Developing a Robust Framework for PFAS Source Identification and Characterization

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science of water through research and innovation. WRF funds projects that support utility operations and the protection of public health and the environment. The Research Priority Program is a core part of WRF’s efforts to identify and fund strategic research topics of high value to the water sector. Through this program, WRF invites proposals that address pressing challenges with scientifically rigorous and practically applicable solutions. The grant titled “Developing a Robust Framework for PFAS Source Identification and Characterization” supports research into fingerprinting and analytical methodologies to trace and attribute per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental systems. The funded project will review literature and consult experts to assess the effectiveness of PFAS fingerprinting techniques. It will also evaluate tools like high-resolution mass spectrometry and statistical modeling for their utility in distinguishing contamination sources. The grant emphasizes examining the potential of machine learning to enhance source differentiation through chemical profiling. The research aims to establish a best practice framework that utilities and regulators can use to identify PFAS sources in various water matrices. This includes exploring operational, legal, and regulatory considerations to ensure real-world applicability of the findings. Funded work will help enhance environmental monitoring programs and inform compliance strategies amid growing scrutiny and concern around PFAS contamination. Applicants are instructed to submit their proposals via WRF’s My Portal platform. They must log in with an organizational account and follow a structured process to input personal, organizational, and project details. Required application components include a proposal narrative, a completed budget form, and several other standardized forms such as the Certification and Assurance Form, Current and Pending Form, and Financial Grant Management Capabilities Form. Upload of these documents to the portal is required before the application can be submitted. The deadline for submission is November 20, 2025, at 3:00 pm Mountain Time. There are no stated pre-application requirements such as LOIs or concept papers. Applications are currently open and the process is active. Award information will follow the WRF’s internal review process. Though not stated explicitly, the program is part of an annual cycle and similar RFPs have been issued in prior years, suggesting a recurring pattern. For additional guidance, applicants may contact George Kajjumba, the listed WRF RFP contact. Interested utilities have been encouraged to participate as collaborators in the research process, and several utilities have already indicated their involvement. This grant opportunity plays a significant role in addressing the widespread environmental impact of PFAS through cutting-edge science and cross-sector collaboration.

Log in with an organizational account; review the list of participating utilities before submission; assign proposal tasks to team members via portal