A Conversation With Fritz Krembs
Fritz Krembs is a senior engineer at Trihydro Corporation with over 20 years’ experience. Fritz holds a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and a Batchelor’s in Geology from Haverford College. He is a registered Professional Engineer and Professional Geologist. He has contributed to ESTCP publications and has been active in several ITRC teams most recently that focused on 1,4-dioxane. While patiently waiting for PFAS issues to become all-consuming he has focused on understanding the fate, transport, and management of organic compounds in groundwater systems with a focus on in-situ bioremediation, in-situ chemical oxidation, and monitored natural attenuation.
What was it that first piqued your interest in remediation and 1,4-dioxane?
Well right before PFAS came along 1,4-dioxane was poised to become the next big thing. I bet on the wrong horse on that one. Kidding aside, remediation has been an interest of mine for years. 1,4-Dioxane is often in there with those other chlorinated compounds I deal with so often, but behaves so differently.
Biodegradation of 1,4-dioxane was first reported years ago, why do you think it has taken so long to start using bioaugmentation for field applications?
I think the slowly-emerging regulations contributed to the delay being described. 1,4-Dioxane has flown under the public’s radar during this time. So relatively less impetus to demonstrate and get acceptance of a new variant on bioaugmentation. I also wonder what the duration was from describing reductive dechlorination by DHC to field application of KB-1®. SiREM would probably know that…
What sorts of challenges do you see at 1,4-dioxane sites?
The need for aerobic conditions for 1,4-dioxane biodegradation versus anaerobic conditions for the chlorinated compounds that are typically also present. Which one do you pick and how? And as an aside, at some sites one might not truly appreciate all the work being done by dechlorinators and other supporting bacteria.
Is there a remediation solution that comes to mind that you see as key to helping your clients?
Both relatively passive and nature-based solutions are of interest to many clients. The right type of bacteria put into a position where they can flourish can meet both of these goals. Bioremediation is in many cases an effective yet efficient solution to environmental challenges.
We have collaborated with you a lot in the past, how has SiREM helped you with your projects?
I’ve worked with SiREM in quite a few different capacities over the years. I’ve used Gene-Trac® qPCR to determine who is living there so to speak. I’ve worked on several projects where bench testing has been used to scope out remediation options, including bioremediation using several methods, in-situ chemical oxidation, or in-situ chemical reduction. SiREM listens well on the front end while collaborating to design the experiments, performs good work, and produces good reports at the back end. And of course, I’ve injected a few trillion bacteria from KB-1® kegs.
What is the main piece of advice that you give to undergraduate students or prospective graduate students that are interested in pursuing a career in remediation?
I consider myself as working somewhere near the intersection of engineering and geology. Having a solid understanding of the applied aspects of each of these fields is important. Additionally, communication skills are also key in the working world, with writing at the top of the list.
Is there a moment or achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I got an acknowledgement in the Ph.D. dissertation of a student working her way through a doctorate for a professor that pretty much anyone reading this will have heard of, though that professor will go unnamed for right now. This was for correspondence we had over the course of her studies that I suppose she found helpful enough to give me a shout-out.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work hours?
I’ve rediscovered soccer after a hiatus of about 20 years. I play with a fun group of folks here in town, a nice range of ages but good skill and mostly stronger pedigree in the game than my own.
