EIGER FELLOW SINCE AUGUST 2007

EDUCATION

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
M.S., Environmental Engineering, 2005

National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
B.S., Civil Engineering, 2001

ADVISOR

Professor Andrea Dietrich, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

DISSERTATION RESEARCH

José Cerrato is interested in biogeochemical cycling of manganese throughout drinking water systems, from the reservoir to the tap.  He studies interactions between both chemical and microbiological factors to understand Mn release and deposition.  Problems associated with manganese in drinking water systems include the formation of biofilms containing Mn oxidizing and reducing microorganisms that could harbor other pathogenic microorganisms, manganese scales that reduce hydraulic flow and increase pumping costs, accelerated consumption rate of primary and secondary disinfectants, Mn exposure through inhaling when showering, and consumer complaints related to water discoloration at the tap.  Resolving Mn-related problems will aid society worldwide so consumers feel confident about the service they receive from drinking water utilities and will serve as a model for the study of other metal transformations (e.g., As, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Cd).

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: jcerrato@vt.edu