EPA-G2024-ORD-F1 (FINAL).pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement Office of Research and Development Innovative Water Technology Grant Program

MODELS TO PREDICT THE REMOVAL OF

EMERGING MICROPOLLUTANTS FROM WATER BY

NOVEL ADSORBENTS IN FIXED-BED COLUMN

PROCESSES

This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2024-ORD-F1

Assistance Listing Number: 66.521

Solicitation Opening Date: July 30, 2024 Solicitation Closing Date: October 2, 2024: 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time

Table of Contents

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

B. Background, Goals, and Objectives C. Authority and Regulations D. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage/Expected Outputs and Outcomes E. Specific Research Areas of Interest F. References G. Special Requirements H. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing C. Other

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Grants.gov Submittal Requirements and Limited Exception Procedures B. Application Package Information C. Content and Form of Application Submission D. Submission Dates and Times E. Funding Restrictions F. Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Peer Review B. Relevancy Review C. Past Performance History Review D. Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS) Review E. Scientific Data Management Plan (SDMP) Review F. Quality Assurance Statement (QAS) Review G. Funding Decisions

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

For Updates and Additional Information see EPA Research Funding Opportunities.

View research awarded under previous solicitations at EPA Research Grant Areas.

A. Introduction

Water treatment and distribution systems face many challenges in providing safe drinking water.

Trace concentrations of some dissolved organic water pollutants (less than 100 micrograms per liter) such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) or per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) can have adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems, yet these “micropollutants” or “emerging contaminants” (Narwal et al., 2023) are not easily removed by conventional adsorbents such as granular activated carbon (GAC). Conventional sorbents also have a low affinity for many micropollutants, and background constituents such as natural organic matter (NOM) compete for sorption sites and reduce micropollutant sorption efficiency.

The development of new “next-generation” adsorbents (Ateia et al., 2020) show considerable promise for more efficient and effective removal of micropollutants because of their modular design, tunable functionality, and in some cases, tailorable porosity; however, limited information is available on their reliability and treatment performance. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, a “next-generation adsorbent” is defined as a modular adsorbent that has been designed and synthesized to have specific characteristics and functionalities to selectively remove a certain class or classes of contaminants in a fashion that isn’t defined by existing modeling programs. Models are needed to predict and understand the effectiveness of novel sorbents for removing micropollutants from both wastewater and drinking water. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to fund research to develop, test and deploy predictive models for novel adsorbents for removal of emerging micropollutants from water and to estimate how well the adsorbents will work for specific classes of micropollutants in full-scale, fixed-bed, flow-through unit operations. “Fixed-bed, flow-through” unit operations (Patel 2019) means the adsorbent media is installed into a contactor (e.g., column or bed, fixed-bed) and water is passed through the apparatus or unit operation (flow-through) and replaced upon media exhaustion or loss of performance. Although geared toward the application of novel adsorbents, the models developed under this funding opportunity are expected to contribute to the development of https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas innovative water technologies for wastewater and drinking water processing systems, which would be used to develop new and improved drinking water treatment processes.

The Innovative Water Technology Grant Program is designed to accelerate “the development and deployment of innovative water technologies that address pressing drinking water supply, quality, treatment, or security challenges of public water systems, areas served by private wells, or source waters.” Under the program, EPA shall make grants “(1) to develop, test, and deploy innovative water technologies; or (2) to provide technical assistance to deploy demonstrated innovative water technologies.” The models developed, tested and deployed under this solicitation for novel adsorbents for the removal of micropollutants from water are expected to contribute to the development of innovative water technologies for drinking water systems and expected to lead to the development of new and improved drinking water and wastewater treatment processes.

The EPA anticipates funding approximately one award under this funding opportunity up to $1,000,000 in federal funds per award. A minimum 35% non-federal cost share/match of the total project costs is required. See Section III.B. for more details.

EPA recognizes that it is important to engage all available minds to address the environmental challenges facing the Nation. EPA seeks to expand the environmental conversation by including members of communities which may have not previously participated in such dialogues to participate in EPA programs. For this reason, EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants identified in Section III, including minority serving institutions (MSIs), to apply under this opportunity.

