On March 2nd, 2020, we hosted Dr. Lena Trotochaud, a Research Scientist from Duke Center for WaSH-AID. Over lunch, she spoke to students about her work which included physico/electro or chemical methods for remediation of aqueous pollutants in WaSH technologies, and a focus on increased compliance with ISO standards.

She shed light on her past & present projects like ‘Reinvent the Toilet Challenge’ part of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, developing affordable toilet prototypes that are “off the grid” without connections to water, sewer, or electricity, and that could transform liquid and solid waste into valuable resources such as disinfected water and energy. She spoke about her work involving the treatment of blackwater – like generating hypochlorous acid in situ for disinfection and highlighting the challenges in complying with ISO 30500 standards for treatment & reuse. Also, similar prototypes under the initiative in ‘The Duke Smart Toilet Lab’ have been designed for frequent sampling & monitoring, she explained how they could be used to collect urine & feces for health diagnostics. She also told the attendees about other projects like S.H.E. (Safe Hygiene for Everyone) – a fully automated, sterile, sanitary pad disposal unit, designed to provide waste reduction, dignity, and privacy.

Dr. Trotochaud also discussed other aspects like potential funding sources for WaSH research, challenges in field testing & commercialization of lab prototypes & technology, especially region-specific challenges and the significance of understanding societal needs before deploying technologies. She explained this with the example of how toilet prototypes developed in India could not simply be replicated or deployed in Durban, South Africa since it had a wiper community unlike the washer system in India.

Finally, Dr. Trotochaud described her career path in WaSH, a typical working day, emphasizing the importance of networking for young professionals, finding a mentor, and shared her experience in outreach activities.

To know more about  Dr. Lena Trotochaud’s work, please check, Duke Center for WaSH-AID.