The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is offering up to $250,000 for research that advances natural treatment solutions—such as constructed wetlands—for managing reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate. Applicants will collect field data, assess pollutant removal, explore optimal media, evaluate evapotranspiration, and develop design guidance for utilities. Eligible U.S. and international organizations can propose flexible, innovative methodologies over an 18–36 month project period.

WRF Research Grant: Natural Treatment Solutions for RO Concentrate Management

Overview

The Water Research Foundation is seeking proposals that advance scientific understanding of natural treatment systems for reverse osmosis concentrate, with a focus on constructed wetlands and similar nature-based solutions. RO concentrate management is a growing challenge for utilities, and this research aims to generate actionable insights, engineering guidance, and practical design recommendations.

Why It Matters

Reverse osmosis systems are effective but produce a high-salinity concentrate containing pollutants. Natural systems—such as wetlands—may provide cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to conventional disposal. This research matters because it can:

• Expand environmentally responsible treatment options

• Improve pollutant removal efficiency

• Help utilities meet regulatory requirements

• Reduce operational costs

• Support sustainable water management practices

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: $250,000

• Project duration: 18–36 months

• Scope: Literature review, field data, design recommendations, media analysis, evapotranspiration study

• Goal: Produce evidence-based guidance for utilities managing RO concentrate through natural systems

Key Research Areas

Field Data Collection and Compilation

• Document real-world examples of RO concentrate management in constructed wetlands

• Gather data from utilities, previous studies, and WRF subscribers

• Identify performance gaps and success factors

Treatment Performance and Design Optimization

• Compare treatment of RO concentrate vs. treated wastewater

• Determine mass and area requirements for pollutant removal

• Identify engineering parameters that improve system efficiency

Investigation of Optimal Media

• Analyze media types for effective reduction of target pollutants

• Evaluate long-term performance and suitability under high-salinity conditions

Evapotranspiration vs. Evaporation Studies

• Compare evapotranspiration rates in wetland systems with traditional evaporation ponds

• Evaluate benefits for discharging and non-discharging wetlands

Design Guidance Development

• Integrate literature findings, compiled data, and field experiment results

• Produce recommendations addressing environmental conditions, media selection, system configuration, and regulatory needs

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Universities and academic institutions

• Research organizations

• Government agencies

• Consulting firms

• For-profit companies

• Both U.S.-based and international entities

Ineligible Applicants

Organizations are not eligible if they:

• Are late on current WRF-sponsored projects

• Do not have approved extensions for delayed projects

• Fail to meet the WRF Timeliness Policy

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Ensure your organization meets WRF requirements and has no overdue projects.

2. Review the Grant Objectives
   Align your proposed research with RO concentrate management and natural treatment goals.

3. Develop Your Methodology
   Include literature review, data compilation, potential field testing, and design analysis.

4. Prepare a Detailed Proposal

   • Research plan

   • Budget (up to $250,000)

   • Timeline (18–36 months)

   • Team qualifications

   • Expected outputs

5. Submit Through WRF’s Online System
   Follow WRF instructions for formatting and deadlines.

6. Plan for Flexibility
   WRF encourages innovative, adaptive approaches, so justify your chosen methods clearly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing solutions that are too narrow or not grounded in existing literature

• Failing to incorporate both natural treatment systems and RO concentrate specifics

• Overlooking the need for data from utilities and real-world installations

• Proposing field tests without feasible logistics or supporting rationale

• Missing compliance requirements under the WRF Timeliness Policy

FAQ

1. What type of treatment systems does this research focus on?

Constructed wetlands and related natural treatment systems designed to manage RO concentrate.

2. Is field experimentation required?

Field tests are optional but encouraged; they can enhance design guidance and real-world applicability.

3. Can international organizations apply?

Yes. The grant is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

4. What is the maximum funding amount?

Up to $250,000.

5. How long can the research project last?

Between 18 and 36 months, depending on project scope.

6. What must the final deliverables include?

A literature review, compiled field data, media analysis, evapotranspiration insights, and design guidance for utilities.

7. What disqualifies an applicant?

Being late on other WRF-funded projects without an approved extension.

Conclusion

This WRF grant supports innovative research that advances natural, sustainable approaches to managing RO concentrate. By integrating literature review, field data, and engineering analysis, selected researchers will help utilities adopt practical, environmentally sound treatment solutions. Organizations with strong technical expertise and creative methodologies can make a significant impact on water sustainability through this opportunity.