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PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & INVITED SEMINARS


Articles Published in Peer-Reviewed Journals

*McElhoe, J., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) “Effects of chitin purity and proppant loading on the bioremediation of chlorothenes.” Journal of Environmental Engineering, in press.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Anaerobic precipitation of manganese and co-existing metals in mine impacted water treated with crab shell-associated minerals." Applied Geochemistry, 26: 853 - 862.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Biosorption of manganese onto chitin and associated proteins during the treatment of mine impacted water." Chemical Engineering Journal, 162: 565 - 572.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Improved passive treatment of acid mine drainage in mushroom compost amended with crab-shell chitin." Journal of Environmental Engineering, 136 (6): 616 - 626.

*Cai, H.,*Eramo, A. G., Evans, P. J., Fricke, R., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "In situ bioremediation of perchlorate in vadose zone soil using gaseous electron donors: microcosm treatability study." Water Environment Research, 82 (5): 409 - 417.

*Robinson-Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R.A. (2010) "Chitin complex for the remediation of mine impacted water: geochemistry of metal removal and comparison with other common substrates." Applied Geochemistry, 25 (3): 336 - 344.

*Robinson-Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R.A. (2009) "Efficient metal removal and neutralization of acid mine drainage by crab-shell chitin under batch and continuous-flow conditions." Bioresource Technology, 100 (21): 5063 - 5071.

*Robinson Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "The use of crab-shell chitin for biological denitrification: batch and column tests." Bioresource Technology, 100 (2): 534 - 541.

‡Daubert, L. N., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Passive remediation of acid mine drainage using crab shell chitin." Environmental Engineering Science, 24 (10): 1475 - 1480.

*Rezaei, F., Richard, T. L., Brennan, R. A., and Logan, B. E. (2007) "Substrate-enhanced microbial fuel cells for improved remote power generation from sediment-based systems." Environmental Science & Technology, 41 (11): 4053-4058.

Brennan, R. A., Sanford, R. A., and Werth, C. J. (2006) “Biodegradation of tetrachloroethene by chitin fermentation products in a continuous flow column system.” Journal of Environmental Engineering, 132 (6): 664 - 673.

Brennan, R. A., Sanford, R. A., and Werth, C. J. (2006) “Chitin and corncobs as electron donor sources for the reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene.” Water Research, 40 (11): 2125 - 2134.

Prior to Penn State:

Brennan, R. A., and Sanford, R. A. (2002) “A continuous steady-state method for delivering tetrachloroethene (PCE) to chlororespiring bacteria using Tenax.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68 (3): 1464-1467.

Edwards, F. G., Egemen, E., Brennan, R., and Nirmalakhandan, N. (1999) “Ranking of toxics release inventory chemicals using a level III fugacity model and toxicity.” Water Science & Technology. 39 (10): 83 - 90.

Egemen, E., Corpening, J., Padilla, J., Brennan, R., and Nirmalakhandan, N. (1999) "Evaluation of ozonation and cryptic growth for biosolids management in wastewater treatment." Water Science & Technology. 39 (10): 155-158.

Brennan, R. A., Nirmalakhandan, N., and Speece, R. E. (1998) “Comparison of predictive methods for Henrys law coefficients of organic chemicals.” Water Research, 32 (6): 1901-1911.

Nirmalakhandan, N., Brennan, R. A., and Speece, R. E. (1997) “Predicting Henrys constant and the effect of temperature on Henrys constant.” Water Research, 31 (6): 1471 - 1481.

Nirmalakhandan, N., Xu, S., Trevizo, C., and Brennan, R. (1997) “Additivity in microbial toxicity of non-uniform mixtures of organic chemicals.” Exotoxicology & Environmental Safety, 37 (1): 97 - 102.


Articles Published in the Popular Press

Curtis, C. (2011) "Hydroponic rafts may be a solution to Chinese water pollution." Research Penn State, http://www.rps.psu.edu/indepth/floating_filters.html.

Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Getting crabby about high-strength mine drainage? The combination of chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate in crab shells may offer a passive treatment solution." Reclamation Matters, Autumn Issue.

