Deadline: 20-Nov-2025

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is accepting proposals for its PFAS Fingerprinting Grant Program to improve the identification and differentiation of PFAS contamination sources in water systems. The program funds research that evaluates current methodologies, explores machine learning applications, and develops a best-practice framework for PFAS source attribution. Up to $150,000 in funding is available, with applications due November 20, 2025.

Advancing PFAS Fingerprinting to Identify Water Contamination Sources

Overview

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is seeking grant applications for projects aimed at advancing PFAS fingerprinting to improve detection, differentiation, and attribution of contamination sources in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater systems. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals that pose significant environmental and health risks, making accurate source identification critical for effective remediation and regulation.

This program emphasizes research that evaluates existing analytical methods, applies innovative machine learning tools, and develops a comprehensive framework to guide utilities and regulators in identifying PFAS sources.

Why This Research Matters

PFAS chemicals are:

• Extremely stable and resistant to degradation

• Widely used in industrial and consumer products

• Difficult to trace due to complex production, usage, and transport pathways

Proper source identification helps:

• Inform regulatory compliance

• Guide remediation strategies

• Prioritize monitoring and prevention efforts

• Protect public health and ecosystem integrity

Project Goals

The WRF PFAS Fingerprinting Program aims to:

1. Evaluate current PFAS fingerprinting methodologies and analytical techniques

2. Assess the applicability of machine learning tools to enhance source differentiation

3. Develop a decision-making framework and best practices for PFAS source attribution

4. Incorporate regulatory and operational considerations into the framework

5. Disseminate findings through publications, workshops, and presentations

Key Concepts

PFAS Fingerprinting

PFAS fingerprinting is the analytical process of characterizing chemical mixtures in water to determine their source. It uses techniques such as high-resolution mass spectrometry and pattern recognition to link specific PFAS profiles to industrial, municipal, or environmental sources.

Machine Learning in PFAS Analysis

Machine learning algorithms can identify complex patterns in PFAS data, improve predictive accuracy, and support scalable applications in real-world monitoring scenarios.

Deliverables

Projects funded under this program are expected to produce:

• Comprehensive research report

• Literature review of existing PFAS fingerprinting methods

• Guidance manual or framework for utilities and regulators

• Peer-reviewed publications and fact sheets

• Case studies and white papers

• Webcast or conference presentations

• Documentation of workshops or technology demonstrations

Funding and Project Duration

• Maximum WRF funding: $150,000

• Required cost share: Minimum 33% (cash or in-kind)

• Project duration: 12–24 months

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Universities and academic institutions

• Research organizations

• Government agencies

• Consultants and for-profit organizations

• Both U.S.-based and international entities

Ineligible applicants:
Researchers with delayed WRF-sponsored projects without approved no-cost extensions.

How to Apply

1. Prepare Proposal

• Define research objectives and methodology

• Conduct a literature review plan

• Describe machine learning or analytical techniques

• Outline decision-making framework development

• Include budget, cost-share, and timeline

2. Submit Proposal

• Format as a single PDF

• Submit online via the WRF portal

3. Meet Deadline

• Submission deadline: November 20, 2025

• Time: 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Understanding of PFAS contamination challenges

• Technical and scientific merit

• Qualifications and capabilities of the team

• Communication plan and clarity of deliverables

• Budget justification and project schedule

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure at least 33% of total project cost is covered by cost-share or in-kind contributions

• Engage with utilities or regulatory stakeholders to enhance relevance

• Highlight innovative machine learning applications

• Align methodology with real-world monitoring and regulatory scenarios

• Include clear dissemination and outreach plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can international organizations apply?
Yes, both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities are eligible.

2. What types of cost share are acceptable?
Cash contributions, applicant in-kind support, and third-party in-kind contributions are all acceptable.

3. Is collaboration encouraged?
Yes, interdisciplinary and multi-institutional teams are strongly encouraged.

4. Can the funding be used for capital projects?
No. Funding supports research, analytical evaluation, and framework development—not infrastructure or equipment purchases beyond analytical needs.

5. How will proposals be evaluated?
Evaluation considers problem understanding, technical merit, team qualifications, communication, deliverables, and budget feasibility.

6. What is PFAS fingerprinting?
It is the process of chemically characterizing PFAS mixtures to identify contamination sources.

7. What outputs are required?
Reports, guidance manuals, peer-reviewed articles, fact sheets, case studies, presentations, and workshop documentation.

Conclusion

The WRF PFAS Fingerprinting Grant Program provides a unique opportunity for researchers to advance analytical methods, improve contamination source identification, and support water utilities and regulators in addressing the growing environmental and health risks posed by PFAS. Proposals must be submitted by November 20, 2025, to contribute to safer and more resilient water systems worldwide.

For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.