Fred Cannon

Fred Cannon serves as Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, with his office located in 225 Sackett Building on College Avenue, University Park, PA. He maintains active roles as an Affiliate Researcher with the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE) and contributes to research themes in Integrated Energy Systems and Water Sustainability.

His research centers on activated carbon surface chemistry engineering for targeted contaminant removal, with specialized expertise in granular activated carbon (GAC) systems for odorant control in foundries, perchlorate/anion removal from water using coal-based carbon, and reactivated GAC for organic spill protection. Key methodologies include advanced oxidation/adsorption processes and carbon modification through quaternary ammonium compounds, epoxide-forming agents, and polymer grafting to address emerging pollutants like PFOA, nitrate, and trifluoroacetate.

Analysis of his 2019-2020 publications reveals a strategic research pivot toward energy-water nexus challenges, particularly radium measurement and removal in oil/gas produced waters and hydraulic fracturing fluids. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in tailoring carbon matrices for specific ionic contaminants while addressing complex matrices like high-TDS produced waters.

Professor Cannon leads the IEE-funded project Removing Radium from Hydrofracturing Fluids with Tailored Clays and maintains extensive collaborative networks evidenced by multi-institutional publications. His research directly addresses critical gaps in energy sector wastewater management through material science innovation.