News

COVID-19 in wastewater can show the virus spread, hotspots, UA researchers find

By Tony Davis, Arizona Daily Star

Researchers at University of Arizona WEST Center are developing an early warning system for the coronavirus - testing wastewater.

Energy-Water Collaborative wins DOE RAPID Award

By UArizona Institute for Energy Solutions

HOT water-energy technology for inland desalination by UArizona researchers, including two WEST faculty, wins DOE RAPID award.

Sewage Surveillance: WEST tests wastewater for Coronavirus

With advanced laboratory capabilities and expertise in Coronavirus research, WEST initiated an monitoring program in March 2020 to allow Coronavirus sewage surveillance. Sewage monitoring allows communities to evaluate the presence of the virus and ensure safety of wastewater treatment workers.

Continuously Active Surface Disinfectants May Provide Barrier Against Spread of Viruses

By Rosemary Brandt, UA News
As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, UArizona researchers at WEST Center are evaluating the potential of antiviral surface coatings in continued defense against the environmental spread of viruses.

Researchers Provide COVID-19 Guidance to Water Industry

UA WEST and researchers from other institutions, along with national water sector organizations, state agencies, and businesses, are working together to help the water sector stay informed and safe, and combat the spread of coronavirus.  One important resource is the document, “Implications of COVID-19 for Water, Wastewater, and Water Reuse.”

WEST Director wins Graduate Teaching & Mentoring Award

Dr. Ian Pepper, Director of WEST Center, was awarded the distinguished Teaching and Mentoring Award for Graduate Education by the University of Arizona Graduate College in April 2020.  Congratulations to Dr. Pepper! 

UArizona Tracking Coronavirus Through Wastewater Across US

By Rosemary Brandt, UANews
Researchers at the University of Arizona Water and Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center are testing wastewater across the country to trace coronavirus prevalence in communities and help public health officials better prepare for the future. 

WEST Researchers gear up for Irrigation Study

Construction of a greenhouse at WEST Center will be closely followed by the launch of a new study with importance to agriculture and public health.  The study seeks to quantify die-off rates of several pathogens associated with foodborne illnesses from leafy greens.

WEST faculty awarded Phoenix Water research grants

Awarded in early 2020, two $120K research grants from Phoenix Water will support Environmental Engineering research at WEST Center. Respectively led by Dr. Achilli and Dr. Hickenbottom, the projects will investigate strategies to increase reverse osmosis (RO) efficiency and achieve near zero liquid discharge (ZLD) in water reuse.

UA Research: Synthetic Chemicals (PFAS) Migrate Slowly Through Soils

According to UA research, reported levels of PFAS in groundwater could be "just the tip of the iceberg," as most of the chemicals are still migrating down slowly through the soil. In a recently-published study, UA faculty in Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences demonstrate how the synthetic chemicals (PFAS) migrate through the vadose zone using a newly-developed mathematical model.

Center for Produce Safety Visits WEST

In late January 2020, representatives from the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) in California visited the WEST Center.  A CPS-funded study investigating pathogen movement in irrigation waterways is in progress at WEST.

UA Study Looks at Survival of Coronaviruses in Water and Wastewater

In a study published in late 2008, WEST researchers measured the survival of coronaviruses in water and wastewater. Coronavirus research is especially significant at this time as the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) raises public health concerns worldwide.