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researchers

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. 
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…

May 28, 2024

From the Mountains to the Sea: Researchers and Community Activists Focus on Plastic Pollution in North Carolina

From plastic trash littering our creeks and rivers, to microplastics in our waterways and bloodstreams, plastic pollution can feel ubiquitous and inevitable—but some North Carolina researchers are doing vital work to measure plastic in our environments, raise awareness about its impacts, and combat its effects.
The WRRI Annual Conference is on March 22-23, 2023. Photo depicting aerial view of Lake Norman near Jetton Park in Cornelius.

Feb 20, 2023

NC Water Future Discussion Will Open NC WRRI Conference

UPDATE March 21, 2023: Sec. Elizabeth Biser is no longer available for the panel on Wednesday, March 22.  Richard Rogers will be speaking on behalf of the NC Division of Water Resources.  When…
The Greensboro Science Center’s on-site aquaculture facility showcases some of the the state’s freshwater mussels.

Jan 6, 2023

Community Collaborations Research Grant Now Accepting Proposals

North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute is accepting Community Collaborative Research Grant program proposals now through Jan. 17, 2023.

The WRRI Annual Conference is on March 22-23, 2023. Photo depicting aerial view of Lake Norman near Jetton Park in Cornelius.

Oct 5, 2022

NC WRRI Calls for 2023 Conference Abstracts

The annual conference for the North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute is celebrating its 25th anniversary!
Above, left to right: Lauren Grimley installs a sensor to measure water in the storm drain and capture images of roadway flooding in real-time in New Bern, North Carolina, as part of the North Carolina Sea Grant-funded Sunny Day Flooding Project; Emine Fidan collects flood water samples from Hurricane Florence for her research project; and Holly Haflich puts together the electrochemical cell she will use for selective PFAS removal from natural waters.

May 26, 2022

New Joint Fellows Tackle Statewide Water Challenges

Five graduate students across North Carolina recently began new coastal and water-resource fellowship projects.

May 20, 2022

Meet the 2022 Annual Conference Poster Competition Winners

The Annual Conference gave students the chance to present their research in WRRI’s presentation competition and win prizes.
Ellerbe Creek, a creek that runs through Durham, North Carolina, not far from Duke University

Apr 20, 2022

Effects of Antibiotics Vary on Urban Stream Ecology

Read about new research from Austin Gray, a biologist at Virginia Tech and a former joint fellow with NC WRRI and North Carolina Sea Grant. The study focused on the potential impacts of three common antibiotics on urban streams in the North Carolina Piedmont.
The WRRI Annual Conference is on March 22-23, 2023. Photo depicting aerial view of Lake Norman near Jetton Park in Cornelius.

Mar 8, 2022

Annual Conference Coming Soon, Agenda Now Available

The North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute’s 24th WRRI Annual Conference agenda is now available online. We encourage guests to check out all the sessions and be sure to catch…