For purposes of this solicitation, the following are considered MSIs:

1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1061(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities;

2. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059c(b)(3) and (d)(1)). A list of these schools can be found at Tribal College or University;

3. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1101a(a)(5)). A list of these schools can be found at Hispanic-Serving Institutions;

4. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(b)(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions;

5. Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C.

1059e(b)(6)). A list of these schools can be found at Predominately Black Institutions;

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section300j-1a&num=0&edition=prelim https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Historically%20Black%20Colleges%20and%20Universities https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Historically%20Black%20Colleges%20and%20Universities https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Tribal%20College%20or%20University https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Tribal%20College%20or%20University https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Tribal%20College%20or%20University https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Hispanic-Serving%20Institution https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Asian%20American%20and%20Native%20American%20Pacific%20Islander%20Serving%20Institutions https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Predominantly%20Black%20Institutions

6. Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C § 1059f(b)(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions; and

7. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (AANHs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C § 1059d(b)(2) and (b)(4)). A list of these schools can be found at Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.

B. Background, Goals, and Objectives

Dissolved organic micropollutants can include PPCPs, PFAS, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and dioxins, and are increasingly being detected at low levels in surface waters and groundwater.

There is concern that even low levels of these compounds may have an adverse impact on human health and aquatic life (USEPA, 2017; USEPA, 2023). Addressing removal of these contaminants from water is a priority under Research Areas 7, 8 and 9 of EPA’s FY 2022-2026 Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) for Safe and Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) (https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan).

Currently, GAC and ion exchange (IX) resins are the most common sorbents used to remove micropollutants from water. However, these conventional sorbents have critical deficiencies, such as slow adsorption kinetics and low affinity toward many micropollutants. In addition, micropollutant concentrations in contaminated waters are usually orders-of-magnitude lower than background constituents, such as NOM and other ions, which compete with micropollutants for sorption sites and reduce micropollutant removal efficiencies. These shortcomings result in higher removal costs for many micropollutants thus prompting the need to develop more effective sorbents that exhibit selective and rapid micropollutant removal with high capacity and facile regeneration.

Over the past decade, new classes of materials have shown promise as next-generation adsorbents, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous organic polymers (POPs), porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs), porous cyclodextrin-based polymers and others. These novel materials have been at the forefront of research as novel sorbents because of their modular design, tunable functionality, and, in some cases, tailorable porosity. Limited information is available on the performance, reliability, secondary impacts, capital costs, and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs of novel sorbents in the context of micropollutant treatment and only limited treatment performance data is available in relevant water systems. Models are needed to predict and understand the effectiveness of novel sorbents for removing specific classes of micropollutants from water. Specifically, there is a need for mechanistic treatment performance models to help predict full-scale performance of novel adsorbents that can capture characteristics of the media within a unit process and relate it to experimentally acquired treatment data (e.g., pilot studies).

Comprehensively assessing the performance of novel sorbents relative to GAC or IX is challenging due to the limited availability of data and lack of relevant performance models. It is important to note that existing models for fixed-bed columns (e.g., pilot, full-scale, or rapid small https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Native%20American-Serving%20Non-Tribal%20Institutions https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Native%20American-Serving%20Non-Tribal%20Institutions https://msiexchange.nasa.gov/institutions?qp%5B0%5D=categories__name&qo%5B0%5D=is&qv%5B0%5D=Alaska%20Native%20and%20Native%20Hawaiian https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan scale column tests [RSSCTs]) are likely not suitable for novel adsorbents. Current models for GAC and IX capture adsorption mechanisms, associated mass transfer, and other mechanisms that impact adsorption (i.e., NOM fouling) in ways appropriate for those media, where novel sorbents are expected to have more complex removal or selectivity mechanisms that would not be captured by current models. Consequently, a model (or models) to predict treatment performance for the same water system using relevant engineering design metrics would assist in the identification of the circumstances in which novel sorbents are cost-effective and would help achieve meaningful micropollutant reductions. Better models would effectively target the design of adsorbents for removal of micropollutants and address some of the challenges to treating drinking water while limiting damage to aquatic systems.

