Project NePTWNE (Nano & Polymer Technology for Water and Neural-networks in Erie) is focused on addressing water quality, climate change, economic development and quality of life. It assesses major factors impacting water quality and ecological health such as microplastics in waterways along with developing solutions to remove and prevent these pollutants from the water in our region.
Project NePTWNE Details
Gannon University is committed to its long history of aquatic research, education and outreach. This is demonstrated through our emerging initiative regarding lake health. This effort aims to reconcile the environment with the economy to preserve and steward our Lake Erie while simultaneously responding to community needs and growing the economy through job creation.
Project NePTWNE, Gannon University’s water sustainability initiative, takes an inclusive and holistic approach to addressing water quality, climate change, economic development, and quality of life. A major factor impacting water quality and ecological health is the presence of microplastics in waterways. Measuring and removing these pollutants, along with developing new solutions to prevent the pollutants from ever entering the water must be a priority for our region.
As more pressure is placed on access to bodies of fresh water and fresh foods, including fish, it is imperative that as a region we are informed, engaged and positioned to respond to threats and opportunities to maintain quality drinking water and ensure the public and economic health of our community.
Project NePTWNE, which is short for Nano & Polymer Technology for Water and Neural-networks in Erie, is designed to address these concerns in four phases.
Questions regarding this project? Send them to https://www.gannon.edu/Questions-or-Comments/
Phase 2
Create the Great Lakes Testing and Remediation Center, which will be located in the historic Union Fish Co. building at Wolverine Park Marina and on Gannon’s campus. In addition to a water testing and research facility, the lab will serve as an education center for local residents, as well as visitors to Erie. The port location of the lab will provide education about the relationship between water quality and public health, freshwater native fish species and invasive species, the threat from frequent harmful algal blooms and the greater impact that climate change is having on our Great Lakes.
Phase 3
We are investigating and raising funds for the purchase of a more sophisticated research vessel to augment our current vessel, the Environaut. The new vessel will allow for expanded research opportunities, and K-16 education and programming as well as informal citizen learning.
