Funding Opportunity for SND Research in Wastewater Treatment

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting research proposals to improve understanding of simultaneous nitrification/denitrification (SND) in biological nutrient removal systems. The project aims to define successful SND performance, identify operational and biological factors affecting treatment efficiency, improve modelling approaches, and develop practical recommendations for water and wastewater utilities.

About the Water Research Foundation SND Research Project

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is seeking proposals for a research project focused on advancing knowledge of simultaneous nitrification/denitrification (SND) within biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes.

The research will help utilities and water professionals better understand how SND occurs, what conditions support successful performance, and how operational strategies can be improved.

The project aims to generate practical guidance that can improve wastewater treatment efficiency, nutrient removal performance, and process modelling accuracy.

Understanding Simultaneous Nitrification/Denitrification (SND)

Simultaneous nitrification/denitrification (SND) is a biological wastewater treatment process where nitrification and denitrification occur at the same time within the same treatment environment.

The process involves:

• Nitrification: Conversion of ammonia into nitrate by nitrifying microorganisms.
• Denitrification: Conversion of nitrate into nitrogen gas by denitrifying microorganisms.

SND can improve nutrient removal efficiency by reducing the need for separate treatment stages and optimizing biological processes.

However, successful SND depends on multiple factors, including:

• Oxygen availability.
• Carbon sources.
• Microbial communities.
• Reactor conditions.
• Operational strategies.

Purpose of the Research Project

The purpose of this WRF-funded research project is to improve understanding of SND performance and develop practical recommendations for wastewater treatment systems.

The research will focus on:

• Defining successful SND performance.
• Identifying conditions that promote or limit SND.
• Improving wastewater treatment modelling.
• Supporting better operational decisions.

Key Research Areas

Definition and Evaluation of Successful SND

The project will establish a clear definition of successful SND using:

• Published research datasets.
• Unpublished operational datasets.
• Performance indicators.
• Nutrient removal outcomes.

The research will identify what qualifies as effective SND performance across different treatment systems.

Identification of SND Success Factors and Challenges

Researchers will develop a framework to identify:

• Where SND has been successfully implemented.
• Where SND performance has faced limitations.
• Reasons behind successful or unsuccessful outcomes.

The framework will help utilities understand when SND can be effectively applied.

Operational, Physical, and Biological Conditions

The project will examine conditions that influence SND performance, including:

• Oxygen levels.
• Reactor configuration.
• Carbon availability.
• Nutrient loading.
• Microbial activity.
• Treatment operating conditions.

Researchers will identify factors that promote or inhibit effective SND.

Microbial Community Analysis

The research will evaluate:

• Microbial populations involved in SND.
• Biological mechanisms supporting nutrient removal.
• Effects of different carbon sources on microbial performance.

Understanding microbial communities will help improve biological treatment strategies.

Evaluation of Modelling Software

The project will assess commonly used wastewater treatment modelling tools by examining:

• Accuracy in predicting SND performance.
• Model limitations.
• Calibration requirements.
• Ability to represent biological processes.

Researchers will provide recommendations for improving model reliability.

Expected Research Outcomes

The project is expected to produce:

• A clear definition of successful SND.
• A framework for evaluating SND applications.
• Identification of critical operational conditions.
• Improved understanding of microbial processes.
• Recommendations for wastewater modelling improvements.
• Guidance for utilities implementing SND systems.

Funding Information

The Water Research Foundation provides:

• Maximum available funding: Up to $250,000

Funding will support eligible research activities related to improving knowledge and application of SND processes.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

• Educational institutions.
• Research organisations.
• Government agencies.
• Consulting organisations.
• For-profit organisations.
• Other qualified research entities.

Both:

• U.S.-based organisations.
• Non-U.S.-based organisations.

are eligible to apply.

Researcher Eligibility Requirements

Researchers participating in proposals must comply with the WRF Timeliness Policy.

Researchers are not eligible to participate if they:

• Are currently late on WRF-sponsored research projects.
• Do not have an approved no-cost extension for delayed projects.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal

The proposal should explain:

• The research approach.
• Methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Contribution to improving SND understanding.

Step 2: Address Research Objectives

Proposals should demonstrate how the project will:

• Define SND success.
• Identify performance factors.
• Evaluate biological and operational conditions.
• Improve modelling approaches.

Step 3: Prepare Budget Information

Applicants should provide:

• Detailed project costs.
• Research expenses.
• Resource requirements.
• Justification for requested funding.

Step 4: Submit Proposal

Eligible organisations must submit proposals according to WRF requirements and ensure compliance with all application policies.

Why This Research Matters

Efficient nutrient removal is essential for protecting water quality and meeting environmental regulations.

Improved understanding of SND can help utilities:

• Reduce treatment complexity.
• Improve nitrogen removal.
• Increase operational efficiency.
• Lower treatment costs.
• Develop more sustainable wastewater systems.

This research can support the development of better wastewater treatment practices and improve resilience in water management systems.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the research gap.
• Demonstrate expertise in wastewater treatment and biological processes.
• Include strong technical methodology.
• Address practical applications for utilities.
• Provide realistic timelines and budgets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing research without practical utility applications.
• Failing to explain SND challenges.
• Providing unclear methodologies.
• Ignoring modelling and microbial aspects.
• Submitting proposals without considering WRF policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of this WRF research project?

The project focuses on improving understanding of simultaneous nitrification/denitrification (SND) in biological nutrient removal processes.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to $250,000 in WRF funding.

Who can apply?

Educational institutions, research organisations, government agencies, consultants, and for-profit organisations from the U.S. and other countries can apply.

What is SND?

SND is a biological wastewater treatment process where nitrification and denitrification occur simultaneously to remove nitrogen compounds.

What will the research study examine?

The project will examine operational conditions, microbial communities, carbon sources, and modelling approaches affecting SND performance.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. Both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities may submit proposals.

Are there restrictions on participating researchers?

Yes. Researchers must comply with WRF Timeliness Policy and cannot participate if they have overdue WRF projects without approved extensions.

Conclusion

The Water Research Foundation SND Research Project Grant provides an opportunity to advance wastewater treatment science by improving understanding of simultaneous nitrification/denitrification processes. The research will help develop practical strategies, better modelling tools, and operational guidance for utilities seeking efficient and sustainable nutrient removal solutions.

Successful researchers must follow WRF requirements, maintain project timelines, deliver expected research outputs, and ensure that findings contribute to improved water quality management and wastewater treatment innovation.