Curtis, C. (2010) "Clean water act." Feature article, Engineering Penn State, 26 (1): 12 - 13.

Spanier, E.  (2009) “Crustacean cleanup: crab shell chitin shows promise in remediating acid mine drainage.”  Research Penn State, http://www.rps.psu.edu/pennsylvania/crustacean_cleanup.html. 

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "A new use for mushroom compost: bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil." Mushroom News, November issue.


Articles Published in Refereed Proceedings

*Grembi, J. A., ‡Sick, B. A., ‡Goots, S. S., ‡Lin, S., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Remediation of high-strength mine impacted water with crab shell substrate mixtures: laboratory column and field pilot tests." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Bismarck, ND, June 13.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "The role of precipitation and biosorption in the abiotic removal of manganese with crab-shell chitin." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Pittsburgh, PA, June 7.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Rapid alkalinity generation and metal removal from mine impacted water using crab-shell chitin under abiotic conditions." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Billings, MT, June 2.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Evaluating crab-shell chitin, lactate, and spent mushroom compost for acid mine drainage remediation in central Pennsylvania." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

‡Korte, K. M., *Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Evaluation of three different purities of crab-shell for the remediation of mine impacted water." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

Venot, C., Figueroa, L., Brennan, R. A., Wildeman, T.R., Reisman, D., Sieczkowski, M. (2008) "Comparing chitin and organic substrates on the National Tunnel waters in Blackhawk, Colorado, for manganese removal." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

Martin, J.P., Sorenson, K.S. Jr., Brennan, R.A., Sanford, R.A., Werth, C.J., Bures, G.H., Guest, G., and Fulton, R. (2004)  "Full-scale application of chitin for bioremediation of chlorinated solvents." Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Fourth International Conference.

Prior to Penn State:

Brennan, R.A., Werth, C.J., Sanford, R.A., Sorenson, K.S., Martin, J.P., and Bures, G.H. (2002)  "From the lab to the field: development and deployment of the halorespiration enhancing redox transition zone (HERTZ) technology for bioremediation." Association of Environmental Engineering & Science Professors Conference, Canada.

Martin, J.P., Sorenson, K.S., Peterson, L.N., Brennan, R.A., Werth, C.J., Sanford, R.A., Bures, G.H., and Taylor, C.J. (2002) "Enhanced CAH dechlorination in a low permeability, variably-saturated medium." Proceedings of the Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Third International Conference.

Vera S.M., Brennan, R.A., Werth, C.J., and Sanford, R.A. (2000) "Analysis of substrates to support a halorespiration enhanced redox transition zone, HERTZ, in chlorinated solvent impacted groundwater." Groundwater 2000 Conference, Denmark.

Egemen, E., Corpening, J., Padilla, J., Brennan, R., and Nirmalakhandan, N. (1997) "Evaluation of ozonation and cryptic growth for biosolids management in wastewater treatment." IAWQ Specialized Conference on Chemical Industries, South Africa.


Conference Proceedings Refereed by Abstract (selected photos)

*Lin, Y., *Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Crab shell amendments support more diverse bacterial and archaeal communities in sulfate-reducing columns treating acid mine drainage." Poster presentation, American Society for Microbiology 112th General Meeting, San Francisco, June 19.

*Shreve, M., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Growth, removal of 17B-estradiol, and production of ligninolytic enzymes by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor in secondary wastewater treatment plant effluent."  Podium presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 84th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2012), State College, PA, June 5.

*Kelsey, D. J., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Enhanced nutrient removal from wastewater using sustainable duckweed biomass."  Poster presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 84th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2012), State College, PA, June 5.

*Lin, Y., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Crab shell amendments support more diverse bacterial and archaeal communities in sulfate-reducing columns treating acid mine drainage." Poster presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 84th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2012), State College, PA, June 5.

‡Goots, S., *Grembi, J., ‡Lin, S., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Cleaning up Little Laurel Run: comparative performance of different crab shell mixtures for supporting remediation of acid mine drainage in pilot-scale reactors." Poster presentation, 6th West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium, State College, PA, April 27.

