Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science has received a $600,379 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to develop new technology aimed at addressing harmful algal blooms in the state. The project is part of a larger initiative announced by Governor Ron DeSantis, which includes more than $112 million in funding for water quality and supply improvements across Florida.
Governor DeSantis’ plan allocates $50 million for alternative water supply projects, another $50 million for springs restoration, and $12 million for innovative technologies to prevent, detect, clean up, and mitigate harmful algal blooms. FAU’s project falls under the category of developing new technologies to respond to these environmental challenges.
FAU President Adam Hasner said, “We are profoundly grateful to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for their ongoing commitment to safeguarding Florida’s environment and water quality. Their vision and leadership have enabled Florida Atlantic to accelerate the development of technologies that protect communities, preserve ecosystems, and strengthen the state’s resilience. This grant is a testament to the importance of scientific innovation and the power of strategic partnerships in addressing water challenges that impact every Floridian.”
The research team is led by Masoud Jahandar Lashaki, Ph.D., associate professor in FAU’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering. Co-investigators include Yalan Liu, Ph.D., and Mohammed Abdellatef, Ph.D., both assistant professors in the same department. The two-year project will begin next April.
The focus is on developing 3D-printed adsorbent materials designed to remove phosphate from surface waters. Excess phosphorus—often resulting from fertilizer runoff or wastewater—is a key factor behind harmful algal blooms in many Florida lakes and freshwater systems. These blooms can damage aquatic ecosystems by consuming oxygen, blocking sunlight, producing toxins, and destabilizing habitats.
This new effort builds on previous FDEP-funded research at FAU where scientists transformed collected algal biomass into activated carbon materials capable of removing phosphorus efficiently. By modifying these materials with lanthanum—a common element used in aquariums—the team improved phosphate uptake through formation of a stable mineral called rhabdophane that permanently sequesters phosphorus.
Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science stated: “We are extremely proud of Professor Lashaki and his colleagues for their pioneering work and their dedication to advancing environmental engineering solutions that have both regional and global significance. The innovation emerging from our college reflects Florida Atlantic’s strong commitment to research excellence, impact and meaningful service to our state and supports Florida’s long-term vision of safeguarding its waterways for future generations.”
The current grant will allow researchers to convert lanthanum-modified powders into durable 3D-printed structures suitable for direct use in freshwater bodies. Unlike powdered forms that settle into sediments making recovery difficult, these structures are designed for durability, retrievability, tunable porosity—and can be regenerated or recycled after use—reducing maintenance costs while preventing phosphorus accumulation.
Testing will take place in several ponds on FAU’s Boca Raton campus so researchers can evaluate both performance effectiveness and environmental safety under real-world conditions. Future iterations may combine multiple treatment capabilities such as removal of organic contaminants or nitrogen compounds alongside phosphate capture.
Masoud Jahandar Lashaki commented: “I am deeply honored that Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has entrusted our team with this important responsibility. Harmful algal blooms continue to pose a serious threat to our state’s ecosystems and communities, and we are committed to advancing technologies that can meaningfully reduce phosphorus levels in vulnerable water bodies. This funding allows us to take a major step forward by developing 3D-printed structures that offer both scientific innovation and practical, real-world application. We are proud to contribute to Florida’s leadership in protecting its waters.”
Beyond technological development, the project also includes educational initiatives across the state: integrating modules about harmful algal blooms into university courses; partnering with FAU Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy for K–12 teacher training; organizing camps for middle/high school students; hosting public lectures through FAU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute—all aiming at increasing scientific literacy about nutrient pollution among Floridians.
