This action approves an award in the amount of $997,777 to auburn university , alabama, to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of america

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 awarded $997,777 to Auburn University on July 1, 2026, to develop and demonstrate an innovative solution for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharges into Gulf-bound waters through the Geographic Programs - Gulf of America Program (CFDA 66.475). The award supports the design and demonstration of 3D-printed hydrogel beads for wastewater treatment, bench-scale laboratory investigations, and demonstration-scale performance trials at regional wastewater treatment plants, along with an economic benefit analysis evaluating the technology's potential for long-term sustainable wastewater management.

Anticipated deliverables include fabrication and testing of five distinct 3D-printed hydrogel formulations; pilot-scale demonstration systems installed and operating at two wastewater treatment plants; a 40 percent reduction in total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations; and a validated design for hydrogel bioreactors with performance and cost benchmarks for scale-up planning. One economic benefits analysis report will identify three high-potential deployment sites and projected cost savings compared to current practices. The project also will deliver a circular economy framework based on continuous nutrient recovery and farming application.

The period of performance runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with work performed in Auburn, Alabama. Auburn University is distributing sub-awards to Georgia Southern University Research & Service Foundation Inc. (for performance investigations at demonstration-scale bioreactors and evaluation of alginate hydrogel degradation during wastewater treatment) and Bashan Institute of Science Inc. Both sub-awards are designated for a scalable hydrogel bioreactor for nutrient recovery in the Gulf of America.

The purpose of this award is to develop and demonstrate an innovative solution to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharges into gulf-bound waters, helping to mitigate harmful algal blooms and improve aquatic ecosystem health. . Activities:the activities to be performed include designing and demonstrating the use of innovative 3D-printed hydrogel beads, initiating bench-scale investigations to be performed in laboratories, and conducting demonstration-scale performance investigations with participating partners at regional wastewater treatment plants. Also, an economic benefit analysis will be conducted to evaluate how this technology supports long-term sustainable wastewater management. Subrecipient:subrecipient activities include investigating the performance of demonstration-scale bioreactors and evaluating the degradation of alginate hydrogel materials during wastewater treatment. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes are the fabrication and testing of five distinct 3D-printed hydrogel formulations for water treatment; pilot-scale demonstration systems installed and operating at two wastewater treatment plants, and a 40% reduction in total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations, contributing to improved water quality and decreased frequency of harmful algal blooms. One economic benefits analysis report will be completed identifying three high-potential deployment sites and projected cost savings compared to current practices. This project will also deliver a validated design for hydrogel bioreactors, including performance and cost benchmarks, that can be shared with other gulf watershed communities for scale-up planning and a circular economy framework based on continuous nutrient recovery and farming application. As the intended beneficiaries, the residents and communities located in the chattahoochee, upper chewacla creek, savannah, and tuscaloosa watersheds of georgia and alabama will benefit from improved water quality.