Center for Water Resources and Environmental Research

Professor Reza M. Khanbilvardi, Director
Office: T - 107
Tel.: (212) 650-8099
CWRER Home Page
General Information
The Center for Water Resource and Environmental research (CWRER) was established in 1993 in order to meet the needs for interdisciplinary study and education in the area of the natural resources, water and environment.
The Center is tackling the diverse and interdisciplinary problems of water resources and environmental issues with broad approaches beginning with research on the sources of natural hazard, pollution movement, surface water and groundwater cleanup, wetland preservation, reservoir protection, watershed management, hydraulics and hydrology of natural flow systems, nonpoint source pollution, preservation of ecology, and related topics. Included are both technical and social/political issues arising from these problems.
The Center's main objectives are:

• to conduct multi-disciplinary research on protection of the environment and minimization of pollution hazards to the water resources, hydrological and ecological systems;
• to develop and demonstrate new technologies for the treatment and disposal of natural water supplies and wastewater;
• to cooperate on the global scale to protect the precious resourves that sustain human life;
• to educate and train personnel for management, supervision and operation of environmental and water resources management systems.

Directions of Activity
The CWRER was organized to coordinate efforts of researchers in studying various problems of water resources and environment protection, especially those where multi-disciplinary and/or multi-national approach is needed. The CWRER activity covers the following areas:
Groundwater Problems:

• Pore-scale and field-scale modeling of contaminant transport in unsaturated and saturated soils
• Experimental studies for parameter estimation in porous media
• Development of technology for contaminant detection and monitoring in groundwater systems.

Surface Water Problems:

• Application of advanced technology, such as Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing, for hydrological evaluation of watersheds;
• Development of mathematical models for prediction and evaluation of non-point source pollution;
• Development of alternatives for proper water resources planning and management;
• Effect of climate changes on hydrology for beach protection;
• Mathematical modeling for evaluation and protection of tidal wetlands;
• Theoretical and experimental studies of beach erosion;
• Studies of soil erosion and its control;
• Land loss processes, such as landslides: study and control.

Water Treatment Problems:

• Chemistry of ozonation and chloramination in combined application;
• Application of aeration processes for the removal of lead.

Ecological and Health Problems:

• New methods and technologies of detecting contaminants in the air;
• Job-related solid particles in the air and their health importance;
• Studying the fate of radioactive materials in agricultural watersheds;
• Pollution ecology of water bodies;
• Relationship between aquaculture and environment.
• Geographically, the Center's activity covers not only the U.S.A. territory, but foreign countries as well. The first agreements on multi-national cooperation have been reached with the former Soviet Republic of Ukraine.

Other Activities
Besides research activity, educational one is also taking place. The Center is offering monthly research seminars, educational course works (i.e. short courses) on water resources, environmental engineering, environmental ecology, for career development, for operator training, and for public information. The research, educational and training programs are being carried out in close cooperation with the city, state, and federal agencies responsible for water and environmental resources protection and conservation, as well as organizations representing the public interest.
The Center has created a Home Page on the World-Wide Web computer network for establishing an active communication with the scientific and engineering communities. This will be used as a tool for public relation, distribution of research findings, sharing information, and outreach activities.