Jonesboro, Ark. – Arkansas State University has been awarded a $177,108 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund a two‑year research project aimed at making waste‑to‑energy systems cleaner and more efficient.
Local impact and university pride
Dr. Chiqian Zhang, an assistant professor of civil engineering, expressed surprise and excitement at receiving the highly competitive award. “I felt a mixture of excitement, relief, and a little disbelief,” he said. “Now the ideas on paper must become real experiments and real results.”
Vice provost for research, innovation and discovery Dr. Travis Marsico praised the project, noting it showcases the diversity of research pursued by A‑State faculty and students. “We are proud of Dr. Zhang and the important, applied research that can improve how we process our waste,” Marsico said.
Project focus: reducing sulfur‑related losses
The NSF‑funded effort, titled “ERI: Alkaline Thermal Pretreatment to Improve Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge through Mitigating Volatile Sulfur Compounds,” will investigate a pretreatment that combines heat and calcium oxide (lime) to curb the formation of volatile sulfur compounds before anaerobic digestion begins.
Sewage sludge’s high sulfur content can generate odorous, corrosive compounds that lower methane yields and damage equipment. By mitigating these compounds, Zhang’s research aims to increase renewable methane production, extend the lifespan of treatment infrastructure, and lessen environmental impacts.
Methodology and student involvement
The project will blend laboratory reactor experiments, chemical analyses, microbial studies, and predictive modeling to better understand sulfur behavior during waste‑to‑energy conversion. Findings are expected to guide the design of more efficient anaerobic digestion systems for municipal wastewater treatment plants and other organic‑waste sources.
Beyond the technical goals, the grant will provide hands‑on research opportunities for A‑State students in environmental engineering, renewable energy, and advanced laboratory analysis. “The educational component is very important to me,” Zhang said. “The impact of a research project includes the students who gain experience from doing the research.”
Community and industry connections
The university plans to strengthen partnerships with local wastewater treatment facilities, helping translate laboratory discoveries into practical applications that benefit the Jonesboro region and the broader state of Arkansas.
“This project not only advances environmental engineering research but also supports our students and local partners,” Zhang added. “I encourage other researchers to keep trying—rejection is a normal part of academic life, and perseverance can lead to good news.”
The award supports the project from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, underscoring Arkansas State’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions for sustainable energy production and environmental stewardship.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
