The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated a total of $498,801 in research funding to five college teams to advance their innovative technologies addressing environmental and public health challenges. Among the recipients is the University of Missouri team, which received $100,000 to combat PFAS contamination in drinking water.

Led by researchers Maria Fidalgo and Chung-Ho Lin, the University of Missouri project aims to develop an affordable and independent drinking water treatment system that removes PFAS. This initiative builds on a previous $25,000 EPA grant awarded in 2022.

"Congratulations to the University of Missouri team for winning this award to continue tackling the critical environmental issue of PFAS contamination in drinking water," stated EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. "The research happening right here in our region has the potential to improve drinking water quality for affected individuals across the country, and we’re cheering on this important work."

These awards are part of EPA’s People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) program. The student teams have advanced to Phase II awards as part of the 18th annual P3 competition after previously receiving a one-year grant up to $25,000 for Phase I development. They will now implement their designs in real-world settings with grants up to $100,000.

For more information about other winners from the 18th annual P3 Phase II competition or details about EPA's P3 program and Region 7 activities, interested parties can visit related online resources.