WRF awards $2M through Unsolicited Research Program
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) announced $2 million in funding for six projects to advance water research through its Unsolicited Research Program.
Pending successful contract negotiation, the projects will focus on a variety of high-priority One Water research topics. Some of these projects will enhance the understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a top concern for the public and the water sector. Other topics addressed by the projects include pathogens, volatile organic compounds, biosolids, and membranes.
The Unsolicited Research Program funds research projects that can significantly advance scientific knowledge and result in practical water quality solutions. This highly competitive program awards funding every two years. This year, 102 pre-proposals were received. WRF requested full proposals for 14 of those projects, and approved funding for six of the 14 projects:
| Project Title | WRF's Funding | Total Project Value |
| Direct In Situ Measurement of PFAS Transformation & Leaching from Land-Applied Biosolids | $149,892 | $243,606 |
| Enhanced Aeration and Scum Recovery for Physical Removal of PFAS from Wastewater | $158,417 | $211,844 |
| Give Membranes the Virus Removal Credit They Deserve, Using Rapid In-Field Molecular-Based Methods | $149,892 | $312,957 |
| Inactivation of Biofilm-Bound Opportunistic Pathogens in Premise Plumbing Using UVC LEDs | $174,880 | $312,846 |
| Real-Time Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds in RO-Based Potable Reuse | $174,991 | $485,739 |
| Understanding the Value Proposition for Thermal Processes to Mitigate PFAS in Biosolids | $169,261 | $463,053 |