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Applications for admission to iNanoWS Masters and Doctoral research projects for the 2023 academic year are now open until the 21st of October 2022. Interested candidates are to email their comprehensive CVs, transcripts, and project of choice (only one from the provided list) to inanows@unisa.ac.za, with a clear heading that they are applying for a Master's or Doctoral research project, by 21 October 2022, 16:00 hours. |
Main supervisor: Dr M.J. Madito
Co-supervisors: Prof L. Snyman and Dr X.G. Fuku
Email: maditmj@unisa.ac.za (Dr M.J. Madito)
Level: Master’s project
Solar energy is the most abundantly available renewable energy source which can be utilized by converting it into electrical energy or thermal energy. Photothermal conversion is the easiest and most convenient way to exploit solar energy. Solar thermal technologies have achieved very impressive solar conversion efficiencies and are fully commercialized. Nevertheless, solar thermal technologies are still undergoing an evolution to achieve high efficiencies, hence new nanomaterials, concepts, and approaches are being developed. This project will focus on enhancing solar absorption of the solar collectors using graphene-based novel nanomaterials for efficient solar photothermal collection, and the underlying solar absorption mechanisms.
Main supervisor: Dr X.G. Fuku
Co-supervisors: Prof U. Feleni, Prof F.I. and Prof P. Nomngongo
Email: fukuxg@unisa.ac.za (Dr X.G. Fuku)
Level: Master’s project
Contaminated water is a serious concern in many developing countries with severe health consequences particularly for children. Current methods for monitoring waterborne pathogens are often time consuming, expensive, and labour intensive, making them not suitable for these regions. Electrochemical detection in a microfluidic platform offers many advantages such as portability, minimal use of instrumentation, and easy integration with electronics. In many parts of the world, however, the required equipment for pathogen detection through electrochemical sensors is either not available or insufficiently portable, and operators may not be trained to use these sensors and interpret results, ultimately preventing its wide adoption. Counterintuitively, these same regions often have an extensive mobile phone infrastructure, suggesting the possibility of integrating electrochemical detection of bacterial pathogens with a mobile platform. Toward a solution to water quality interventions, we demonstrate a microfluidic electrochemical sensor combined with a mobile interface that detects the sequences from bacterial pathogens, suitable for rapid, affordable, and point-of-care water monitoring.
Main supervisor: Dr N.W. Hlongwa
Co-supervisors: Dr M.J. Madito, Dr X.G. Fuku
Email: hlongnw@unisa.ac.za (Dr N.W. Hlongwa)
Level: Master’s project
The development of efficient, green, and sustainable eco-friendly renewable energy storage systems has become critical to meeting the increasing energy demand for our society's socio-economic development due to major issues associated with the generation and use of electricity, grid reliability, and reliance on fossil fuels. The most promising technology for balancing the electric grid and more effectively shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy from the wind or sun are batteries and supercapacitors (electrochemical energy storage devices). Furthermore, because of its high energy density, batteries are employed to power portable electronics and hybrid cars. Due to decreased power density, significant capacity fading at high charge/discharge rates, and restricted cyclability, battery technology is severely hampered (lifespan). Supercapacitors, unlike batteries, offer good power rates and cyclability but have lower energy densities. Because of these flaws in batteries and supercapacitors, they are ineffective when used independently, especially when great power and energy density are desired at the same time. Using them together also limits the size of electrical gadgets. The concept of fully integrated rechargeable hybrid battery-supercapacitor (supercapbattery) electrical energy storage devices is a promising approach to developing next-generation energy-storage systems. With this end product in mind, we focus on synthesizing new hybrid electrode materials that combine the best features of batteries and supercapacitors to achieve enhanced energy, power density, and cyclability at a lower cost.
Main supervisor: Dr N. Palaniyandy
Co-supervisors: Dr X.G. Fuku and Prof B.B. Mamba
Email: palann@unisa.ca.za (Dr N. Palaniyandy)
Level: Master’s project
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have played an important role in modern society and industries in recent decades, from power supplies for electronic devices to large-scale energy storage management in smart grids. According to the global market, the production scale of lithium-ion batteries is expected to exceed 1.3 TWh by 2030. Due to the lithium-ion battery industry's explosive growth worldwide, a substantial amount of metal resources is needed, particularly those for lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn). As a result, scientific standards approach a Reuse-Refurbish-Recycle strategy known as 3R-strategies. Thus, the project's goal is to implement a viable technology to recycle battery electrode materials and reconvert them into novel materials for LIB applications and others.
