Natural and Engineered Water Systems

Overview

As human population and living standards increase, human activities place unprecedented stress on natural freshwater ecosystems with global climate change. Microbiological and chemical contaminants in our water create challenges to protect the ecosystem and public health. NRRI’s Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology research program has been studying sources, fate, and transformations of contaminants in natural (e.g. lakes, streams, and wetlands) and built (e.g. sewer and treatment facility, landfills and stormwater systems) environments. The understanding guides the development and enhancement of biological treatment processes for pollution prevention, pollution control, and process design of water/wastewater treatment operations. To find research solutions, the program has used an integrated approach of microbial ecology, environmental genomics and water quality engineering in collaboration and partnership with public agencies, tribal groups, citizens, and industries. 

Research in the Chun group aims to understand chemical and microbial contaminants in the natural and built  environment and develop economically sustainable treatment technologies and mitigation strategies. 

• Sulfur cycling in freshwater systems

• Integrated treatment system using bio-stimulation approaches

• Pilot- and demonstration-scale remediation technologies (lab to field)

• Impacts of land-based pollutants on aquatic ecosystem and source control 

• Microbes associated with native and invasive plants in wetlands 

• Antibiotic resistance in upper sewer system

• Citizen Science program

More details are on the Research and Outreach page.

Interested in our lab?

We are always looking for motivated undergraduate, graduate student, and post-degree researchers. Please contact Dr. Chun with your CV and a letter of research interests.  

Postdoc position is currently open. Click here.