Research Thrusts
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Resiliency and self-sufficiency are very important for forward operating bases and fixed installations critical in water-constrained states.
The supply of safe drinking water and the effective treatment of wastewater to protect public health and the environment are essential for the prosperity of the future generations.
We have the opportunity to translate the research advancements for general public benefits, especially in the arid Southwest and communities facing water scarcity.
Thrusts
The organizational structure of the research team includes five research thrusts:
Thrust 1: Autonomous and Distributed Water Systems
The objective of this research thrust is to develop novel decentralized water systems for water reuse applications. These systems should satisfy three key outcomes: high water quality, maximum system uptime and water production, minimum maintenance interventions. Furthermore, they should be applicable to a variety of source water qualities.
Thrust 2: Data Science
The objective of this research thrust is to move towards autonomous and self-correcting water systems by developing a machine learning driven operational platform utilizing system data to make real-time operational and maintenance decisions to satisfy three key outcomes: high water quality, maximum system uptime and water production, minimum maintenance interventions.
Thrust 3: Concentrate Management
The objective of this research thrust is to become distinct leaders in the management of unconventional, impaired, and concentrated brines by reducing waste, integrating renewables, and maximizing re-use to approach zero-liquid discharge.
Thrust 4: Attenuation of Trace Organics
The objective of this research thrust is to evaluate the use of advanced oxidation by singlet oxygen as a tertiary wastewater treatment technique to attenuate recalcitrant trace organic compounds (TOrCs) that are not removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes.
Thrust 5: Detection and Attenuation of Viruses
The objective of this research thrust is to develop an efficient, sensitive methodology to detect and quantify infectious viruses in potable water reuse treatment processes.
The program includes three cross-cutting thrusts to enable and drive a convergent research approach:
Thrust 6: Sustainability and Circularity
Thrust 7: Education and Workforce Development
This research thrust focuses on the development and use of hands-on laboratory activities to teach water reuse principles and applications. Hands-on learning will be aided by theoretical lesson plans that will be delivered asynchronously to extend the reach of the program to a diverse audience.
Thrust 8: Technology transfer
The objective of this research thrust is to engage with different constituents to disseminate technical and education results from the program.