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Institute for Clean Water

  • A researcher works on-site at Lake Wateree with water quality measuring equipment and drone water sampler on a table in front of them

Research Areas

Water quality is vital to the health and well-being of all ecosystems and, by extension, all people. Population growth and changes in land use near lakes, rivers and the coastal ocean have resulted in increased inputs of contaminants that negativly impact aquatic ecosystems. Our research aims to identify major water quality issues, develop improved water quality sensors and probe deeper into the socioeconomic dimensions of water quality.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Clean Water Research

Our interdisciplinary team of researchers work together to examine water quality, contaminants and perception through various lenses. This integrated approach to clean water research allows for a more comprehensive body of research that takes into account various fields of study, including biology, ecology,  geography, social sciences and mechanical engineering. 

Enhancing the Understanding of Water Quality

The institute is helping advance the future of water sampling by the creation of innovative and easily deployable water quality monitoring methods. These novel methods aid in expanding sampling sources and increase the speed at which water quality data is recorded. By sampling more waterways and performing more detailed sampling of particular water bodies, the institute seeks a better understanding of the effects of water quality on surrounding ecosystems.

Working Groups

The institute's interdisciplinary, collaborative working groups will produce an integrated view of the new ways that water quality can be sampled and understood.

Goals and Progress

The institute has devised overarching objectives and year-by-year goals to guide and measure the progress of its research projects and overall vision.

The highest impact research today involves leveraging multiple perspectives, skillsets and areas of expertise to come up with the most comprehensive possible understanding of or solution to a significant issue.

Julius Fridriksson, USC Vice President for Research
Head shot of Julius Fridriksson, USC Vice President for Research

Institute for Clean Water


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