Apply Now: WRF's Benchmarking Contamination Using Hyperspectral Microscopy

Published Date: September 13, 2024

Application Deadline: December 21

About the Program

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites innovative proposals for its Benchmarking Microbial and Chemical Contamination in Source Water Using Hyperspectral Microscopy Program. This initiative seeks to advance the state of the science in hyperspectral imaging and its application within the municipal One Water sector.

The program encourages creative and original research approaches. Proposals should outline methods for detecting microbial pathogens and chemicals in various types of source water, including water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and stormwater.

Program Objectives

• Develop advanced hyperspectral imaging techniques for the municipal One Water sector.
• Evaluate hyperspectral microscopy's sensitivity and accuracy in detecting microbial pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E. coli.
• Determine the necessary quality assurance and control measures for effective data monitoring.
• Assess data processing techniques, including cleaning, noise reduction, and anomaly detection.
• Explore the potential of machine learning to predict microbial species from hyperspectral imaging data.
• Investigate the capability of hyperspectral microscopy to detect chemicals and particles, including microplastics, nanoplastics, and nanoparticles.

Funding and Support

WRF is offering a maximum funding amount of $250,000 for this project. Applicants are required to contribute additional resources equivalent to at least 33% of the project award. For example, if requesting $100,000 from WRF, a minimum contribution of $33,000 is required. Contributions can be in the form of cost share, in-kind support, or third-party in-kind contributions.

The anticipated project duration is 24 months from the start date of the contract.

Expected Deliverables

• Research report
• Literature review
• Decision tree
• Webcast
• Conference presentation

Eligibility Criteria

Proposals are welcome from U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, consultants, and for-profit entities. Note that researchers with ongoing WRF-sponsored studies that are not on schedule may be ineligible to participate in this RFP.

For further information and to submit your proposal, visit the Water Research Foundation website.

Submit Your Proposal Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in source water contamination. For more details and to apply, visit the WRF Project Page.