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During the ��ݮ��Ƶ’ April board meeting, regents approved no-cost extensions for three Regents’ Research Grants focused on addressing and delivering solutions to critical issues facing Arizona and its citizens.

Funded with Technology and Research Initiatives Fund (TRIF) revenue, these research initiatives initiated by the ABOR bring together university experts from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona to collaborate with state governmental agencies and community organizations. Since 2022, ABOR awarded over $36 million to support 23 research projects that positively impact the state and improve quality of life for Arizonans. 

“Regents’ Grants bridge the gap between rigorous university research and the practical needs of our government agencies. By working together for the benefit of Arizonans, we are taking a common-sense approach to discovering and applying solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our state,” said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. “The board is pleased with the progress of these three research grants and looks forward to their successful completion.” 

The no-cost extension approvals will allow research teams to continue and conclude their projects with the remaining funds they were awarded during fiscal year 2022. Summaries of the three grants approved during the April session are:

Inventorying and Prioritizing Risks Posed by Abandoned Arizona Mining Sites

This Research Grant responds to the Arizona Department of Environment Quality’s (ADEQ) problem statement. A joint team of researchers from ASU, NAU and the U of A are working with ADEQ to inventory abandoned mines to identify potential risks and develop environmental management options. 

There are an estimated 200,000 potentially hazardous abandoned mine features such as tailing piles in Arizona, discharging pollutants to surface and groundwater. Abandoned mines can contaminate water supplies with heavy metals, impacting drinking water for municipal systems, private wells, livestock and wildlife. Despite Arizona’s 150-year history of mineral wealth development, there is no comprehensive dataset providing basic information about mining-related features such as openings, waste, and contaminated water or soil. 

The board originally approved this project for $1.5 million in funding over three years.

Regenerative Engineered Sorbents for Removal of Fluorinated Organics Species from Water

The goal of this project is to create a cost-effective technology to remediate different poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or “forever chemicals”). A joint team of researchers from NAU and the U of A are working with ADEQ to use low-cost, environmentally friendly sorbents that can be modified to remove all types of PFAS from water under a wide range of conditions. 

Widespread use of PFAS fire retardants has led to unhealthy levels of this compound entering important water resources. Readings above Environmental Protection Agency health advisory levels are impacting large volumes of groundwater near military installations, airports and in drinking water systems.

The board originally approved this project for $1.5 million in funding over three years.

Getting to the Source of Arizona’s Valley Fever Problem 

Valley Fever and dust are major and growing health and air quality issues in Arizona, especially in Pinal County and parts of Maricopa County, where increased water restrictions are anticipated due to Arizona's long-term drought. Experts from ASU, NAU and the U of A are working with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and ADEQ to develop a better understanding of how Valley Fever is transmitted via wind-blown dust and how to suppress the dust in fallow fields. 

Blowing dust is a significant hazard in Arizona with impacts across many disciplines and sectors, including transportation, public health and air quality. Exposure to particles can affect both lung and heart function. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to various problems, including premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma and Valley Fever. 

The board approved $4.5 million in funding over three years.