Recently, the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) awarded its largest prize for a research project that could lead to more available potable water in arid climates. The Paul L. Busch Award was given to Volodymyr Tarabara, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University at WERF’s Annual Subscriber Luncheon in Los Angeles, California. Tarabara will use his award to validate innovative concepts that could lead to the widespread use of multifunctional membranes for a range of processes including the reduction or removal of halogens, nitrogen compounds, and salt.

Each year, WERF recognizes an outstanding individual or team of individuals whose ongoing efforts contribute significantly to water quality research and its practical application in the water environment, with the prestigious Paul L. Busch Award. The award carries a $100,000 grant from the WERF endowment to support and promote work that will bring new benefits to the water quality community (utilities, industries, environmental firms) and the water-using public they serve.

A panel of nine WERF volunteers selected Tarabara from a field of 28 nominees. The selection committee represents some of the industry’s most respected experts – including former Paul L. Busch Award winners. Tarabara came highly recommended. “I can think of no one better suited than Volodymyr (Vlad) Tarabara to demonstrate the qualities of innovation, integrity, and foresight rooted in advancing applications in environmental engineering, that the Paul L. Busch Award recognizes” stated Mark R. Wiesner, Ph.D., P.E., Director, Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT), James L. Meriam Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, in a letter of recommendation.

Tarabara has distinguished himself in the membrane field, which is full of many outstanding scientists. He also has an extraordinary publication record associated with his work in membrane separation processes, advanced materials, and nanotechnology in water quality control, water treatment and reuse, and environmental implications of nanotechnologies. Tarabara also has been noted for his amazing ability to stir excitement. He often speaks of new directions in materials, addressing alternative applications of membranes to enhance water quality protection and recycling; and of using new social media approaches to continue collaborations and to teach. Over two hundred were present at the luncheon, including this and previous year’s recipients of the Paul L. Busch Award. William P. Dee, P.E., BCEE, President and CEO of Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., the Water Division of ARCADIS, and Chair of the WERF Board of Directors presented the Paul L. Busch Award. Additional information on this award program is available at www.werf.org.