Hassanpour is an assistant professor in plant and earth science at UW–River Falls. Her research interests include remediation of non-point source pollution, water quality, nutrient cycling, and the fate and transport of contaminants. Her position is funded by the Dairy Innovation Hub.
Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in Wisconsin, making it essential to understand how contaminants, such as agrichemicals, phosphates, and nitrates, travel through soil and impact water quality. A fraction collector is a specialized tool that will improve research efforts by automatically collecting water samples at precise intervals, reducing human error and ensuring consistent data. This equipment will be used in laboratory experiments to study how pollutants move through soil and how they can be removed using flow-through reactors, which help filter out harmful substances before they reach groundwater. Additionally, the fraction collector will support student learning by enabling hands-on research in water quality modeling and hydrology. By investing in this tool, the university enhances its ability to study and develop solutions that protect Wisconsin’s water resources and align with the Dairy Innovation Hub’s commitment to land and water stewardship.