Water
Path breaking Methods for Improving Water Quality Earn American Professor the 2007 Stockholm Water Prize
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Mar 24, 2007, 17:50

In its Citation, the Stockholm International Water Institute Nominating Committee wrote:

The 2007 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate,

“Professor Perry L. McCarty is awarded the 2007 Stockholm Water Prize for pioneering work in developing the scientific approach for the design and operation of water and wastewater systems. He has established the role of fundamental microbiology and chemistry in the design of bioreactors. Professor McCarty has defined the field of environmental biotechnology that is the basis for small-scale and large-scale pollution control and safe drinking water systems”

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The Stockholm Water Prize Photo courtesy SIWI.

  The Stockholm Water Prize is a global award founded in 1990 and presented annually by the Stockholm Water Foundation to an individual, organization or institution for outstanding water-related activities. The activities can be within fields like 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.

Natural bacterial processes made operational in large-scale technologies

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.