Model development herein refers to the development of mechanistic models. Mechanistic models include various parameters that describe adsorption and associated transport at a macroscopic scale. These models typically contain parameters to represent the impact of the kinetics of mass transport (film transfer, pore and surface diffusion as appropriate) and some type of capacity or selectivity term. These fundamental parameters are used as part of a model that represents retention and transport within a full-scale treatment system (typically a fixed-bed adsorber for media like GAC and IX media). Full-scale system treatment performance can then be predicted based on system size (depth and diameter of adsorber), media type and size, mass of media, and treatment flow rate. Mechanistic models predict macroscopic treatment performance using microscopic characteristics and are different than the more general semi-quantitative models.

Semi-quantitative models employed in the adsorption literature typically have the form of a logistic function (examples Bohart-Adams, Thomas, or Clark models). These models are often used even when the underlying assumptions used to derive them are not valid, making their application purely empirical. For instance, pseudo-second order kinetics are commonly assumed even in systems where mass transport is rate determining.

Jarvie et al. (2005) and Worch (2021) describe GAC modeling, which includes both mass transfer parameters and Freundlich isotherm, and can capture long term impacts of NOM fouling based on water type. The Freundlich isotherm assumes the potential for multilayer adsorption, where alternate research could consider the Langmuir isotherm—which assumes only single layer adsorption. Another common example, discussed in detail by Haupert et al. (2021), is the assumption of a single adsorbate Langmuir isotherm applied to a multi-adsorbate system. In these cases, such models may result in plausible-looking breakthrough curves but may fail to accurately predict system performance with changes to the underlying system such as bed depth or flow rate. It is therefore not possible to use purely empirical models to connect bench-scale, pilot-scale, and full-scale system performance. Unlike GAC, ion exchange systems require consideration of the exchange of ions directly to represent contaminant removal during treatment. Similarly, Smith et al. (2023) describes a model that is capable of accounting directly for the ion exchange process, rather than defaulting to an empirical Langmuir or Freundlich isotherm. Novel sorbents, particularly those tuned to have high PFAS selectivity, are expected to function using different adsorption/removal/selection mechanisms and so will rely on new fundamental formulations. These changes in model components may impact the importance of mass transfer coefficients, contaminant/micropollutant selectivity/capacity, fouling mechanisms, or combinations of these mechanisms.

Research into novel sorbents (MOFs, COFs, POPs, PAFs, etc.) is needed to explore the underlying chemical or structural characteristics that are significant for micropollutant adsorption/removal. Specifically, the chemical moieties or other material characteristics that lead to improved selectivity of various classes of micropollutants. Theories and associated models that capture these processes are needed, with the goal of usable models that provide engineering predictions to support media selection or system design. Better models would more effectively target the design of adsorbents for micropollutant removal from drinking water and aquatic systems and could address some of the treatment challenges in assuring clean and safe drinking water and limiting damage to aquatic systems.

C. Authority and Regulations

The authority for this funding opportunity and resulting award is contained in Section 2007 of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1a.

For research with an international aspect, the above statute is supplemented, as appropriate, by the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(I).

Note that a project’s focus is to consist of activities relating to (1) developing, testing, and deploying innovative water technologies; or (2) providing technical assistance to deploying demonstrated innovative water technologies.

Additional applicable regulations include: 2 CFR Part 200 and 2 CFR Part 1500.

D. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage/Expected Outputs and Outcomes Note to applicant: The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective, that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. The term “outcome” means the result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective.

The activities to be funded under this solicitation support EPA’s FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

The award made under this solicitation will support Goal 5: Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities, Objective 5.1: Ensure Safe Drinking Water and Reliable Water Infrastructure, of the Plan. All applications must be for projects that support the goal(s) and objective(s) identified above.

