June 4, 2026
A recent Crain's Chicago Business article spotlighted the transformative work taking place through Great Lakes RENEW, a regional initiative advancing technologies to address critical water challenges and strengthen long-term water security.
Among the innovations highlighted is the PEARL sponge, developed by Prof. Vinayak Dravid and his research team. The technology not only removes phosphorus from polluted water but also enables its recovery for reuse, representing an important step toward a truly circular water economy.
Phosphorus pollution is a major contributor to harmful algal blooms and water quality degradation, while phosphorus itself remains a valuable and finite resource. By capturing and recovering phosphorus from wastewater streams, the PEARL sponge offers a sustainable approach that addresses both environmental protection and resource conservation.
We are proud to see Professor Dravid and his team's groundbreaking research recognized as part of this effort. Their work demonstrates how Northwestern innovations can translate scientific discovery into real-world impact, helping build a more sustainable and resilient future for water systems.