Two NJIT Research Groups Awarded as Part of $1.2M EPA P3 Program
Two NJIT projects have been awarded as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) Program. The $1.2 million program funded 16 different student-based projects throughout the country to research and develop innovative solutions that address environmental and public health challenges.
The NJIT projects will tackle water quality and the detection of “forever chemicals” in the air.
Phosphorus removal, recovery and reuse
Ph.D. student Lai Wei is working alongside principal investigators professors Lijie Zhang and Wen Zhang on experimenting with new ways of cleaning up wastewater and capturing excessive phosphorus for later use. Phosphorus enters water systems and harms plants and animals, as well as threatening drinking water supply. But at the same time, phosphorus is a necessary nutrient for farming and is in high demand. This research looks to tackle both problems.
By using special materials and oxygenated nano bubbles, the research team aims to break down and hold the unwanted phosphorus to be safely reused for fertilizer. In their research, they will be modifying minerals to make them better at producing chemicals that can break down the phosphorus when combined with oxygen bubbles.
Airborn “Forever Chemical” Detection
Studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, according to the EPA. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are present at low levels in food, water and air.
Current methods for testing PFAS in the air are complicated, expensive and require skilled professionals with high operational costs. The research, conducted by students Md Mohidul Alam Sabuj and Mariam Naseer with professors Mark Zhao and Wen Zhang as principal investigators, explores the use of field-effect transistors to create accurate and inexpensive detectors.
“EPA is pleased to mark the 20th anniversary of our P3 program by announcing this impressive round of projects that are tackling critical issues such as removing PFAS from water, combating harmful algal blooms, and materials recovery and reuse,” said Chris Frey, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “I commend these hardworking and creative students and look forward to seeing the results of their innovative projects that are addressing some of our thorniest sustainability and environmental challenges.”
EPA's P3 program features a unique competition that offers teams of college students hands-on experience to turn their creative design and engineering ideas into reality, while also helping solve real-world environmental challenges. During the second year of the award, student teams will have the opportunity to showcase their designs at EPA’s National Student Design Expo.
