Posted on Monday, December 15, 2008
Leslie Danos, a Westminster College senior environmental science major, recently presented her capstone research, "Assessing the Cause of Elevated Zinc Levels Being Discharged into the Shenango River from an Industrial Source."
The research was completed under the supervision of Dr. Helen Boylan, Westminster associate professor of chemistry and a 1995 Westminster graduate.
Over a month's time, Danos collected water samples from various locations throughout a manufacturing company that was periodically releasing water containing high zinc levels into the Shenango River. She also researched company records to determine if the discharges were related to specific events within the manufacturing process. The cause of the contamination was unclear.
Ultimately, Danos proposed three strategies the company found very significant in minimizing the chances of future zinc discharges.
"This company is firmly committed to be a responsible corporate citizen," a spokesman said. "Leslie brought a fresh perspective to an area where we have struggled (limiting the amount of zinc in our wastewater discharge). Through her diligence in collecting and analyzing hundreds of water samples, we have gained insight into the control and management of our wastewater treatment. Her review of the process has resulted in the reduced use of a treatment additive that will save $15,000 annually. We are grateful to Westminster College and to Leslie for their help in this effort."
"This project was a great experience for me," Danos said. "I learned a lot about the inner workings of industrial wastewater treatment and, through this study, was able to suggest ways to improve the process."
Danos is a daughter of George and Dian Danos of Sharpsville and a graduate of Sharpsville High School.
Contact Boylan at (724) 946-6293 or e-mail boylanhm@westminster.edu for more information.
