News

Research published by Dr. Bianca Souza-Chaves and WEST colleagues in the Journal of Membrane Science (JMS) describes the use of chlorination to extend the life of reverse osmosis membranes used in water reuse. The article was selected as a JMS Editor’s Choice in September 2021.

In an article by the Center for Produce Safety, WEST researcher, Dr. Kelly Bright, explains how a new study aims to provide insight into the role of dust in pathogen transfer onto produce. Along with UArizona Co-PIs Drs. Walter Betancourt and Charles Gerba, Bright will lead a combination of laboratory experiments and field studies in Arizona’s arid farming region and develop best management practices (BMPs) to help guide growers.

In an episode of PBS NewsHour, reporters cover issues and approaches to a return to campus during continued COVID-19 concerns. The piece highlights two universities, including the University of Arizona, and discusses strategies being used to keep campus communities safe across the country - including vaccination, masks, testing, and wastewater monitoring.

A Research Technician at WEST Center, Erika Stark analyzes samples for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, studies microplastics in soils, and recently completed a master’s degree in Public Health. 

With growing concern that land application of biosolids could be banned due to possible PFAS contamination of groundwater and/or crop uptake, WEST Center and others are developing a collaborative study to evaluate the incidence and mobility of PFAS following land application of biosolids. WEST invites partners to join this study!

In early September 2021, WEST Center researchers were awarded grants from federal agencies to 1) evaluate water quality for direct potable reuse and 2) assess viability and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater across the U.S.

In a September 2021 article, Arizona Republic writer Ian James describes how reclaimed water in action is supporting river life in the Southwest. Technologies to improve water quality and purification efficiencies are a major focus of WEST Center research.

Installed in WEST in August 2021, two new digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) instruments will provide rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and variants in wastewater, essential to monitoring community health.

As students return to the University of Arizona amid a surge of COVID-19 cases, UArizona plans to use wastewater testing - led by WEST Center - to again help control outbreaks. Read and watch the full story produced by KOLD News 13.

A doctoral candidate working at WEST Center, Zachary Binger focuses on optimization of membrane systems, developing computer models to increase water recovery and reduce energy consumption.