*Lin, Y., *Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Crab shell amendments support more diverse bacterial and archaeal communities in sulfate-reducing columns treating acid mine drainage." Poster presentation (3rd Place Winner), 6th West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium, State College, PA, April 27.

‡Sheehan, M. W., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Optimizing the solar water disinfection method to efficiently produce potable water from ecologically-treated wastewater using recycled polyethylene terephthalate bottles." Poster presentation (2nd Place Winner in Engineering category), Undergraduate Research Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 11.

‡McKee, S. P., *Kelsey, D. J., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Water quality fluctuations during the start-up of a pilot-scale ecological wastewater treatment system." Poster presentation, Undergraduate Research Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 11.

‡Goots, S., *Grembi, J., ‡Lin, S., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Cleaning up Little Laurel Run: comparative performance of different crab shell mixtures for supporting remediation of acid mine drainage in pilot-scale reactors." Poster presentation, Undergraduate Research Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 11.

*Kelsey, D. J., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Optimal growth conditions and beneficial uses of duckweed salvaged from ecological wastewater treatment systems."Poster presentation (1st Place Winner), College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Lin, Y., *Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Crab shell amendments support more diverse bacterial and archaeal communities in sulfate-reducing columns treating acid mine drainage." Oral presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*McKee, S. P., Kelsey, D. J., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Water quality fluctuations and ecosystem development during start-up of a pilot-scale ecological wastewater treatment system."Poster presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Shreve, M., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Production of extracellular enzymes and removal of 17B-estradiol using white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor grown in batch microcosms containing wastewater treatment plant effluent." Poster presentation, (1st Place Winner in Environmental Engineering & Ecology category and Best Overall Poster Presentation),15th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, University Park, PA, March 31.

*Kelsey, D. J., and Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Producing sustainable duckweed biomass from ecological wastewater treatment systems." Poster presentation, 15th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, University Park, PA, March 31.

*Shreve, M., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "White rot fungi in the removal of EDCs and estrogenic activity from wastewater."  Podium presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 83nd Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2011), Lancaster, PA, June 7.

*Henry, E., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "The development of an advanced treatment process to remove endocrine disrupting compounds from wastewater."  Podium presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 83nd Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2011), Lancaster, PA, June 7.

‡Goots, S., *Grembi, J., ‡Lin, S., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Cleaning up Little Laurel Run: pilot-scale bioremediation of acid mine drainage with crab shell mixtures." Poster presentation (1st Place Winner in Engineering category), Undergraduate Research Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 13.

*Lin, Y., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Comparison of microbial communities in sulfate-reducing columns treating acid mine drainage." Oral presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Henry, E., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Conditions for biodegradation of endocrine disrupting compounds by white-rot fungi in large-scale wastewater applications." Poster presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

‡Goots, S., *Grembi, J., ‡Lin, S., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Cleaning up Little Laurel Run: pilot-scale bioremediation of acid mine drainage with crab shell mixtures." Poster presentation (1st Place Winner in Undergraduate category), College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Grembi, J., ‡Sick, B., ‡Goots, S., ‡Lin, S., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Solving a local problem: crab shell mixtures remediate high-strength acid mine drainage." Oral presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Binsomprasong, N., and Brennan, R. A. (2011) "Biocatalysis of lignin and COD in pulp and paper mill effluent using fungal mycelia." Poster presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Robinson-Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Remediation of manganese-bearing mine impacted water using crab-shell chitin: Isolating the abiotic mechanisms of sorption and precipitation." Poster presentation, 240th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting & Exposition, Boston, MA, August 25.

*Grembi, J. A., ‡Sick, B. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Utilization of a sustainable resource to remediate high-strength mine impacted water from a local abandoned mine: Crab-shell column study." Oral presentation, 240th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting & Exposition, Boston, MA, August 24.

*Caporuscio, A. F., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "From Silent Spring to the forest floor: enzymatic biocatalysis of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater using fungal mycelia."Poster presentation, Bridges STEM Symposium, Graduate Women in Science National Meeting, State College, PA, June 19.

