Five students were recently recognized as winners of the Long Island Water Quality Challenge, a competition hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC)
The Challenge is part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) and “promotes project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in Long Island schools and helps students in grades 6-12 develop a greater understanding of the importance of protecting Long Island’s crucial water resources – with a specific focus on reducing or eliminating nitrogen pollution.”
The winning students were:
- Rodion Korsunskyi ’26
- Ivy Sung ’25
- Iris Kim ’26
- Lucy Xiao ’26
- Jason Qian ’26
Their award-winning project, titled "Mitigating Nitrogen Pollution on Long Island: A Biofiltration Approach for Sustainable Stormwater Management", examined nitrogen levels in stormwater runoff at two dorms on campus.
The team collected water samples during rainfall from runoff pipes located behind Johnston Hall and Barnhouse, then tested nitrate concentrations using a photometer. They treated the water with a custom-built, 3D-printed filter containing layers of fine gravel, silica sand, and zeolite. The filtration system reduced nitrate levels by as much as 75% at one of the locations. The project presented a viable, sustainable solution for managing stormwater runoff that could be implemented in schools and communities across Long Island.
For their work, the students received a trophy and prize money, presented by Elizabeth Cole, Deputy Director of the LIRPC. They were also honored with official commendations from:
Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor
Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Councilman
Representatives from the New York State Assembly
Representatives from the United States Congress
This accomplishment reflects not only the students’ scientific curiosity but also their commitment to environmental stewardship and real-world problem-solving.