Water
U of T Engineering researchers are leading the way in addressing the global water crisis. Our faculty members have deep expertise in established and emerging areas of water research to create robust and resilient solutions.
Oil-adsorbing sponge could prevent environmental contamination
We work with local municipalities to test new wastewater treatment processes. These analyses enable local governments to make smarter investments and save millions of dollars.

- Bioremediation
- Drinking water
- Commercialization
- Energy-from-waste
- Industrial water
- Municipal wastewater
- Remote development
- Stormwater
- Water accessibility
- Water accountability
Institute for Water Innovation
IWI is an interdisciplinary group of researchers developing innovations in water management, chemistry, treatment, and remediation.
The Pulp & Paper Centre facilitates partnerships between the University and the pulp and paper industry to provide excellence in education, research, and information transfer.
BioZone advances genome science and genome analysis tools, to provide sound bioengineering solutions to pressing health care challenges.
CGEN prepares engineering graduates for a global workplace and generates high-impact research projects which address development challenges around the world.
The Lassonde Institute of Mining is a global leader in innovative mining research including exploration, extraction, processing and metallurgy.
Study Water at U of T Engineering
Our Master of Engineering students can choose from technical specializations in Advanced Water Technologies and Engineering & Globalization, both of which address local and global water challenges through engineering design and research. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue multidisciplinary minors in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Energy.
Leading innovation starts here
Connect with our partnerships team to discuss how a partnership with U of T Engineering can benefit your organization.

U of T researchers have developed a new strategy to remove tiny oil droplets from wastewater with more than 90% efficiency, in just 10 minutes. Their secret weapon: a sponge.
“Oil extraction operations such as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, produce nearly 100 billion barrels of oil-contaminated wastewater each year,” says Professor Chul Park (MIE). “Because the oil is in the form of tiny droplets rather than a large oil slick, we can’t use the same strategies we would use to clean up a surface spill.”
Park’s graduate student, Pavani Cherukupally (MIE MEng 1T4, PhD 1T8), decided to take on the challenge