"Process Systems Engineering Opportunities for Supporting End-of-Life Material Management"

This event is sponsored by FAMU-FSU Engineering Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Abstract: Chemicals used in industrial and commercial products are essential for improving the quality of life. However, managing these substances properly throughout their manufacturing, use, and disposal stages is crucial. Chemical risk and sustainability assessments identify events, exposure scenarios, and processing steps that could lead to adverse environmental, economic, and health outcomes. We can minimize and prevent potential risks by understanding and addressing these factors. Therefore, collecting comprehensive material flow data is essential for conducting risk assessments, which can guide stakeholders in industry, government, and communities toward implementing circular economy initiatives. This presentation will outline current efforts to develop material flow inventories that estimate potential environmental chemical releases during recycling, disposal, and energy recovery activities, along with relevant exposure scenarios. Additionally, it will demonstrate how understanding potential releases, hazards, and risks can inform the development of safer recycling infrastructures. This is a key component in fostering sustainable materials management initiatives.

Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado

Research Chemical Engineer

Office of Research and Development (ORD) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Speaker Bio: Dr. Gerardo J. Ruiz-Mercado is a Research Chemical Engineer with the Office of Research and Development (ORD) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Cincinnati, OH. Gerardo leads projects on decision support tools, techniques, economics, and planning for the sustainable management of end-oflife materials. Gerardo holds a Ph.D. from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez and a B.S. from Universidad del Atlántico - Colombia. Gerardo volunteers as an adjunct professor at the Universidad del Atlántico, journal assistant editor, and an executive member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. His publications and presentations include over 75 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, a book, and more than 175 talks at technical conferences and meetings. Moreover, he is a peer reviewer for 55 indexed journals and a mentor for Ph.D., MSc, and B.S. students. Gerardo has received multiple awards, including the EPA Scientific and Technological Achievement Award, the Federal Service Excellence Diversity Award, the EPA - ORD Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Award, ORISE Future of Science Mentor Award, and the Distinguished Alumni from Universidad del Atlántico.