Project Grant 2603551

This $245,018 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) will support collaborative research at the Stevens Institute of Technology to study the transformation of phenols to aliphatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water treatment. The research aims to identify critical factors and develop strategies to minimize the formation of intermediate halophenols, which are unwanted DBPs created when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. The project will utilize machine learning to analyze existing data on DBP formation, conduct experimental studies on specific phenolic compounds, and develop treatment approaches to reduce DBP levels in drinking water. The research will benefit society by providing guidance to water treatment facilities on DBP control to protect public health. The project will also support student education and training, with one graduate and one undergraduate student mentored at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and one graduate student at South Dakota State University.