The proposed research award supports the Innovative Water Technology Grant Program’s objective to provide grants to eligible entities to develop, test, and deploy innovative water technologies. The resulting models developed for novel adsorbents for removal of micropollutants are expected to contribute to the development of innovative water technologies for drinking water systems and lead to development of new and improved drinking water and wastewater treatment processes. This research is expected to provide states and communities https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section300j-1a&num=0&edition=prelim with new methods to help maintain clean and safe water and drinking water free of specific classes of micropollutants.

EPA also requires that grant applicants adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7A1, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements). Applicants should include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will contribute to the goal(s) and objective(s) described above.

Outputs and Outcomes Outputs expected from the research funded under this funding opportunity may include, but are not limited to: predictive models for fixed-bed, flow-through treatment performance, including describing how well novel adsorbents will work for specific classes of micropollutants;

demonstration, testing, and deployment of the model(s) developed and case studies; experimental data on adsorption of a specific class of micropollutants on at least two classes of novel adsorbents in flow-through, fixed-bed processes; information for drinking water utilities, wastewater treatment plant engineers and design engineers developing treatment systems; novel mechanistic models for micropollutant removal in water treatment systems; publications of research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports and presentations; and software or other simulation tools implementing the developed models. It is expected that the model development and code for these models will be made publicly available upon completion of this project.

Potential outcomes from the research funded under this funding opportunity may include but are not limited to: reduced costs of testing and deploying innovative micropollutant removal technologies, improved public health and reduced risks to human health and ecosystems from micropollutant removal from water with demonstrated innovative water technologies.

E. Specific Research Areas of Interest

The overall goal of the research funded through this funding opportunity is to advance knowledge associated with the development of mechanistic predictive models for novel adsorbents (Ateia et al., 2020) for the effective removal of micropollutants in fixed-bed flow-through column configurations representative of full-scale treatment unit operations.

Development and testing of these models are expected to provide predictions for which classes of novel adsorbents can most effectively remove specific classes of micropollutants in real-world applications. They are expected to be used as part of an effort to develop new and improved water treatment processes and contribute to the development and deployment of innovative water treatment technologies for drinking water and wastewater systems. These models are expected to help water utilities and water system engineers better predict the performance of novel adsorbents and make decisions on which new treatment technologies to select and deploy.

Applicants should develop a mechanistic model (or models) for flow-through systems that includes (1) predictive treatment of media capacity, selectivity, or other measures of adsorption affinity and (2) appropriate treatment of adsorption kinetics, including applicable mass transport processes in full-scale unit operations. Model development is expected to be supported by https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements experimental data collected in experiments similar to those that would be used if media were being studied for full-scale use (i.e., at least some flow-through system data needs to be used to validate models, in addition to any batch data). Additional data may also be collected to investigate specific mechanistic or selectivity features unique to the tested sorbents.

Research Areas

Applications should address both Research Areas 1 and 2 below. Applicants should respond to all the research topics listed under each research area. Applications that do not address both research areas and all the research topics under each research area may not be rated as highly under the evaluation process described in Section V as those that do. If a topic in Areas 1 and 2 is not addressed, the applicant should explain why it isn’t relevant for the proposed work. In addition, in accordance with the Innovative Water Technology Grant Program, the proposed research should have the potential to: (A) reduce ratepayer or community costs or costs of future capital investments; (B) significantly improve human health or the environment; or (C) provide additional drinking water supplies with minimal environmental impact. Projects that do not have the potential to address either A, B or C may not be rated as highly under the evaluation process described in Section V as those that do. Applicants may cooperate with a private entity, including a farmer, farmer cooperative, or manufacturer of water technologies. Note that for-profit organizations, except for privately owned public water systems meeting the definition of a public water system in 42 U.S.C 300f(4), are not eligible for subawards under this grant program but may receive procurement contracts. See “Coalitions” under Section IV.E Funding Restrictions.

