Professor Perry L. McCarty from Stanford University, Calif., a pioneer in the development of the understanding of biological and chemical processes for the safe supply and treatment of water, was named the 2007 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI, www.siwi.org). Professor McCarty’s work has led to more efficient biological treatment processes, in particular anaerobic (oxygen-less) treatment systems for municipal and industrial wastewaters, biological nutrient removal, and the development and use of biofilm reactors.
The Stockholm Water Prize is a global award founded in 1990 and presented annually by the SIWI to an individual, organization or institution for outstanding water-related activities. The activities can be within fields such as education and awareness-raising, human and international relations, research, water management and water-related aid. The Stockholm Water Prize Laureate receives USD $150,000 along with a glass sculpture, which will be presented August 16 during the 2007 World Water Week in Stockholm. H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is the Patron of the Stockholm Water Prize.
Being an environmental engineer, professor McCarty has combined deep knowledge in physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological processes and transferred the results into outstanding technical development widely used all over the world as the basis for design and operation of wastewater treatment systems. Professor McCarty’s other important contribution was the identity of mechanisms for biodegradation and the fate of hazardous and anthropogenic trace chemicals as well as appropriate engineering for water quality improvement of ground- and surface water and soils.
Professor McCarty has furthermore tackled the important problem of organic compounds and pollutants in wastewater and underground aquifer systems. His work has led to the development and practical implementation of methods to treat toxic chemicals in groundwater, especially chlorinated pollutants from industry.
Professor McCarty has published over 300 papers in water science, environmental engineering, and microbiology science journals with 50 papers just in the last 10 years. His two textbooks on the chemistry, biology, and design of treatment systems for municipal and industrial wastewater are daily used by engineers all over the world.
Professor McCarty has been an educator and researcher at Stanford since 1962.
Courtesy of Flow Research