Main supervisor: Dr N. Palaniyandy
Co-supervisors: Dr K.E. Sekhosana and Prof. K.I. Ozoemena
Email: palann@unisa.ca.za (Dr N. Palaniyandy)
Level: Master’s project
In comparison to other new energy storage systems, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are currently considered to be promising candidates for next-generation energy storage technologies due to the high theoretical capacity of the sulfur cathode. However, the practical application of LSBs is hampered by a number of inherent problems associated with the electrochemical processes, which result in low active material utilization and rapid capacity decay. Hence, in the project, we intend to develop appropriate cathode materials, employing a variety of strategies to mitigate the inherent problems associated with LSBs.
Main supervisor: Dr K.E. Sekhosana
Co-supervisors: Prof U. Feleni, Dr X.G. Fuku and Prof M.J. Moloto
Email: sekhoke@unisa.ac.za (Dr K.E. Sekhosana)
Level: Master’s project
Anti-androgens (AAs) are a class of pharmaceuticals which find themselves as emerging pollutants in wastewater due to activities in pharmaceutical industries and hospitals. These contaminants affect the aquatic life. Thus, control and quantification measures are required to mitigate this problem. The electrochemical sensors that have been used to monitor the AAs show that more improvement is required for detection at very low levels. The proposed project will, thus, focus on developing the electrodes based on the new metal sulfide nanomaterials using the electrochemical and hydrothermal methods to develop stable organic-inorganic nanohybrids for enhanced and selective electrochemical sensing of antiandrogens. Pharmaceutical wastewater will be the primary target for water sampling for analysis of the selected pharmaceuticals.
Main supervisor: Prof U. Feleni
Co-supervisors: Prof M.A. Kebede, Dr K.E. Sekhosana and Dr T. Moremedi
Email: felenu@unisa.ac.za (Prof U. Feleni )
Level: PhD project
The development of new methods for direct viral detection using aptameric systems is very important. The challenge of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic has been exacerbated by the lack of rapid and effective methods to identify viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 on-demand. On the other hand, the issue of climate change must be monitored by capturing carbon using specific aptamers. The project will involve the synergistic combination of the properties of conducting polymers and quantum dots/nanoparticles in the development of aptameric sensor systems for SARS-CoV-2 and carbon capture detection. The composite materials possess electro-capacitive character which will contribute to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) and alternating current (AC) for the detection of the pathogen and carbon. The biosensor system will be applied in the determination of SARS-CoV-2 virus through the biomarkers of the virus, such as its receptors and its RNA.
Main supervisor: Prof M.A. Kebede
Co-supervisors: Dr X.G. Fuku, Prof B.B. Mamba
Email: Mesfiak@unisa.ac.za (Prof M.A. Kebede)
Level: PhD project
The Ni-rich (NMC) cathode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can provide specific capacity of >200 mAh/g which are ideal cathode materials for power batteries. Similarly, Mn-rich (MNC) cathode materials for lithium-ion battery attracted research attention due to their ability to deliver high energy density above 900 Wh/kg which are suitable for electric vehicle application. The proposed research project aims to synthesize, characterize, and improve the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich (NMC) and Mn-rich (MNC) cathode materials for LIBs through selected synthesis methods and effective strategies.
Main supervisor: Prof M.A. Kebede
Co-supervisors: Dr M.J. Madito Prof U. Feleni
Email: Mesfiak@unisa.ac.za (Prof M.A. Kebede)
Level: PhD project
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and appearing as the most competitive in the large-scale energy storage system application because of the abundance of Na resource on the earth, their high energy density, and similar working mechanism with LIBs. Layered transition metal oxide NaTMO2 (TM=Mn, Ni, Co) and manganese-based triclinic Na2Mn3O7 cathodes have attracted great attention as a potential high-capacity cathode materials for SIBs. This research project targets to synthesize, and characterize electrochemically stable layered, and triclinic structured cathode materials for advanced SIBs for large-scale stationary storage applications. After developing the cathode materials, they will be incorporated into pouch cells and cyclinderical cells for batttery pack assembly.