Research Area 1. With the goal of developing new models to predict effectiveness for at least two classes of novel adsorbents, provide a rationale for selecting the adsorbents and the modeling approaches. Applications should address the following research topics:

a. Define the classes of novel adsorbents being proposed for use (at least two), provide justification for their selection and define the types and classes of micropollutants that are expected to be removed by these novel adsorbents.

b. Explain the design parameters showing how the type of adsorbent, apparatus design, and how the micropollutants studied may interrelate.

c. Describe the treatment contexts and practical applications (e.g., drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental remediation, etc.) that are targeted in the application.

d. Why are existing fixed-bed, flow-through models limited and would a new modeling approach be valuable? Provide justification for selecting the specific micropollutants to be studied within the chosen micropollutant classes and explain how these specific micropollutants will help support the steps of building a new model.

e. For the novel adsorbents selected and the targeted classes of micropollutants, explain how the new model(s) will test the removal hypotheses. Describe the model(s) and associated theory being proposed that account for the unique characteristics of the targeted classes of micropollutants.

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Research Area 2. Develop, test and deploy a novel model (or models) to predict how well the selected novel adsorbents work for selected micropollutants under a variety of environmentally relevant conditions for flow-through, fixed-bed processes. The experimental data should include sufficient tests to justify the model(s). The testing should show that the proposed model(s) can be deployed and will work under environmentally relevant conditions sufficient to justify the model(s).

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, “deploying a model” indicates a model capable of being run by utilities, engineers, and the general public that have a functional knowledge of programming and water treatment; and that the model with appropriate predictive functionality for a given adsorbent and associated data input capabilities is made publicly available in a standard programming language (e.g., Python, R, C/C++) that can be easily run and is open-source. “Environmentally relevant conditions” indicates that a model should be able to predict treatment performance in water conditions found in real-world water matrices that would be treated by the modeled sorbent and capture the impact of natural organic matter or other co-occurring species that could deleteriously or favorably impact treatment performance.

The model(s) should be developed, tested and deployed so they can feasibly be used by water utilities and engineers and can predict adsorbent performance for specific classes of micropollutants. They should be designed to contribute to the application of innovative water treatment technologies for drinking water and wastewater systems and contribute to developing new and improved water treatment media and processes.

Applications should address the following research topics:

a. Describe what experimental data will be developed on adsorption of those micropollutants for the novel adsorbents chosen (at least two different classes of adsorbents), with the goal of developing a new model for a flow-through, fixed-bed process. This should address both adsorption capacity and kinetics.

b. Explain how additional relevant water quality or operating conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, NOM) are included in the model.

c. What are the types of flow-through, fixed-bed validation studies that would be run?

Explain the validation methods to test the model. The outcomes should be mechanistic and linked to physical parameters. Models based on black box concepts or statistical correlations (e.g., machine learning, QSPR) will not be considered responsive to this funding opportunity.

d. Describe how the model(s) will be able to accurately predict how the adsorbents will work for large-scale treatment under conditions relevant to the chosen contexts and/or applications. Is the proposed framework flexible enough to work at multiple sites or over a range of conditions? Explain how your proposed experiments will demonstrate this capability.

e. Describe how the model(s) can be used to further develop related adsorption media with improved performance characteristics.

f. The model(s) developed should be tested and deployed in real-world conditions and the results evaluated for effectiveness. The applicant should make sure that sufficient micropollutants are tested to justify the model.

Innovation To the maximum extent practicable, research applications should embody innovation. Innovation for the purposes of this funding opportunity is defined as the process of making changes; a new method, custom, or device. Innovative research can take the form of wholly new applications or applications that build on existing knowledge and approaches for new uses. Research applications should include a discussion on how the proposed research is innovative (see Section IV.C.5.iii.a). Reviewers will draw from the above-mentioned innovation definition in the review/evaluation process of research applications (see Section V.A).

