Clarkson University Leads in Sustainability with Phosphorus Pollution Research

Ulfet Erdogan’s Groundbreaking Research at Clarkson University Wins Ciba Travel Award

Clarkson University is a leader in technological education, research, and innovation. Its main campus is in Potsdam, N.Y., and there are additional graduate programs in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. The university impacts over 7,800 students annually and offers nationally recognized STEM degrees in engineering, business, science, and health professions. Clarkson alumni earn the top 2% of salaries nationwide, and one in five is in leadership roles.

Graduate Chemistry student Ulfet Erdogan from Clarkson University is making significant strides in environmental research. Working under the guidance of Silvana Andreescu, the Egon Matijevic Chair in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Erdogan is investigating the use of modified plant wastes to adsorb phosphorus pollution. This innovative research has the potential to address the issue of harmful algal blooms (HABs), offering a sustainable solution to a pressing environmental challenge. Phosphorus, essential for life and food production, worsens water eutrophication when overused. Excessive plant and algae growth in coastal waters can trigger harmful algal blooms (HABs), which threaten human health, animals, and ecosystems. Climate change and accelerated eutrophication have been noted to exacerbate HAB outbreaks, causing health issues ranging from skin rashes to serious illnesses.

Erdogan explained that the research focuses on developing sustainable phosphorus adsorbents made from plant-based and waste materials, such as coffee grounds, woodchips, and luffa. These materials are modified with nanostructures to efficiently remove phosphorus from eutrophic waters. Furthermore, he emphasized that phosphorus is a finite and unevenly distributed resource, which the European Commission has classified as critical. Erdogan also pointed out that, according to projections, phosphorus reserves could be depleted within 300 to 400 years. He therefore stressed the importance of establishing sustainable recovery methods, not only to mitigate harmful algal blooms (HABs) but also to ensure the efficient reuse of phosphorus.

Erdogan explained that once phosphorus is recovered, it can be repurposed as fertilizer, thereby helping to sustain its cycle. She noted that this approach not only upcycles waste and reduces phosphorus pollution but also contributes to curbing the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which in turn protects aquatic ecosystems.  Additionally, it was reported that Erdogan received the 2025 Ciba Travel Award from the Green Chemistry Institute at the American Chemical Society. This award will fund her trip to present her research at the Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering (GC&E) Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from June 23-26, 2025.

Andreescu expressed her pride in her students, saying that the award was a testament to their hard work and a recognition of the quality and reputation of their research within the chemistry and sustainability community. It was noted that Andreescu and her research team are focused on developing smart sensors and sustainable materials for environmental monitoring and remediation. This research addresses phosphorus pollution and also contributes to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Editor's Note:

Ulfet Erdogan's innovative research at Clarkson University marks a significant advancement in tackling environmental issues, particularly phosphorus pollution and harmful algal blooms. By utilizing modified plant waste, her work offers a sustainable solution and underscores the vital role of waste materials in environmental remediation. This pioneering research reflects the high standard of education and research at Clarkson University, known for its leadership in technological innovation and sustainability. Erdogan's recognition with the Ciba Travel Award from the Green Chemistry Institute further highlights the global impact of her work.

Skoobuzz strongly believes that such groundbreaking solutions will be crucial in addressing pressing environmental challenges.