Wenchao
Lu
A Bit About Wenchao
CSIRO Environment
Research Scientist
Presentation Details
Dr. Lu is an Environmental Chemist at CSIRO Environment, where he focuses on evaluating the influence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and seeking solutions to mitigate the impact. His expertise includes using ultrahigh-resolution FT-ICR mass spectrometry coupled with algorithm-assisted big-data analytics to conduct non-target screening for source tracking of PFAS in water bodies. Besides, he has 10 years of experience in using customized molecular-beam mass spectrometry to study molecular reaction dynamics and detect transient intermediates during pyrolysis for a mechanistic study. Prior to joining CSIRO, Dr. Lu worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, USA.
PFAS contamination represents a significant environmental concern, and incineration remains the only effective method for full-scale destruction. However, there is a critical lack of understanding concerning the optimal incineration conditions, reaction rates, and the underlying mechanisms. Highlighting the importance of PFAS incineration is crucial to broaden awareness among academic and industrial professionals. It will drive meaningful discussions surrounding the urgency of PFAS thermal destruction, promoting the development of more efficient and sustainable strategies in this critical area of environmental protection.