Main supervisor: Prof E.N. Nxumalo
Co-supervisors: None
Email: nxumaen@unisa.ac.za (Prof E.N. Nxumalo)
Level: PhD or Master’s project
This project proposes the fabrication of nanostructured mixed matrix photocatalytic membranes for the mitigation of biofouling in reverse osmosis processes. Through the agency of photocatalytic nanocomposites, the membranes will be tailored for reverse osmosis purposes, assessed for the degradation of microorganisms, their by-products and the degradation of selected organics found in industrial wastewater. Upon demonstration of the photocatalytic activity, the membranes will be evaluated for the mitigation of biofouling and organic fouling while carrying out rejection of salts found in seawater. A reactor system tailored for combined photocatalytic and reverse osmosis system will then be fabricated to evaluate the performance of the membranes under real industrial parameters. Ultimately a prototype of a reactor system tailored for bio and organic fouling in RO systems will be fabricated and texted.
Main supervisor: Prof R.M. Moutloali
Co-supervisors: Dr C.S. Tshangana, Dr M.M. Motsa
Email: moutlrm@unisa.ac.za (Prof R.M. Moutloali)
Level: PhD or Master’s project
Current challenges faced in wastewater treatment using membranes include their propensity to foul when used on industrial water as well as the rapid loss in selectivity associated with chemical treatment to regenerate their surfaces on fouling. The proposed project aims to develop membrane surfaces that can be modulated using external chemical or physical stimuli. The research activity will entail the construction of a thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) layer that can be manipulated using external stimuli supported on polyethersulfone ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. In addition to the current monomers, trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and piperazine (PiP), an appropriate tailored zwitterionic monomer will be included in the formulation to impart external stimuli response to the nanofiltration (NF) layer that is envisaged to mitigate against fouling and aid in solute selectivity. Parameters that are critical to the formation of the selective layer will be established and the resultant membranes assessed on industrial wastewater.
Main supervisor: Dr M.M. Motsa
Co-supervisors: None
Email: motsamm@unisa.ac.za (Dr M.M. Motsa)
Level: PhD project
Forward osmosis is a membrane process that uses concentration gradient between two water streams separated by semi-permeable barrier. It is an interesting low-energy process that could serve as pre-treatment step for tertiary membrane processes. Thus, this work seeks to develop semi-permeable, chemically stable forward osmosis membranes for saline water dilution and subsequent desalination. Prepared membranes will be packed in laboratory-scale modules and evaluated against commercial variants. The work will also focus on the identification and development of sustainable and highly osmotic draw solution.
Main supervisor: Dr N. Gumbi
Co-supervisors: Dr M. Motsa, Dr O. Mahlangu
Email: gumbinn@unisa.ac.za (Dr N. Gumbi)
Level: Master’s project
The study aims to fabricate high performance polymer blended ultrafiltration membranes through tuning membrane structure and stability over commercial cleaning chemicals. Polymer blend compatibility will be evaluated, and hollow fibre ultrafiltration membranes prepared via traditional nonsolvent induced phase separation methods.
Main supervisor: Dr A.A. Muleja
Co-supervisors: Prof P. Westerhoff and Prof T.T.I. Nkambule
E-mail: mulejaa@unisa.ac.za (Dr A.A. Muleja)
Level: Master’s project
This project seeks to valorise waste into carbon block membranes for drinking water treatment and energy production to ensure sustainability. Dry and/or wet carbon-based waste will be transformed into biochar and extruded into membranes. The biochar will be extruded to tubular membranes and evaluated for point of use system of drinking water. Furthermore, the gases released during biochar synthesis will be analysed and converted into energy for various uses i.e. heating; electricity and/or fuel. Gas/liquid chromatography will be performed to understand the products (water and gases) whereas focused beam reflectance measurement will be used for in-situ analysis of the process synthesis.
Main supervisor: Dr A.A. Muleja
Co-supervisors: Dr C.S. Tshangana and Prof R.M. Moutloali
E-mail: mulejaa@unisa.ac.za (Dr A.A. Muleja)
Level: Master’s project
This project aims to integrate membrane technology and Advanced Oxidation Process (AOPs) to simultaneously degrade and separate organic pollutants by improving the overall process efficiency. Integrating AOPs and membrane filtration presents several advantages which include but not limited to the following: enhanced anti-fouling or self-cleaning properties that will be imparted on the membrane and overall improved membrane fluxes. Additional concept referred to as “self-healing” would be integrated to the combined system for continuous stability and application of the hybrid-membrane AOPs component.