*Henry, E., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Optimum conditions for biodegradation of endocrine-disrupting compounds by white-rot fungi in large-scale wastewater applications."  Podium presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 82nd Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2010), State College, PA, June 14.

*Caporuscio, A. F., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "From Silent Spring to the forest floor: enzymatic biocatalysis of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater using fungal mycelia."Poster presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 82nd Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2010), State College, PA, June 14.

*Grembi, J. A., ‡Sick, B. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Cost-effective treatment of high-risk mine impacted water using crab-shell amendments to spent mushroom compost: column studies."Poster presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 82nd Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2010), State College, PA, June 14.

*Caporuscio, A. F., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Passive remediation of acid precipitation using crab-shell chitin: a treatability study." Poster presentation, (2nd Place Student Poster Award), National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Pittsburgh, PA, June 9.

*Grembi, J. A., ‡Sick, B. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Cost-effective treatment of high-risk mine impacted water using crab-shell amendments to spent mushroom compost: column studies." Poster presentation (3rd Place Student Poster Award), National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Pittsburgh, PA, June 9.

‡Brown, A. K, and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Passive remediation of "high risk" acid mine drainage using crab shell chitin as a substrate amendment." Poster presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Pittsburgh, PA, June 9.

*Henry, E., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Determination of optimum conditions for removal of endocrine-disrupting compounds by white-rot fungi in large-scale applications."  Poster presentation, The Pennsylvania Water Symposium, University Park, PA, May 6.

*Caporuscio, A. F., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Magnificent mushrooms: enzymatic biocatalysis of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater using fungal mycelia." Poster presentation, The Pennsylvania Water Symposium, University Park, PA, May 6.

‡Sick, B. A., *Grembi, J. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Analysis and design of fractional crab-shell amendments to spent mushroom compost for the treatment of high-strength mine impacted water." Poster presentation (1st Place Winner in Engineering category), Undergraduate Research Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 7.

‡Brown, A. K, and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Passive remediation of high metal loading, net acidic mine impacted water using crab shell chitin as a substrate amendment." Poster presentation (1st Place Winner in Undergraduate category), College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 1.

*Caporuscio, A. F., Anderson, K. R., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Acid precipitation remediation using crab-shells: a laboratory treatability study." Oral presentation (2nd Place Winner in Engineering and Material Science category), 13th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, University Park, PA, March 27.

*Caporuscio, A. F., Anderson, K. R., and Brennan, R. A. (2010) "Passive remediation of acid precipitation using crab-shell chitin: a laboratory treatability study." Poster presentation, Keystone Coldwater Conference, State College, PA, February 20.

‡Brown, A. K, and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Passive remediation of "high risk" acid mine drainage using crab shell chitin as a substrate amendment." Poster presentation, Undergraduate Research at the Capitol - Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, October 20.

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil with used mushroom compost." Oral presentation, 51st Annual Penn State Mushroom Industry Conference, Kennett Square, PA, September 21.

*Newcombe, C. E., *Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Effective and low-cost treatment of acid mine drainage using chitin as a fractional amendment to compost: batch and column tests." Poster presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Billings, MT, June 2.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Rapid alkalinity generation and metal removal from mine impacted water using crab-shell chitin under abiotic conditions." Oral paper presentation (3rd Place Student Presentation award), National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Billings, MT, June 2.

*Henry, E., *Robinson Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "The beauty of arthropods: a comparison of crab-shell vs. insect chitin for the remediation of metal-laden waters." Poster presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 10th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 7.

*Robinson Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Remediation of mine-impacted water using crab-shell chitin as an electron donor and alkalinity source." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 10th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 7.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Chitin as an additive to compost to enhance passive treatment of mine-impacted waters." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 10th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 7.

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Bioremediation of diesel-contaminated soil using spent mushroom compost." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 10th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 7.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Effective and low-cost treatment of acid mine drainage using chitin as a fractional amendment to spent mushroom compost." Poster presentation (1st Place Winner in Environmental Engineering & Ecology category), 12th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 27.

