Utilities and companies within Missouri have many special needs due to the lack of understanding of what emerging contaminants may be present or what may be formed within their treatment and manufacturing processes. Due to the complexity of the chemistry and solutions, Missouri industry looks to the ERC for assistance. For example, Busch Entertainment has contracted ERC researchers to develop an understanding and implementable solutions to the formation of a disinfection byproduct causing eye irritation in salt water aquaria at SeaWorlds.

 Current Projects in the ERC:

• The Ercal/Adams research group is investigating the formation and control of disinfection byproducts formed during the disinfection of fruits, vegetables and meats. Additionally, the research focuses on the removal of beneficial oxidants (e.g., biothiols) during disinfection. The goal of this research is to help the agriculture industry in Missouri and elsewhere to achieve required disinfection of pathogens and rot fungus, without removal of beneficial antioxidant nutrients. (See Wu et al., 2006 ; Demirkol et al., 2004; Qiang et al., 2005.)
  
  
• The Adams research group is studying the enzymatic removal of synthetic and natural estrogens from municipal wastewater using a novel treatment process. The work will help to prevent the release of these highly active endocrine disrupting chemicals into the environment. (Conducted in cooperation with the Univ. of Quebec) (See Auriol et al., 2006.)