Main supervisor: Dr M.E. Managa
Co-supervisors: Prof M.J. Moloto and Dr T. Masebe
E-mail: managme@unisa.ac.za (Dr M.E. Managa)
Level: Master’s project
Pathogenic microorganisms continue to excel in causing infectious diseases through the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. The interaction between the glass wool and the porphyrinoids is expected to improved singlet oxygen generation when excited with light. Singlet oxygen is the predominant cytotoxic substrate amongst all the reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS interacts with various bacterial cell components such as proteins and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bases. There are various mechanisms through which bacterial inactivation occurs as a result of these ROS; These include cross-linkage between the proteins, oxidative damage of the nucleic acids, proteins, and membrane lipid.
Main supervisor: Prof L.A. de Kock
Co-supervisors: Prof T.T.I. Nkambule and Prof T. Boyer (Arizona State University)
Email: dkockla@unisa.ac.za ( Prof L.A. de Kock)
Level: Master’s project
Per- and Polyfuoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent “forever” chemicals. Their presence in water sources has been well documented, as have their toxicity and bio-accumulation properties. They present a significant health concern. The mechanism of PFAS uptake by anion exchange resins with amino functional groups has been reported. The mechanism of uptake is reported to be influenced by diffusion, electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic effects. The adsorption of PFAS is also influence by competing anions found in water. This study will investigate the effect of incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles into the ion exchange resin as well as the impact of competing ions. The exhausted resins will also be regenerated in order to determine the mechanisms of preferential adsorption for the different species.
Main supervisor: Prof M.J. Moloto
Co-supervisors: None
E-mail: molotmj@unisa.ac.za (Prof M.J. Moloto)
Level: Master’s project
Projects involves the use of metals such manganese, iron, nickel in making nanomaterials as fillers into the fibres with the chosen polymers depending on the alternative of the resulting product. The resultant materials will be explored further after removal of microplastics.
Main supervisor: Prof M.J. Moloto
Co-supervisors: None
E-mail: molotmj@unisa.ac.za (Prof M.J. Moloto)
Level: Master’s project
The project focuses on the conversion of waste materials as superabsorbent and convert them by chemical modification and treatment into materials for use as agents for removal of various pollutants in water. The materials prepared offers additional exploration in oil-water separation.
Main supervisor: Mr N.T. Moja
Co-supervisors: None
Email: mojatn@unisa.ac.za (Mr N.T. Moja)
Level: Master’s project
Coal mine drainage (CMD) is a huge concern to the environment due to acidic drainage that ends up accumulating and leaching to neighbouring streams, groundwater, and other water systems, thereby deteriorating the water quality. CMD is usually found in underground and surface mining activities, neglected and dilapidated mines. To address the stated problems found in CMD, the use of an adsorbent derived from an activated carbon nanocomposite will be applied for neutralization and removal of metal ions causing acidity in mine drainage. Characterization techniques such as Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES-MS) and Ion Chromatography (IC) are used to detect the availability of metal ion concentration in wastewater.
Main supervisor: Mr N.T. Moja
Co-supervisors: None
Email: mojatn@unisa.ac.za (Mr N.T. Moja)
Level: Master’s project
Mine drainage is formed when pyrite (iron sulfide) ‘FeS2’ is exposed and reacts with air and water to form sulfuric acid and dissolved ions. This acidic run-off dissolves heavy metals ions such as Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Zinc and Mercury which contaminate ground and surface water. These metals are non-biodegradable and have a progressive toxic effect on living organisms as they accumulate over time. Hence a proposed methodology for adsorption and neutralization of CMD by using Zeolite based nanocomposite. Characterization such as ICP-MS-OES, IC and AAS are used to detect the concentration of heavy metals available in CMD industrial wastewater.