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Bioremediation of diesel contaminated soil using spent mushroom compost." Oral presentation (1st Place Winner in Ecology, Meteorology, and Engineering category), 12th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 27.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Enhanced treatment of acid mine drainage using chitin as a fractional amendment to spent mushroom compost." Poster presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 24.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Chitin as a fractional amendment to spent mushroom compost to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment of mine impacted water." Poster presentation (1st Place Student Poster Award), National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

Venot, C., Figueroa, L., Brennan, R. A., Wildeman, T.R., Reisman, D., Sieczkowski, M. (2008) "Comparing chitin and organic substrates on the National Tunnel waters in Blackhawk, Colorado, for manganese removal." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

‡Korte, K. M., *Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Evaluation of three different purities of crab-shell for the remediation of mine impacted water." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

*Robinson-Lora, M.A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Evaluating crab-shell chitin, lactate, and spent mushroom compost for acid mine drainage remediation in central Pennsylvania." Oral paper presentation, National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation, Richmond, VA, June 17.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Increasing the efficiency of acid mine drainage treatment through enhancement of spent mushroom compost substrate with chitin." Podium presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 80th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2008), State College, PA, June 2.

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Sustainable treatment of diesel contaminated sediments using spent mushroom compost." Poster presentation (Student Research Award Recipient), Pennsylvania Water Environment Association 80th Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition (PennTec 2008), State College, PA, June 2.

*McElhoe, J. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Spatial and temporal quantification of multiple Dehalococcoides strains throughout the stages of reductive TCE dechlorination." Platform presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Sixth International Conference, Monterey, CA, May 22.

Evans, P. J., Titus, T., Brennan, R. A., *Cai, H., and Fricke, R. (2008) "Perchlorate remediation in vadose zone soil by Gaseous Electron Donor Injection Technology (GEDIT)." Platform presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Sixth International Conference, Monterey, CA, May 22.

Venot, C., Figueroa, L. A., Brennan, R. A., Sieczkowski, M. R., and Al-Abed, S. R. (2008) "Pilot-scale biochemical reactor treatability study for metals removal from mining influenced water." Platform presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Sixth International Conference, Monterey, CA, May 22.

*Newcombe, C. E., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Enhanced treatment of acid mine drainage using chitin as a fractional amendment to spent mushroom compost." Poster presentation, College of Engineering Research Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 1.

*McElhoe, J. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Chemical and molecular characterization throughout the course of chitin-enhanced TCE dechlorination." Oral presentation (2nd Place Winner in Environmental Engineering & Ecology session), 11th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 29.

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Sustainable treatment of diesel contaminated sediments using spent mushroom compost." Poster presentation (2nd Place Winner in Environmental Engineering & Ecology category), 11th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 28.

*Cai, H., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Vadose zone treatment of perchlorate using gaseous electron donors." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 9th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 8.

*Robinson Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Evaluation of chitin as an electron donor source for biological nitrate reduction: column studies." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 9th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 8.

*McElhoe, J. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Evaluation of dynamic chemical gradients during the course of trichloroethene remediation using a fermentable substrate." Poster presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 9th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 8.

‡Daubert, L. N., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Passive remediation of acid mine drainage using chitin." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 9th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 7.

Sieczkowski, M. R., Smith, D., *Robinson-Lora, M. A., ‡Umlah, K., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Using bioremediation to remediate acid mine drainage." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 9th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 7.

*Robinson Lora, M. A., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Natural chitinous naterial as a neutralizing agent and electron donor source for the passive remediation of acid mine drainage." Poster presentation, 10th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 13.

*Cai, H., and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Bioremediation of perchlorate in vadose zone soil using gaseous electron donors: microcosm tests." Poster presentation, The Graduate Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 25.

*McElhoe, J. A. and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Evaluation of dynamic chemical gradients over space and time during the course of trichloroethene remediation using a fermentable substrate." Poster presentation, The Graduate Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 25.

*Robinson Lora, M. A. and Brennan, R. A. (2007) "Passive remediation of acid mine drainage using chitinous materials: microcosm and column studies on three sites within central Pennsylvania." Poster presentation (2nd Place Winner in Engineering category), The Graduate Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 25.

