News

WEST Research Scientist and Water Resiliency Program Coordinator, Bianca Chaves, received accolades for research on chlorination and RO membranes at the 2026 AZ Water Conference.

In April 2026, two students in the Water Resiliency Program were recognized for outstanding contributions by the UofA College of Engineering.

"Flowing Forward", a new documentary series, explores the breakthrough technologies and pioneering research contributing to bold solutions reshaping the future of water in our growing cities. Among the featured experts are WEST Center's Dr. Kerri Hickenbottom and Dr. Andrea Achilli.

The complex issue of PFAS exposure risks from land application of biosolids is described in an article by the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences. WEST Center is working to answer questions through a national collaborative study.

In March 2026, WEST Center researchers attended a NAWI workshop focused on advancing water treatment science to meet regional water and energy needs.

Two WEST Center PhD students, Simran Singh and Abdullah Aleidan, received honors for outstanding research posters at the Environmental Professionals of Arizona's annual conference in March 2026.

As reported by UArizona student Mervin Lim in "The Conversation," a new system being tested at the WEST Center could boost recovery of both water and valuable chemicals from wastewater brine.

A national conference focused on PFAS will be held at the University of Arizona in June 2026. Pre-conference activities will likely include a visit to WEST Center.

In a collaborative project between the University of Arizona, Pima County RWRD, and Ovivo Technologies, a WEST research team has launched a study to improve removal and destruction of PFAS in wastewater using foam fractionation and electrooxidation.

As reported by UANews, Professor Chuck Gerba is being recognized as a 2025 Distinguished Eagle Scout award recipient. Dr. Gerba is a well-known microbiology expert and researcher at WEST Center.