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Research News

Woman using a tool to core a tree. Wan below holding equipment

Jun 6, 2026

WRRI’s 2026 Faculty Researchers Announced

The North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) announces its funded faculty researchers for 2026. Researchers are jointly funded by NC WRRI and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).  The Water…
image: aerial view of a lithium mine in N.C. Piedmont.

Apr 7, 2026

When Water Meets Rock

Researchers on a North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute and Duke University project are investigating the residual effects of lithium mining — and shedding light on the potential impacts of future mining operations. 
image: Glory Kidimbu sampling in sand.

Mar 31, 2026

The Disease Detective

Glory Kidimbu, a Mountains to Sea Fellow with the NC Water Resources Research Institute and North Carolina Sea Grant, is investigating the transmission of parasitic pathogens to waterways.
image: landfill.

Mar 17, 2026

Measuring Leachate Contamination in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico Watersheds

A new study from a joint fellow with the NC Water Resources Research Institute and North Carolina Sea Grant investigates what happens as increasingly frequent extreme weather events flush contaminants -- including landfill leachate -- into coastal waterways.

Dec 10, 2025

Waste Not, Want Not

As population growth puts pressure on existing resources, a new study explores wastewater renewal, thanks to a Community Collaborative Research Grant from North Carolina Sea Grant, the NC Water Resources Research Institute, and the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science. The CCRG Program is currently accepting proposals.

Sep 18, 2025

New Tool Helps Wastewater Treatment Plants Across North Carolina

When is the last time you thought about your sewer system? While often overlooked, sewer systems play a crucial role in transporting and treating wastewater and are an integral part…

Aug 25, 2025

A New World for Microbes

“Do microplastics alter ecosystem processes in their respective habitats?”

Jun 18, 2025

Announcing Our 2025 CCRG Grant Recipients

Four new projects have received funding from the Community Collaborative Research Grant Program (CCRG). North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) and North Carolina Sea Grant administer the CCRG Program…

May 6, 2025

New NC WRRI and NC Sea Grant Fellows to Conduct Research on Invasive Species, Stormwater Runoff, Algal Blooms, and More

Seven fellows were selected for WRRI’s “Mountains to Sea” request for proposals, focusing on coastal and freshwater resources across the state. Six student fellows are funded by the North Carolina…
graphic: water and magnifying glass.

Apr 29, 2025

New Research Projects Focus on PFAS, A Contaminant of Emerging Concern

WRRI is pleased to announce two new projects, funded in partnership with the Urban Water Consortium, that address testing and treatment of water and wastewater for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances…