The National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation (NGWREF) is granting $8,000 to Daqian Jiang of the University of Minnesota to research bioremediation of groundwater.

The project is one of the first to study the mechanisms of electro-biochemical remediation of arsenic, nitrate and other groundwater contaminants using advanced molecular techniques.

Jiang’s research goals include developing a “drop-and-treat” alternative for enhanced remediation of the contaminants and creating a device that solves challenges in groundwater remediation.

He will collect critical information needed to assess the scalability of electrically enhanced bioremediation.

The research addresses NGWREF’s mission to address public concerns about the quality of groundwater. The foundation’s mission stresses “providing research that can result in sound, reliable science and innovative, effective, cost-saving technologies for improved use, management, protection and remediation of groundwater resources.”

If successful, the grant will help introduce a new category of technologies with the potential to complement existing technologies and address emerging challenges in groundwater remediation.

 The NGWREF, founded in 1994, is the charitable arm of the National Ground Water Association. It is focused on conducting educational, research and other activities that promote a broader understanding of groundwater use and access. NGWA is a nonprofit that supports responsible development, management and use of water resources. It’s comprised of groundwater professionals ranging from contractors to equipment manufacturers to scientists and engineers. For more information, visit www.ngwa.org.