Understanding the impact of PFAS in water systems and the environment
Official title: Research Project 3: Investigating PFAS across water reclamation facilities and in environmental media
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10939228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into harmful chemicals called PFAS in wastewater and groundwater to find better ways to measure them and help protect communities, especially those using recycled water for drinking, from exposure to these pollutants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 24, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $257,876 |
| NIH project number | 1P42ES036506-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in urban areas with known PFAS contamination in their water supply.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by PFAS contamination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the presence and effects of PFAS, a group of harmful chemicals, in wastewater and urban groundwater systems. It aims to develop new methods for quantifying PFAS without relying on traditional analytical standards, which can be challenging due to the complexity of environmental samples. The project will also create predictive models to identify communities at risk of PFAS exposure, particularly in areas where recycled water is used for drinking. By focusing on equitable strategies, the research seeks to minimize human exposure to these contaminants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety of drinking water by better understanding and managing PFAS contamination.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying and managing environmental contaminants, but the specific approach to PFAS quantification in this study is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Adam Lee — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Smith, Adam Lee
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.