BIKASH BHATTARAI, PhD, EIT

• Designed PFAS treatment systems for different applications, including drinking water, wastewater, leachate, AFFF-impacted well water, etc.
• Conducted bench scale and pilot testing utilizing MYCELX proprietary cartridge filters and blended media.
• Performed cost analysis for CAPEX and OPEX to ensure project viability.
• Reviewed and analyzed data, preparing detailed proposals and comprehensive reports.
• Provided technical support to sales team to enhance customer engagement.
• Participated in trade shows to promote company products and services.

• Evaluated various activated carbons and adsorbents for residential water treatment systems using batch and column test methods.
• Developed technology and treatment trains to remove conventional (volatile organic compounds, heavy metals) and emerging (pharmaceuticals and personal care products, PFAS) contaminants.
• Led ideation, prototype development, and testing for potable water treatment solutions.
• Supervised laboratory activities focused on wet chemistry and analytical method development using GC-MS, ICP-MS, and UPLC-MS/MS
• Trained lab technicians and interns to conduct in-house laboratory tests following established protocols.
• Reviewed analytical data from experiments to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
• Acted as subject matter expert on scale control solutions for residential applications.
• Acted as subject matter expert on PFAS regulations and advanced water treatment technologies.
• Collaborated with vendors, research institutions, and startups to innovate products and technologies.
• Worked closely with internal stakeholders to identify areas of improvement for product certification process.
• Monitored industry trends related to regulation changes or new standards being implemented.

• Evaluated various sorption media to remove organic contaminants (volatiles, semi-volatiles, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PFAS, etc.) from water and wastewater.
• Developed and validated analytical methods for trace-level quantification of contaminants in various environmental matrices (water, wastewater, sludge, food, etc.) using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS.
• Developed and evaluated sample extraction and clean-up methods for multi-residue analysis of pesticides in water and food samples using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS.
• Reviewed analytical data and prepared reports summarizing key findings for stakeholders.
• Utilized advanced laboratory instrumentation to analyze samples in accordance with established quality assurance standards.
• Developed standard operating procedures for sample preparation and testing protocols.
• Collaborated with manufacturing and QC departments to optimize product formulation for enhanced performance.
• Delivered technical support to customers regarding products and application notes developed by company.

• Managed R&D projects focused on developing polymeric adsorbents for removing emerging contaminants and VOCs from water.
• Conducted treatability studies with Advanced Oxidation Processes to degrade 1,4-dioxane in groundwater.
• Evaluated catalysts for catalytic ozonation to enhance degradation of emerging contaminants.
• Designed and implemented SOPs for conducting laboratory experiments efficiently.
• Trained and supervised graduate students in experimental procedures and data analysis.
• Developed Chemical Hygiene Plan to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
• Prepared grant reports and proposals for NSF-SBIR funding opportunities.

• Evaluated different coating techniques to develop adsorbents (filter media) for the removal of PFAS in Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF).
• Conducted batch and column experiments to perform comparative performance evaluation of the developed adsorbents and activated carbons for the removal of trace organics in water and wastewater.
• Supervised undergraduate and graduate students during lab experiments, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Prepared manuscripts and invention disclosures based on research outcomes.

• Managed R&D projects to develop novel polymeric adsorbents (filter media) for the removal of emerging contaminants (with a focus on PFAS) and volatile organic compounds from water.
• Evaluated the performance of the developed filter media with commercially available activated carbons.
• Supervised graduate students in conducting experiments and analyzing data.
• Prepared SBIR phase I final report and SBIR phase II proposal.
• Developed and implemented Chemical Hygiene Plan to comply with OSHA standards.

· Developed novel regenerable adsorbents to remove emerging contaminants from water.

· Synthesized cyclodextrin-based polymers and nano adsorbents for simultaneous removal of PFAS and heavy metals.

· Evaluated performance of adsorbents in treating drinking water and municipal wastewater for emerging contaminants.

· Developed innovative regeneration techniques for the developed adsorbent by desorption and in-situ destruction of contaminants.

· Conducted treatability studies to identify cost-effective treatment options for various waste streams (pharmaceuticals, pulp & paper, DoD sites, etc.)

· Developed effective water treatment technologies for a wide range of contaminants, including steroid hormones, PFAS, pharmaceutical and personal care products.

· Performed sample extraction (LLE and SPE) and sample analysis using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.