F. References

Ateia M, Helbling DE, Dichtel WR (2020). Best practices for evaluating new materials as adsorbents for water treatment. ACS Materials Letters. 2020 Oct 16;2(11):1532-44.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.0c00414

Haupert LM, Pressman JG, Speth TF, Wahman DG (2021). Avoiding pitfalls when modeling removal of per‐and polyfluoroalkyl substances by anion exchange. AWWA Water Science, Mar;3(2):e1222. https://doi.org/10.1002/aws2.1222

Jarvie ME, Hand DW, Bhuvendralingam S, Crittenden JC, Hokanson DR (2005). Simulating the performance of fixed-bed granular activated carbon adsorbers: Removal of synthetic organic chemicals in the presence of background organic matter. Water Research, Jun 1;39(11):2407-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2005.04.023

Narwal N, Katyal D, Kataria N, Rose PK, Warkar SG, Pugazhendhi A, Ghotekar S, Khoo KS.

Emerging micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems and nanotechnology-based removal alternatives: A review. Chemosphere. 2023 Aug 28:139945.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139945

Patel, H. Fixed-bed column adsorption study: a comprehensive review. Appl Water Sci 9, 45 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0927-7

Smith SJ, Wahman DG, Kleiner EJ, Abulikemu G, Stebel EK, Gray BN, Datsov B, Crone BC, Taylor RD, Womack E, Gastaldo CX, Sorial G, Lytle D, Pressman JG, Haupert LM (2023).

Anion Exchange Resin and Inorganic Anion Parameter Determination for Model Validation and Evaluation of Unintended Consequences during PFAS Treatment. ACS ES&T Water. Jan 19;3(2):576-87. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.2c00572

U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency (2017), Technical Fact Sheet: Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA 505-F-17- 016.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.0c00414 https://doi.org/10.1002/aws2.1222 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2005.04.023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139945 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0927-7 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.2c00572 https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/sites/static/files/2017-12/documents/ffrro_factsheet_pbb_11-16-17_508.pdf https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/sites/static/files/2017-12/documents/ffrro_factsheet_pbb_11-16-17_508.pdf

U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency (2023), PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Rulemaking, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 88 FR 18638.

Worch, E. (2021). Adsorption Technology in Water Treatment: Fundamentals, Processes, and Modeling. Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110715507

G. Special Requirements

It is EPA Policy to ensure that the results of EPA-funded extramural scientific research are accessible to the public to the greatest extent feasible consistent with applicable law; policies and Orders; the Agency’s mission; resource constraints; and U.S. national, homeland and economic security. This entails maximizing, at no charge, access by the public to peer-reviewed, scientific research journal publications or associated author manuscripts, and their underlying digital research data, created in whole or in part with EPA funds, while protecting personal privacy;

recognizing proprietary interests, confidential business information, and intellectual property rights; and avoiding significant negative impact on intellectual property rights, innovation, and U.S. competitiveness.

Applications submitted under this announcement should include a Scientific Data Management Plan (SDMP) that addresses public access to EPA-funded scientific research data. See the SDMP clause in Section IV for details on the content of an SDMP. Applicants will also be asked to provide past performance information on whether journal publications or associated author manuscripts, and the associated underlying scientific research data and metadata, under prior assistance agreements were made publicly accessible. These items will be evaluated prior to award.

Reasonable, necessary and allocable costs for data management and public access may be included in extramural research applications and detailed in the budget justification described in Section IV.

Agency policy and ethical considerations prevent EPA technical staff and managers from providing applicants with information that may create an unfair competitive advantage.

Consequently, EPA employees will not review, comment, advise, and/or provide technical assistance to applicants preparing applications in response to EPA funding opportunities. EPA employees cannot endorse any specific application.

Multiple Investigator applications may be submitted as: (1) a single Lead Principal Investigator (PI) application with Co-PI(s) or (2) a Multiple PI application (with a single Contact PI). If you choose to submit a Multiple PI application, you must follow the specific instructions provided in Sections IV and V of this funding opportunity. For further information, please see the EPA Implementation Plan for Policy on Multiple Principal Investigators (Research Grants Guidance and Policies).

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/29/2023-05471/pfas-national-primary-drinking-water-regulation-rulemaking https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/29/2023-05471/pfas-national-primary-drinking-water-regulation-rulemaking https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110715507 https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grants-guidance-and-policies https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grants-guidance-and-policies

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. All applications should include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS; described in Section IV.C.5.iii.c of this solicitation). If the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.D and V.G of this solicitation.

