9528888 Vernon-Gerstenfeld This is an award to support a project the objective of which is to determine the progress toward the application of two concepts for management of wastewater treatment residues and to identify further research needed to address issues that have precluded their more widespread adoption in environmental engineering practice. The concepts to be studied include use of ionizing radiation for disinfection of residuals and the use of these residuals in production of ceramic building materials. This project, as was the prior one in 1988, will be conducted through the Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Washington Project Center. Since the prior study in 1988, there has been a strong movement toward recycling of used materials to minimize impact of their processing and disposal on environmental quality. Three undergraduate students will assist the Principal Investigator on this project to fulfill the requirement of their having conducted an Interactive Qualifying Project that links science, engineering and technology to societal needs and concerns. Results are expected to assist in providing a basis for determination of research needs and thus be useful for program planning purposes.
