Dr. Jun Kim, assistant professor of environmental engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, is leading water research to remove health-concerning and problematic chemical compounds in Winter Haven’s drinking water.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Jun Kim is stepping in to sniff out solutions to an unusual water problem in Winter Haven, Florida, through research that could have a global impact.
The assistant professor of environmental engineering is leading a two-year research project focused on eliminating an unpleasant odor affecting the city’s water supply using advanced treatment processes. Beyond improving local water quality, the project could also drive new solutions for removing harmful “forever chemicals” from drinking water across the country and beyond.
“Nobody wants to have any smell from their tap water when they’re taking a shower, drinking it or using it for cooking,” Kim said. “We’re working to identify how we can remove the hydrogen sulfide producing the rotten egg smell.”
Gary Hubbard, director of the Winter Haven Water Department, said this removal will reduce the formation of disinfection byproducts that at certain concentrations can be cancerous and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“While the city’s water supply is well below levels of concern and is constantly monitored to ensure its safety, any reduction in disinfection byproducts identified by the Florida Poly team will help the city’s effort to continue to improve the quality of water, even beyond what is required, as we fulfill our mission of enhancing our citizens’ quality of life through exceptional service,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard underscored that despite the current odor, the Winter Haven water supply remains safe for both drinking and everyday use.
Once the research addresses the issue of removing the hydrogen sulfide from the water, Kim said the identified treatment processes could quickly benefit other Florida cities that rely on groundwater and struggle with elevated levels of the foul-smelling compound.
Additionally, these methods could help reduce levels of persistent forever chemicals that pollute water, air and soil – lingering in the environment for centuries. These possibly carcinogenic materials are used in manufacturing commonly used products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics and clothing.
Kim emphasized the importance of scientific research in safeguarding communities from environmental hazards like these.
“We all rely on clean water every day,” he said. “As a public state university, we have a responsibility to serve our communities, and our Environmental Engineering Department is committed to advancing solutions that protect public health.”
Four Florida Poly undergraduate research assistants are actively contributing to the project.
“This is super exciting because, as someone who wants to continue on with my education, I know it’s very helpful to gain all these research skills and experience,” said Maksymilian Kruc, a junior majoring in environmental engineering who is also conducting independent research testing water quality from public drinking water sources throughout Polk County, Florida. “It’s so cool that we can get this hands-on experience so early in our education career.”
For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the Southeast United States for four years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for two years in a row. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557 (office)
863-327-9762 (cell)
lguzman@floridapoly.edu