Brennan, R. A., *Cai, H., **Min, B., and Evans, P. J. (2006) "Treatability study for the bioremediation of perchlorate in vadose zone soils using gaseous electron donors." Poster presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Fifth International Conference, Monterey, CA, May 23.

‡Daubert, L. and Brennan, R. A. (2006) “A laboratory investigation of passive acid mine drainage treatment using chitin.” Poster presentation (1st Place Winner in Engineering category), Undergraduate Research Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, April 5.

*Robinson Lora, M. A. and Brennan, R. A. (2006) “Use of crab shell chitin as an electron donor source for biological denitrification in batch and column tests.” Platform presentation, 9th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 18.

*Robinson Lora, M. A. and Brennan, R. A. (2006) “Biological nitrate reduction using chitin as an electron donor source.” Poster presentation, The Graduate Exhibition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, March 25.

*McElhoe, J. and Brennan, R. A. (2005) “Optimization of chitin grade and mass loading for chloroethene bioremediation.” Poster presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 8th International Symposium, Baltimore, MD.

*Robinson Lora, M. A. and Brennan, R. A. (2005) “Evaluation of chitin as an electron donor source for biological nitrate reduction.” Poster presentation, 8th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

*McElhoe, J. and Brennan, R. A. (2005) “Optimization of chitin grade and mass loading for chloroethene bioremediation.” Poster presentation, 8th Annual Environmental Chemistry Student Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

Brennan, R. A., Werth, C. J., and Sanford, R. A. (2004) “Tracking the growth and distribution of a chloridogenic microbial community in PCE-contaminated sediments treated with chitin.” Poster presentation, 10th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology - ISME, Cancun, Mexico.

Brennan, R. A., Sanford, R. A., and Werth, C. J. (2004) “Bioremediation of tetrachloroethene using chitin: spatial and temporal effects in a 1-D column system.” Poster presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Fourth International Conference, Monterey, CA.

Prior to Penn State:

Martin, J. P., Sorenson, K. S. Jr., Brennan, R. A., Sanford, R. A., Werth, C .J., Bures, G. H., Guest, G., and Fulton, R. (2004) “Full-scale application of chitin for bioremediation of chlorinated solvents.” Poster presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Fourth International Conference, Monterey, CA.

Brennan, R. A., Werth, C. J., Sanford, R. A., Sorenson, K. S., Martin, J. P., and Bures, G. H. (2002) “From the lab to the field: development and deployment of the halorespiration enhancing redox transition zone (HERTZ) technology for bioremediation.” Poster presentation, Association of Environmental Engineering & Science Professors Conference, Toronto, Canada.

Martin, J. P., Sorenson, K. S., Peterson, L. N., Brennan, R. A., Werth, C. J., Sanford, R. A., Bures, G. H., and Taylor, C. J. (2002) “Enhanced CAH dechlorination in a low permeability, variably-saturated medium.” Poster presentation, Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Third International Conference, Monterey, CA.

Brennan, R. A., Vera, S. M., Sanford, R. A., and Werth, C. J. (2001) “Bioremediation of perchloroethene in a column experiment using chitin fermentation.” Poster presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 6th International Symposium, San Diego, CA.

Brennan, R. A., Feinrich, E., and Scholz-Muramatsu, H. (2001) “Feasibility of sequential anaerobic-aerobic dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes in contaminated aquifers.” Poster presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 6th International Symposium, San Diego, CA.

Vera S. M., Brennan, R. A., Werth, C. J., and Sanford, R. A. (2000) "Analysis of substrates to support a halorespiration enhanced redox transition zone, HERTZ, in chlorinated solvent impacted groundwater." Poster presentation, Groundwater 2000 Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Swanson, A. R., Brennan, R. A., Loffler, F. E., and Sanford, R. A. (1999) "Hydrogen generation, 14C-acetate assimilation, and the role of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by succinate-fed, tetrachloroethene-respiring Desulfuromonas sp. strain BB1." Poster presentation, American Society for Microbiology 99th General Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Brennan, R. A., Swanson, A. R., Loffler, F. E., Sanford, R. A. (1999) "Chlorinated solvent bioremediation: a novel approach to measuring bacterial kinetics." Platform presentation, In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation 5th International Symposium, San Diego, CA.

