Program

I am a consultant helping manufacturers and other organizations with product certification strategies focusing in the areas of POU / POE, Drinking Water Treatment, and Municipal Distribution. 
I am a voting member of the NSF Joint Committee on Drinking Water Treatment Units.
Leveraging the unique knowledge developed over 24+ years with NSF, while authoring over 200 trade publication articles, and presenting dozens of seminars around the globe, I can assist with deep technical understanding and a proven ability to craft bespoke solutions for specific situations and aspirations.

Consultant, Rick Andrew Consulting Services

I am a general manager and an civil engineer served in the Korea Water Resources Corporation. I have had extensive experiences in the water sector including water resources development, overseas projects, climate change adaptation and corporate strategy since 2005. Currently, I am leading the global marketing and project development leveraging the digital water management technology in the water utility such as digital twin water management platform, AI-enabled water treatment plant and smart water network management of K-water.

General Manager, K-water

Assiyeh Tabatabai is Senior Application Expert at Lhoist where she leads product and application development for water, wastewater, and sludge treatment. Assiyeh holds an MSc in Water Supply Engineering from UNESCO-IHE, Delft and a PhD in membrane-based desalination technology from TU Delft. With over a decade of experience in technology development and commercialization, Assiyeh has worked across various areas of the water treatment value chain. She is dedicated to developing solutions that reduce the chemical and energy footprint of water treatment processes and recover valuable compounds from reject streams.

Senior Applications Expert, Lhoist

VP Client Success (Daupler)

Co-Founder & COO (Riverkin)

Business Developer National, Water Alliance

Global Marketing Manager, ASTERRA

More than 20 years of experience as Sales Manager and Project Manager in the field of Marketing and Communication, leading and coordinating teams in sectors as diverse as the publishing world, specialized consultancy in the health sector and pharmaceutical industry, and media for professionals or general media. Also experience with customers and suppliers in areas of purchasing and customer service and in sectors such as large food and distribution chains, logistics multinationals, and online portals in the automotive sector or vehicle maintenance managers serving large leasing fleets.

Head of Sales Municipal Wastewater, CIMICO

Director International Sales Chromafora, Chromaforma

Nicholas Nelson is the Director of Innovation and Technical Marketing at Omya International for Consumer & Environmental Solutions, responsible for the development of products and solutions for water, air and consumer applications based on natural minerals.

Director of Innovation and Technical Marketing for Consumer & Environmental Solutions, Omya International

Application Technology Manager

Tenair

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