Research Areas

The Environmental Research Group specializes in five areas, each an important issue to New Hampshire and New England communities and private sector firms as well as to the nation. Research is undertaken on other issues when expertise is sought by New Hampshire communities or firms, but it is in these five areas that the Group has a critical mass of talent, demonstrated significant expertise, and concentrated its program development efforts:

• advanced water treatment technologies
  (particularly for small systems),
   
• waste characterization and utilization
   
• ground water processes and bioremediation
   
• contaminated sediments characterization, treatment and management
   
• electrotechnologies research
   

 New England Water Treatment Technology Assistance Center

The New England Water Treatment Technology Assistance Center is the hub for water treatment. Group efforts in advanced water treatment technology focus on the need of small communities and firms for reliable, affordable systems for drinking water. Concern for safer drinking water, as well as new Federal requirements, are forcing communities to upgrade to more advanced treatment methods. The technologies that are presently available will result in massive cost increases, so new technologies are urgently needed. The Center is funded by the U.S. EPA. Dr. Robin Collins (603 862-1407; robin.collins@unh.edu) is the director.

Waste Characterization and Utilization

ERG's waste characterization and utilization activities are directed towards significantly increasing the amount of recycled materials used in construction of roads and highways. ERG leads an international Waste Utilization Consortium involved in a number of ongoing projects. ERG's Recycled Materials Resource Center (RMRC) conducts research to ensure that recycling of materials in roads will be free of unexpected long-term environmental consequences. The goal is to make recycling possible, in ways that produce physical performance of roads at least as good as with traditional materials, at the same or lower cost. The RMRC is funded by the Federal Highway Administration. Dr. Taylor Eighmy (603-862-1065; t.eighmy@rmrc.unh.edu) directs the RMRC.

Groundwater Processes and Bioremediation Research

ERG's groundwater processes and bioremediation research addresses national problems resulting from hazardous waste disposal at military bases, industrial sites, and landfills. The Bedrock Bioremediation Center (BBC) specializes in multidisciplinary research that focuses on development, testing and evaluation of innovative technologies to enhance in situ biodegradation of organic-contaminants in bedrock aquifers. The BBC is funded by the U.S. EPA. Dr. Nancy Kinner (603 862-1422; nancy.kinner@unh.edu) directs the BBC.

Electrotechnologies Research

The Electrotechnologies Research Program examines the applications of ultraviolet light, pulsed ultraviolet light, electric fields, pulsed electric fields, electron beams, sonic waves and other emerging technologies for treatment of hazardous wastes and air pollution and for the disinfection of drinking water and wastewater. Dr. James Malley (603 862-1449; jim.malley@unh.edu) heads the program.

Contaminated Sediment Research Center (CCSR)

ERG's newest center is the Center for Contaminated Sediment Research. It was developed in response to regional and national needs to characterize, treat and manage contaminated dredged materials from ports, harbors and waterways.