Detroit, Mar 18: Wayne State University, in collaboration with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), has been awarded a USD 473,566, three-year grant to lead a major research initiative aimed at enhancing phosphorus removal at the nation’s largest single-site wastewater treatment facility.
The project will focus on improving operations at the GLWA’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), which serves 77 communities, including Detroit, and manages wastewater from a nearly 1,000-square-mile sewer shed. The initiative is designed to protect vital water bodies such as the Rouge River and Lake Erie by increasing phosphorus removal efficiency and meeting stricter environmental regulations aimed at reducing harmful algal blooms.
Advancing Water Quality and Environmental Protection
“This project is critical for protecting the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water, food, and recreation for many local communities,” said Shawn McElmurry, chair of Wayne State’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Excess phosphorus from sources like agricultural runoff and sewage can lead to severe environmental issues such as algal blooms, making it essential to improve nutrient removal strategies.”
The research team will:
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Analyze how phosphorus moves through the treatment system using advanced chemical techniques
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Develop bench-scale treatment systems to test biological and chemical removal processes
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Build predictive models to enable real-time optimization of phosphorus removal
These efforts aim to support data-driven water management and improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment operations.
Collaboration Driving Innovation and Talent Development
“This collaboration represents the kind of innovation-focused partnership that strengthens our ability to protect regional water resources,” said John Norton, director of energy, research, and innovation at GLWA. “In addition to improving treatment capabilities, this initiative will help train the next generation of water professionals.”
The project will also provide hands-on training opportunities for Wayne State students, equipping them with expertise in wastewater treatment and environmental protection.
Highlighting the broader impact, Ezemenari M. Obasi, vice president for research and innovation at Wayne State, said:
“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to solving complex challenges through real-world solutions. It supports both environmental sustainability and public health—key pillars of our Grand Challenges initiative.”
Research Team
The project team includes experts from both institutions, including Shawn McElmurry, Timothy Dittrich (co-PI), Brooke Ballard, John Norton, and Andrew Marcus.
This initiative underscores the importance of academic-industry collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding critical water resources for future generations.
