Patricia Córdoba Sola

Environmental Geochemistry Laboratories: Industrial Pollution (1402 and 1403)

R3 certification (CR32024-046657)

Patricia completed her PhD at IDAEA-CSIC in 2013, focusing on the partitioning and fate of trace elements in full-scale power plants equipped with wet limestone flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems. Her expertise lies in geochemistry, focusing on the partitioning and speciation of inorganic trace pollutants as well as the reuse of solid by-products from industrial activities. During her postdoctoral research at Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh), she delved into oxy-fuel combustion (CIUDEN's CO2 capture) and CO2 storage using brines from natural gas extraction. Later, at the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), she explored oxy-fuel combustion and selenium chemistry in FGDs. Beyond her primary areas of research, Patricia has contributed to various projects at IDÆA-CSIC, UNNOTs, UFRO, and in the industry sector (including ENDESA and CIUDEN's CO2 capture). Her research investigations encompass a broad spectrum of industrial processes, notably focused on flue gas desulphurisation systems, wastewater treatment plants, recycling facilities, coal combustion products (CCPs), and copper primary production. These inquiries focus on the intricate dynamics of inorganic trace pollutants within these processes, as well as the management of residues. This entails studying various treatment processes and strategies for valorisation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship and resource optimisation.