$150,000 grants for PFAS fingerprinting research

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has announced a new grant opportunity aimed at advancing PFAS fingerprinting, an emerging analytical approach used to identify and differentiate contamination sources across water systems.

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Focus Research approach Funding details Who can apply Deadline

The project seeks to improve scientific methods used to trace per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent environmental pollutants increasingly detected in drinking water supplies.

Focus

The initiative is designed to strengthen PFAS source attribution by evaluating and refining existing fingerprinting techniques.

Researchers will assess analytical tools, explore the integration of machine learning, and develop a practical framework to help water utilities, regulators, and environmental agencies apply these methods more effectively.

Research approach

WRF encourages innovative and flexible research methods. Proposed studies may include literature reviews of current approaches, expert surveys and the testing of machine learning models capable of distinguishing PFAS sources.

Researchers will also design a decision-making framework to support real-world applications of PFAS fingerprinting in environmental monitoring, compliance and regulatory enforcement.

Funding details

WRF will award up to $150,000 for the project, with applicants required to contribute at least 33% of the total project cost through cost share or in-kind contributions.

The research is expected to run for 12 to 24 months, depending on the proposed scope and milestone schedule.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, government agencies, consulting firms and other qualified organisations based in the U.S. or internationally.

Proposals will be evaluated based on problem understanding, technical merit, team expertise, communication strategy and overall project feasibility.