Main supervisor: Dr A.A. Muleja
Co-supervisors: Dr C.S. Tshangana; Prof Westerhoff; Prof T. Meyiwa and Prof T.T.I. Nkambule
E-mail: mulejaa@unisa.ac.za (Dr A.A. Muleja)
Level: Master’s project
Numerous communities across rural parts of South Africa still lack access to clean and safe drinking water. Majority of these communities rely on water obtained from rivers, wells, and stagnant water. However, the quality of the water obtained from these sources do not meet safety guidelines as stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and consumption of such water could cause water-borne diseases. This project seeks to evaluate the presence of emerging pollutants in these water sources. Further aim is to construct a carbon black membrane stand-alone solar-based hybrid system for the removal of pollutants as well as the disinfection of water. The treated water will be remineralized to meet SANS241 standards for human consumption. The constructed hybrid system will be deployed as a stand-alone point of use in the selected rural communities.
Main supervisor: Prof L.M. Madikizela
Co-supervisors: Prof T.A.M. Msagati and Dr N. Mketo
E-mail: madiklm@unisa.ac.za (Prof L.M. Madikizela)
Level: PhD project
The discharge of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals into the open oceans through the contaminated estuarine water is an environmental concern. Several studies have reported the occurrence of various pharmaceuticals belonging to therapeutic classes of antibiotics, antiretroviral drugs and non-steroidal inflammatory drugs in South African coastal environments. Hence, the proposed study will monitor the occurrence of these drugs in the marine environment which include selected organisms. Analytical methods for pharmaceutical analysis will comprise of solvent extraction followed by preconcentration with solid-phase extraction and finally chromatographic quantitation on LC-MS. Heavy metals will be monitored with inductively coupled plasma after microwave digestion. Finally, the distribution of these contaminants in coastal environment and various organs of the fish will be evaluated.
Main supervisor: Prof L.M. Madikizela
Co-supervisors: Dr M.J. Madito and Dr N. Gumbi
E-mail: madiklm@unisa.ac.za (Prof L.M. Madikizela)
Level: Master’s project
The consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in South Africa is high due to their availability as over the counter medications that can be assessed without medical prescription. Therefore, high concentrations of NSAIDs have been found in South African waters. Therefore, this study proposes the synthesis of graphene-based adsorbents for adsorptive removal of these drugs in water. Graphene-based materials have attracted great interest in many application areas, including the adsorptive removal of drugs from water due to their large surface area and diverse active sites for adsorption. The graphene-based adsorbents are proposed for their inclusion in sample preparation where they will be used as solid-phase extraction sorbents for extraction and pre-concentration of NSAIDs in water prior to chromatographic determination. The adsorption performance of graphene-based adsorbents and its correlation to the interaction mechanisms between the NSAIDs and adsorbents will also be investigated.
Main supervisor: Prof H.I. Atagana
Co-supervisors: Dr V. Ngole-Jeme, Dr X. Fuku, Dr N.W. Hlongwa
E-mail: Atagahi@unisa.ac.za (Prof H.I. Atagana)
Level: PhD project
This research project is aimed at employing the actions of biological entities such as microorganisms, plants and their enzymes to remove, detoxify, breakdown or mineralise organic and inorganic pollutants from the environment. The research approach used include bioremediation strategies such as landfarming, composting, bioreactors or phytoremediation. Current foci include degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by microbial intervention, through composting and through endophyte assisted phytoremediation. The project also looks at harnessing energy generated during the biological processes through the use of fuel cells.
Main supervisor: Dr T.L. Botha
Co-supervisors: Prof T.A.M. Msagati, Prof H.I. Atagana, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: bothatl@unisa.ac.za (Dr T.L. Botha)
Level: Master’s project
Nanotechnology has been developed across a range of fields from industrial processes to medical device development. Previous findings reveal that differently charged metal-based nanomaterials have diverse modes of absorption and toxicity mechanisms. As a result, nanomaterial toxicity is affected by composition, particle coatings, and size, and these factors should be examined and incorporated into nanoparticle risk assessments. The extent to which these particles reach tissues within an organism, as well as the organism's ability to store or eliminate the toxicant, are both important elements in evaluating the potential toxicity. Little is however known on the chronic in vivo distribution and persistence of nanomaterials in the body. This study aims to link nanomaterial characterization to information generated from various techniques including Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and CytoViva dark field Hyperspectral imaging to map particle movement and their associated effects in two aquatic model organisms.