Brennan, R. A., Swanson, A. R., Loffler, F. E., Sanford, R. A. (1998) “Use of a solid-phase sorbent for manipulating PCE concentrations in growing cultures of the halorespiring bacterial strain BB1.” Poster presentation, American Society for Microbiology 98th General Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Brennan, R. A., and Nirmalakhandan, N.  (1996)  “Air-stripping: predicting the effect of temperature on Henry’s constant using a QSAR model, and analyzing the energy requirements of two competitive systems.”  Poster presentation, American Chemical Society Conference, Orlando, FL.

Brennan, R. A., and Nirmalakhandan, N.  (1995)  “Predicting the effect of temperature on Henry’s constant for hazardous air pollutants.”  Poster presentation, Air & Waste Management Association Conference, San Antonio, TX.

 

Invited Seminars

Brennan, R. A. (2012) "They're Not Just for Dinner Anymore: Removal of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals from Wastewater using White-rot Fungi." Invited speaker, 54th Annual Penn State Mushroom Industry Conference, University Park, PA, June 11.

Brennan, R. A. (2012) "Engineering at the Chemistry-Biology Interface: Revolutionary Advances in Applied Science from the Molecular-Level to the Global Ecosystem." Invited speaker, 18th Annual German-American Frontiers of Science Symposium, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Potsdam, Germany, May 11.

Brennan, R. A.  (2012)  “Remediation of High-Strength Mine Impacted Water at the Klondike-1 Discharge using Crab Shell Substrate Mixtures: Laboratory Column and Field Pilot Tests.”  Invited speaker , 6th West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium, State College, PA, April 27.

Brennan, R. A.  (2012)  “Friends in Small Places: Using Eco-Machines to Clean Contaminated Water and Produce Byproducts with Economic Value.” Keynote Address, Faculty Invitational Lecture Series Guest Speaker, Penn State Lehigh Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium, Center Valley, PA, April 5.

Brennan, R. A.  (2012)  “Removal of Endocrine Disruptors from Wastewater: Current Technologies and Advanced Research.”  Invited continuing education seminar, Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, University Park, PA, March 29.

Brennan, R. A. (2011) “Ecological Wastewater Treatment: The Promise of Living Machines.” Invited
seminar, International Workshop of Water Environment and Ecological Restoration of Taihu Lake,
Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China, May 20.

Brennan, R. A. (2011) “Klondike-1 Crab Shell Pilot Test: Results and Field Tour.”  Invited seminar, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Board Meeting, Cambria County, PA, April 26.

Brennan, R. A.  (2011)  “Removal of Endocrine Disruptors from Wastewater: Current and Developing Technologies.”  Invited continuing education seminar, Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, University Park, PA, March 31.

Brennan, R. A. (2010) “Enzymatic Biocatalysis of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Wastewater using Phanerochaete chrysosporium.”  Invited seminar, Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, November 28.

Brennan, R. A. (2010) “Plastics, Pesticides, and Pharmaceuticals: Understanding the Potential Health Risks to Ourselves and Our Children.”  Invited seminar, League of Women Voters of Centre County, Public Forum, State College, PA, September 15.

Brennan, R. A. (2010) “Pilot-Scale Field Test of Crab Shell for the Treatment of High-Risk Acid Mine Drainage at Klondike-1.”  Invited seminar, Clearfield Creek Watershed Association, Cambria County, PA, June 15.

Brennan, R. A. (2010) “Using Living Machines to Remove Endocrine Disruptors from Wastewater.”  Invited seminar, The Pennsylvania Water Symposium, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, May 6.

Brennan, R. A. (2010) “You're Going to Drink WHAT???: Using Living Machines to Clean Contaminated Water.”  Invited seminar, Penn State Lectures on the Frontiers of Science, sponsored by the Penn State Eberly College of Science and the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, February 6.

