Research Disciplines

The Environmental Research Group specializes in seven 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 seven areas that the Group has a critical mass of talent, demonstrated significant expertise, and concentrated its program development efforts:

Bioremediation
Coastal Response
Contaminant Fate, Transport, and Remediation
Drinking Water Treatment Technologies
Electrotechnologies Research
Recycled Materials and Waste Utilization
Stormwater and Wastewater Treatment

Bioremediation

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 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 Center is funded by the U.S. EPA and directed by Dr. Nancy Kinner (603 862-1422; nancy.kinner@unh.edu).

Coastal Response

The Coastal Response Research Center focuses on developing new approaches to spill response and restoration in marine and estuarine environments through research and synthesis of information. A partnership between the National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) and the University of New Hampshire, the Center stimulates innovation in spill preparedness, responses, assessment, and implementation of optimum spill recovery strategies. The Center is directed by Dr. Nancy Kinner.

Contaminant Fate, Transport, and Remediation

The UNH Contaminated Sediment Center was developed in response to regional and national needs to characterize, treat and manage contaminated dredged materials from ports, harbors and waterways.

Drinking Water Treatment Technologies

The 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. Presently-available technologies 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) directs the Center.

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.

Recycled Materials and Waste 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 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 and is directed by Dr. Kevin Gardner (603-862-4554; kevin.gardner@unh.edu.

Stormwater Treatment and Management

Although many of the stormwater management devices are based on sound theory, there is no requirement that they undergo independent, third-party scientific testing. The UNH Stormwater Center is designed to study stormwater-related water quality and quantity issues. One unique feature is the field facility to evaluate and verify the performance of stormwater management devices and technologies. Fifteen different management systems are currently undergoing side-by-side comparison testing under strictly controlled conditions. The Center is funded through NOAA and is directed by Dr. Rob Roseen (603-862-4024; robert.roseen@unh.edu).