Research

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WEST Center is a resource for local, state, and national communities with the ability to respond in near real-time to emerging contaminant and threats.  The Center brings together multiple disciplines from across the University of Arizona campus to work with both public and private sectors, to answer urgent questions related to water and wastewater treatment and monitoring, municipal waste reuse, and the use of low energy technologies.

WEST areas of expertise:

• Pandemic monitoring and mitigation
• New technology evaluation
• Molecular and cultural detection technologies for human pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
• Trace organic analysis at the parts per trillion level
• Analytical detection methods for emerging chemical contaminants
• Advanced water treatment systems to achieve potable water quality
• On-line real-time water quality sensors
• Distribution system water quality issues (biofilms, corrosion, disinfection byproducts)
• Membrane technologies and concentrate management
• Evaluation of soil health and reduced consumptive use for irrigation
• Energy efficient treatment technologies 

Because of the unique laboratory space and direct access to wastewater, technology research, development and testing takes place at the bench and intermediate field scale. Work at the WEST Center is conducted by University of Arizona faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scientists.

Highlighted Research Areas