Main supervisor: Dr I. Kamika
Co-supervisors: Prof M.M. Nindi, Dr D.L. Moema
E-mail: kamiki@unisa.ac.za (Dr I. Kamika)
Level: Master’s project
In recent centuries, our environment has become a dumping ground of emerging or priority pollutants. Of these, artificial sweeteners (ASWs) are becoming ubiquitous in the environment and pose serious human and environmental health concerns. Contrasting with other pollutants, for which environmental quality standards (EQS) have been defined, ASWs are not covered by routine monitoring. The study aims to investigate the occurrence of ASWs from its source (wastewater, surface/river water) to the point of consumption (tap water) over a one-year period encompassing all South African seasons.
Main supervisor: Prof L.M. Madikizela
Co-supervisors: Dr G. Mamba
E-mail: madiklm@unisa.ac.za (Prof L.M. Madikizela)
Level: Master’s project
This study will be initiated by monitoring the occurrence of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in various wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) regarded as critical using solid-phase extraction and LC-MS analysis. Thereafter, Ultraviolet (UV)/persulphate oxidation will be employed as an advanced oxidation step to ensure simultaneous oxidation of the antibiotic drugs found in WWTPs and disinfection of the wastewater effluent. The influential reaction parameters such as pH, reaction time, photon flux, presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM), persulphate dose and inorganic ions, degradation pathways and mineralization efficiency of some selected antibiotic drugs will be investigated in detail to ensure an optimized treatment process.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof L.M. Madikizela and Prof H. Nyoni
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: Master’s project
In this study, volatile organic compounds in a traditional healing spa clayey and water will be chromatographically separated, identified through screening approach and quantified. This will be followed by identifying the health benefits and possible risks associated with the bathing, cosmetic applications, and consumption of such natural resources.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof L.M. Madikizela, Dr T.L. Botha, Dr I.A. Kamika, Prof E. Unuabonah, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: PhD project
The removal of microplastic is an essential research work since it has been found out recently that our water bodies consist of microplastics and ingestion of them are detrimental. Due to this, sustainable and efficient ways to remove this pollutant must be provided, this study will employ nanotechnology to mitigate the problem. Characterization of the nanoparticles using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), will be carried out.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof L.M. Madikizela, Dr T.L. Botha, Dr I.A. Kamika, Prof H. Nyoni, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: PhD project
Numerous reports have indicated that microplastics can directly or indirectly be ingested by aquatic organisms. The ingestion can be directly through the ingestion of microplastics that are already present in the water column or indirectly through trophic transfer from contaminated prey organisms. The trophic levels of feeding interrelationships in the in the marine ecosystem, is composed mainly of zooplankton which act as the lower organisms in the marine food web, and they form an important link with organisms in the higher trophic levels within the same marine food web. Marine organisms, such as copepods as well as gelatinous species are among those known to highly ingest microplastics. Since these organisms are known to be preyed by higher forms of marine organisms, it is plausible to conduct a study to investigate the profile and preference of microplastics accumulation, as well as investigate if there is a particular preference or trend in terms of transfer to higher organisms. Moreover. Other organisms including birds (such as Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) that feed on squids or crustaceans which may already been contaminated by microplastics can form a good set of a study to investigate transfer on microplastics which may also end up being transferred intergenerationally to fledglings.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof L.M. Madikizela, Dr T.L. Botha, Dr I.A. Kamika, Prof B. Ngameni
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: PhD project
This proposed project will involve activities on isolation, purification, and production of bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates such as Bivalvia, sea anemones and Conus snails. The target bioactive compounds include nutraceuticals, inhibitors of proteases, bioactive peptides and proteins, other non-protein metabolites useful in innovative pharmaceuticals, and voltage-gated ion channels which will have applications as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, therapeuticals and other biotechnological potential products.
Main supervisor: Dr T.L. Botha
Co-supervisors: Prof Al.T. Kuvarega, Prof T.A.M. Msagati, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: bothatl@unisa.ac.za (Dr T.L. Botha)
Level: PhD project
Cubosomes and hexasomes are lipid based nanostructured particles of the lipid bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline phase with the potential application in many areas including in drug delivery platforms due to their structural integrity of the ingredients that it carries. This project intends to synthesize hexasomes and cubosomes lipid nanoparticles with different structures and composition, characterize them and deploy such nanomaterials for targeted use as drug delivery platforms and assess their cellular uptake to determine the potential toxicity and behavioural influence.