Brennan, R. A. (2009) “Civil engineering for sustainable design.”  Invited seminar, sponsored by Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, December 2.

Brennan, R.A. (2008) “Solving a global water crisis in a local watershed: a comprehensive analysis of chitin as a multifunctional substrate for the treatment of acid mine drainage.” Invited seminar, University of Tennessee, sponsored by the University of Tennessee Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, Joint Institute for Biological Sciences and the Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Knoxville, TN, April 4.

Brennan, R.A. (2007) “The future of multifunctional substrates in remediation design.” Invited seminar, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. (CDM), Denver, CO, May 17.

Brennan, R.A. (2005) “From shrimp dinners to superfund sites: the use of chitin for the bioremediation of chlorinated solvents.” Invited seminar, Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, March 11.

Brennan, R.A. (2004) “From shrimp dinners to superfund sites: the use of chitin for the bioremediation of chlorinated solvents.” Invited seminar, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, September 17.


Research Reports to Sponsor

Evans, P., *Cai, H., Hopfensperger, K., Optiz, E., Titus, T., and Brennan, R. (2009) "In situ bioremediation of perchlorate in vadose zone soil using gaseous electron donors." Final report to the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).

*Caporuscio, A. F., and Brennan, R. A. (2009) "Passive remediation of acid precipitation in the South Branch of Kinzua Creek using crab-shell chitin: a treatability study." Final report to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

*Eramo, A., and Brennan, R. A. (2008) "Bioremediation of diesel contaminated sediments using spent mushroom compost: microcosm tests." Submitted to The California Mushroom Farm.

Sorenson, K. S., Martin, J. P., Brennan, R. A., Bures, G. H. (2002) “Phase I SBIR final report: fracing technology for remediation of chlorinated solvent source areas in low permeability media.” NSF SBIR program.


Theses Supervised

‡Sheehan, M. W. (2012) “Optimizing the solar disinfection method to produce potable water from ecologically-treated wastewater using recycled polyethylene terephthalate bottles”, Honors Thesis, The Pennyslvania State University.

*McElhoe, J. A. (2011) “Spatial and temporal evaluation of dechlorinating populations during crab shell enhanced bioremediation”, Ph.D. Dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Grembi, J. A. (2011) “Remediation of high-strength mine impacted water with crab-shell substrate mixtures: laboratory column and field pilot tests”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Binsomprasong, N. (2011) “Biocatalysis of lignin and COD in pulp and paper mill effluent using immobilized symbiotic fungal mycelia”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Henry, E. E. (2011) “The development of an advanced treatment process to remove endocrine disrupting compounds from wastewater using Phanerochaete chrysosporium”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

‡Shreve, M. J. (2010) “Alginate encapsulation of Phanerochaete chrysosporium for the fungal biocatalysis of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater”, Honors Thesis, The Pennyslvania State University.

*Caporuscio, A. F. (2010) “The road to Brook Trout recovery: crab shell restores alkalinity to watersheds impacted by acid deposition”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

‡Sick, B. A. (2010) “Analysis and design of fractional crab-shell amendments to spent mushroom compost for the treatment of high-strength mine impacted water”, Honors Thesis, The Pennyslvania State University.

*Robinson-Lora, M. A. (2009) “Evaluation of chitinous materials as a multifunctional substrate for the remediation of mine impacted water”, Ph.D. Dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Eramo, A. (2009) “Bioremediation of diesel contaminated soil using spent mushroom compost”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Newcombe, C. (2009) “Effective and low-cost treatment of acid mine drainage using chitin as a fractional amendment to compost”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Robinson-Lora, M. A. (2007) “Biological denitrification of drinking water supplies using chitin”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

*Cai, H. (2007) “Treatability study of in situ bioremediation of perchlorate in vadose zone soil using gaseous electron donors”, M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University.

‡Daubert, L. N. (2006) “A laboratory investigation of passive remediation of acid mine drainage using chitin from crab shells”, Honors Thesis, The Pennyslvania State University.

 

‡Undergraduate student supervised by Dr. Brennan
*Graduate student supervised by Dr. Brennan
**Post-doctoral student supervised by Dr. Brennan