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
Thrust 4 focuses on utilizing singlet oxygen as a tertiary wastewater treatment method to degrade recalcitrant trace organic compounds (TOrCs) that are resistant to conventional treatments, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of water reuse. The research aims to understand the mechanisms of singlet oxygen production and TOrC degradation, evaluate its feasibility as a pre-treatment in water reuse processes, and assess its impact on water toxicity through in vitro bioassays.
​
Thrust 5: Detection and Attenuation of Viruses
The objective of this research thrust is to develop, optimize, and validate methods for detecting and recovering viruses in wastewater to improve pathogen reduction in treated water. This includes utilizing Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) for virus concentration, co-cell culture techniques for infectivity detection, and digital PCR for viral genome identification to enhance water quality monitoring for potable reuse applications.
​
​
The program includes three cross-cutting thrusts to enable and drive a convergent research approach:
Thrust 6: Sustainability and Circularity
The objectives of Thrust 6 are to evaluate the environmental, economic, and societal sustainability of water reuse technologies through techno-economic analyses (TEA) and life cycle assessments (LCA), ensuring their long-term viability and feasibility. It aims to assess public risk perceptions and acceptability of these technologies across different communities to facilitate their successful implementation and support informed decision-making.
​
Thrust 7: Education and Workforce Development
This research thrust focuses on the development of an integrated learning platform that combines theoretical lessons and hands-on activities for teaching water reuse principles to a broad audience, including students, water utilities personnel, and engineers. The thrust aims to expand workforce development opportunities through tailored training programs, academies, and certifications, focusing on enhancing technical skills in the water industry.
​
Thrust 8: Technology transfer
The objective of this research thrust is to advance water reuse and energy-related technologies through collaboration among researchers, agencies, and industries, while developing state-of-the-art treatment, monitoring, and sensor technologies to address national water security needs. Additionally, the initiative aims to engage stakeholders through workshops, foster public trust in water systems, and provide hands-on education and training for future professionals in the water sector.