The Everglades is a World Heritage site and a subtropical wetland ecosystem spanning two million acres across central and south Florida. Yet, it faces ongoing risk from excess nutrients such as phosphorus (P) from entering its delicate ecosystems. Despite decades of P control programs in place, nutrient levels are constantly monitored to limit water quality impairment, loss to native vegetation, and disruption to wading bird habitats. 

Dr. Jehangir “Jango” Bhadha is leading a research initiative to tackle this challenge by exploring advanced, materials-based treatment technologies to reduce P in this unique region. 

The Treatment Technologies for Phosphorus Mitigation (T2PM) project is a multi-institutional collaboration between UF, North Carolina State University, and Arizona State University. Funded by the National Science Foundation, T2PM planning grant aims to identify and evaluate P-capture technologies for large-scale systems like South Florida’s Stormwater Treatment Areas. The team will assess both established and emerging P-sorbing products and engage extensively with stakeholders. 

“We want to gather valuable insights through one-on-one meetings, workshops, site visits, and focus groups to ensure technologies align with local needs and priorities,” explained Dr. Bhadha. 

These efforts will produce criteria for equitable technology evaluation, paving the way for NSF demonstration projects and applications in other systems, including drinking and wastewater treatments. 

The researchers are tapping into more than 35 years of Everglades restoration efforts as they begin the two-year study. This planning grant is part of the NSF’s Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program (Award Number: 2427542).