If the applicant is a non-profit organization, the applicant must verify that it provides to small public water systems, onsite technical assistance, circuit-rider technical assistance programs, multistate, regional technical assistance programs, onsite and regional training, assistance with implementing source water protection plans, and assistance with implementing monitoring plans, rules, regulations, and water security enhancements. The application must include a non-profit verification (see “Non-Profit Verification” in Section IV.C.5.iii.e).

These awards may involve the collection of “Geospatial Information,” which includes information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features or boundaries on the Earth or applications, tools, and hardware associated with the generation, maintenance, or distribution of such information. This information may be derived from, among other things, a Geographic Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, mapping, charting, and surveying technologies, or statistical data.

H. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

Additional provisions that apply to sections III, IV, V, and VI of this solicitation and/or awards made under this solicitation, can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses. These provisions are important for applying to this solicitation and applicants must review them when preparing applications for this solicitation. If you are unable to access these provisions electronically at the website above, please contact the EPA point of contact listed in this solicitation (usually in Section VII) to obtain the provisions.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

It is anticipated that a total of approximately $1,000,000 will be awarded under this announcement, depending on the availability of funds, quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. The EPA anticipates funding approximately one award under this funding opportunity. Requests for amounts in excess of a total of $1,000,000 in federal funds per award, including direct and indirect costs, will not be considered. In addition, a minimum non-federal cost share/match of 35% of the total project costs which is equivalent at a minimum to 53.846% of the federal funds awarded (which may include in-kind contributions - see Section III.B. for more details), must be included. The minimum 35% non-federal cost share/match, equal to a minimum of $538,462 (assuming the applicant requests $1,000,000 in EPA funds) must be included. Including matching, total project costs can exceed $1,538,462 (if the applicant proposes more than the minimum required non-federal cost share/match), however, the federally funded portion of the budget must not exceed $1,000,000. Applications which do not demonstrate how the applicant will provide the minimum non-federal cost share/match will be https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses deemed ineligible. The total project period requested in an application submitted for this funding opportunity may not exceed 4 years.

The EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards under this funding opportunity. The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than six months after the original selection decisions.

In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If EPA decides to partially fund an application, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the application, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. Awards may be fully or incrementally funded, as appropriate, based on funding availability, satisfactory performance, and other applicable considerations.

EPA intends to award only grants under this announcement.

Under a grant, EPA scientists and engineers will not be substantially involved in the execution of the research. However, EPA encourages interaction between its own laboratory scientists and grant Principal Investigators after the award of an EPA grant for the sole purpose of exchanging information in research areas of common interest that may add value to their respective research activities. This interaction must be incidental rather than substantial to achieving the goals of the research under a grant. Interaction that is “incidental” does not involve resource commitments by

EPA.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Note: Additional provisions that apply to this section can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses.

A. Eligible Applicants

Public water systems, institutions of higher education (IHEs), research institutions or foundations, regional water organizations and certain nonprofit organizations as further described below, located in the U.S. or its territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply.

Public water system, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 300f(4), means a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if such system has at least fifteen service connections or regularly serves at least twenty-five individuals.

Such term includes (i) any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of such system and used primarily in connection with such system, and (ii) any collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used primarily in connection with such system. Privately and publicly owned public water systems that meet the definition of a public water system in 42 U.S.C. 300f(4) are eligible to apply.

https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:300f%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section300f)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:300f%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section300f)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim

A Regional Water Organization, for purposes of this program, is an association or similar incorporated non-profit or governmental entity that represents or coordinates the operations of public water systems in a defined geographic area under a compact, charter or binding contractual agreement.

