About

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites proposals to advance research on dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and phosphorus (DOP) within wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). The project seeks to improve understanding of their concentrations, speciation, and transformation across influent, effluent, and sidestream process streams. Specific objectives include quantifying the bioavailable fraction of DON/DOP, assessing their role in forming nitrogenous disinfection by-product precursors, determining bio-uptake rates under receiving water conditions, and evaluating biodegradation timescales in natural waters. The anticipated outcomes will provide utilities and researchers with critical insights into nutrient dynamics and water quality impacts. Applicants may request up to $275,000 in WRF funding, with a project duration of 24–36 months from contract initiation.

Eligibility

Proposals are open to U.S.-based and international entities, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, consultants, and other for-profit organizations. All applicants must demonstrate relevant expertise and capacity to deliver the proposed research. Researchers who are late on ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without approved no-cost extensions are not eligible under the WRF Timeliness Policy.

Post Date: August 20, 2026