Prof. Rosario is leading a new NSF RAPID project focusing on the potable water quality in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on the morning of September 20th, 2017. The hurricane had catastrophic impacts on the infrastructure in Puerto Rico and its citizens. In the aftermath of the hurricane, there have been numerous struggles with rebuilding the infrastructure, and to this day, a significant percentage of the population remains without power and under boil water advisories.
As part of this project, the team will conduct a systematic survey and evaluation of water quality in several Puerto Rican potable water systems, focusing on both chemical and microbiological components. The proposed research will provide information on potential relationships chemical and microbiological agents in a seriously compromised tropical setting.
The project team includes Prof. Mark Hernandez from CU as well, in addition to Prof. Roberto Rodriguez from UTEP and Profs. Graciela Ramirez and Melitza Crespo-Medina from the Interamerican University in Puerto Rico.