Consistent with the definition of Nonprofit organization at 2 CFR § 200.1, the term nonprofit organization means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization that is operated mainly for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purpose in the public interest and is not organized primarily for profit; and uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operation of the organization. Note that 2 CFR § 200.1 specifically excludes Institutions of Higher Education from the definition of non-profit organization because they are separately defined in the regulation. While not considered to be a nonprofit organization(s) as defined by 2 CFR § 200.1, public or nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this funding opportunity. As provided at 42 U.S.C. 300j- 1a(a)(2)(E) and 42 U.S.C. 300j-1(e)(8)(A) eligibility is limited to “. . . nonprofit organizations that provide to small public water systems onsite technical assistance, circuit-rider technical assistance programs, multistate, regional technical assistance programs, onsite and regional training, assistance with implementing source water protection plans, and assistance with implementing monitoring plans, rules, regulations, and water security enhancements.” For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible.

Nonprofit organizations that are not exempt from taxation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code must submit other forms of documentation of nonprofit status; such as certificates of incorporation as nonprofit under state or tribal law. Nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that lobby are not eligible for EPA funding as provided in the Lobbying Disclosure Act, 2 U.S.C. 1611.

Foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental international organizations/institutions are not eligible to apply.

National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies (Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, “FFRDCs”) may not apply. FFRDC employees may cooperate or collaborate with eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. They may participate in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research directed by the applicant, but may not direct projects on behalf of the applicant organization. An award recipient may provide funds through its assistance agreement from the EPA to an FFRDC for research personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses directly related to the research.

Federal Agencies may not apply. Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on an assistance agreement. Federal employees may not receive salaries or augment their Agency’s appropriations through awards made under this program unless authorized by law to receive such funding.

The applicant institution may enter into an agreement with a Federal Agency to purchase or utilize unique supplies or services unavailable in the private sector to the extent authorized by law. Examples are purchase of satellite data, chemical reference standards, analyses, or use of instrumentation or other facilities not available elsewhere. A written justification for federal involvement must be included in the application. In addition, an appropriate form of assurance that documents the commitment, such as a letter of intent from the Federal Agency involved, should be included.

Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should contact the Eligibility Contact listed under Section VII. Agency Contacts.

B. Cost sharing

As required under 42 U.S.C. 300j-1a(e), each applicant must contribute a minimum non-federal cost share/match of 35% of the total allowable project costs. This is equivalent at a minimum to 53.846% of the federal amount.

For example, if an applicant requests $1,000,000 in EPA funds, a minimum of $538,462 must be included. Including matching, total project costs can exceed $1,538,462 (if the applicant proposes more than the minimum required non-federal cost share/match), however, the federally-funded portion of the budget must not exceed $1,000,000.

If the applicant is successful, the assistance agreement will display cost share as a percentage of total project costs. Cost share may include in-kind contributions. In order to be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must demonstrate in their applications how they will meet the required minimum 35% cost share/match in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.306.

The cost share/match may be provided in cash or can come from in-kind contributions, such as the use of volunteers and/or donated time, equipment, etc., subject to the regulations governing matching fund requirements at 2 CFR §200.306. Cost share/matching funds are considered grant funds and are included in the total award amount.

All contributions, including cash and third party in-kind, shall be accepted as cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the following criteria: (1) Are verifiable from the non-Federal entity's records; (2) Are not included as contributions for any other Federal award;

(3) Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives; (4) Are allowable under Subpart E—Cost Principles of 2 CFR Part 200; (5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another Federal award, except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs; (6) Are provided for in the approved budget when required by the Federal awarding agency; and (7) Conform to other provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, as applicable.

Any restrictions on the use of grant funds (examples of funding restrictions are described in Section IV.E of this announcement) also apply to the use of cost share/matching funds.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E

C. Other

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and must meet the eligibility requirements described in Sections III.A., B., and C. to be considered eligible. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

a. Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this solicitation or else they will be rejected. However, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to the application, or parts thereof, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed. Applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in application format, including selecting a legible font type and size for use in the application.

b. In addition, initial applications must be submitted through Grants.gov as stated in Section IV of this solicitation (except in the limited circumstances where another mode of submission is specifically allowed for as explained in Section IV) on or before the application submission deadline published in…