Main supervisor: Prof T.T.I. Nkambule
Co-supervisors: UWC&WTT staff members, Paul Westerhoff (ASU)
E-mail: nkambtt@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.T.I. Nkambule)
Level: PhD project
The aim of this project is to determine the national extent of de facto water reuse in the South Africa. This will be done by determining the percentage wastewater content of the raw water sources (rivers and dams) supplying the major cities and large towns, and the potential health impact, treatment requirements and public acceptance of de facto reuse through carrying out four case studies. The aim of this project is to: determine the wastewater content of the raw water intake from rivers and dams to water treatment plants supplying the major cities and large towns in South Africa, and thereby establishing the extent of de facto reuse; identify at least top 25 cities impacted by de facto reuse. Perform case studies of high priority de facto reuse water treatment plants; evaluate the spatial and temporal factors (including climate change) impacting on the extent of reuse in each of the selected case studies; do a detailed analysis on treatment plant capabilities for treating the water to drinking water standard, raw water quality analysis, and OPEX costs; and establish the public knowledge and perceptions as well as acceptance of de facto reuse in the case.
Main supervisor: Dr T.J. Malefetse
Co-supervisors: UWC&WTT staff members
E-mail: maleftj@unisa.ac.za (Dr T.J. Malefetse)
Level: Master’s project
Over the last decade, wastewater analysis has demonstrated its utility as an important tool for monitoring the use and prevalence of illicit drugs. Recently, wastewater analysis has moved from being an experimental technique to being an important addition in the epidemiological toolkit. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a rapidly developing scientific discipline based on the chemical analysis of specific human metabolic excretion products (biomarkers) in wastewater. WBE has shown great progress in providing objective and real-time information on xenobiotics directly or indirectly ingested by a population. Therefore, WBE has opened many possibilities for expanding its application to provide relevant information about lifestyle, public health and human exposure to potentially harmful compounds such as personal care products, pesticides, mycotoxins, brominated flame retardants, pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., antibiotics and opioids) and even pathogens. This project involves the analysis and monitoring of specific human metabolic excretion products (biomarkers) including drugs, chemicals and/or pathogens in wastewaters with a view to establish the exposure to environmental and food contaminants, consumption patterns, the lifestyle habits, and the health and well-being of communities. The ultimate aim is to develop early-warning systems that could be used by municipalities and health authorities to identify infection hot spots for various harmful chemical agents and diseases.
Main supervisor: Dr G. Mamba
Co-supervisors: UWC&WTT staff members
E-mail: mambag@unisa.ac.za (Dr G. Mamba)
Level: Master’s project
This project seeks to explore the use of abundant and less valuable iron containing minerals as sources of iron for Fenton/photo-Fenton oxidation of pharmaceutical drugs in water. A comparison will be drawn between different iron sources and their influence in the degradation process. The iron sources will be partially processed and extensively characterised using tools such as XRD, XRF, and BET among others. The influence of various reaction parameters such as pH, pollutant concentrations, iron content, dissolved organic matter and inorganic ions will be investigated during the oxidation experiments.
Main supervisor: Dr G. Mamba
Co-supervisors: UWC&WTT staff members
E-mail: mambag@unisa.ac.za (Dr G. Mamba)
Level: Master’s project
Advanced oxidation processes hold the key towards environmental pollution mitigation especially with regards to the removal of emerging pollutants from water and wastewater. In the proposed project, ultrasound driven advanced oxidation will be investigated for the degradation of emerging pollutants such as antibiotics and pesticides from water. Optimization of the key reaction parameters will be carried out to ensure optimal performance of the oxidation process. Chromatographic techniques will be used to identify the degradation by-products and ascertain their degradation.
Main supervisor: Dr G. Mamba
Co-supervisors: UWC&WTT staff members
E-mail: mambag@unisa.ac.za (Dr G. Mamba)
Level: Master’s project
The presence of both pharmaceutical drugs such as antibiotics and antiviral drugs in the environment presents a global challenge related to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (superbugs). Moreover, bacterial resistance can go beyond antibiotics to involve resistance against chlorine which is a major disinfectant in water treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient methods for removal of antibiotics in water as well as bacterial inactivation. This proposed work will explore the development of nanocatalysts for activation of PMS towards the simultaneous oxidation of antibiotics and disinfection.
Main supervisor: Prof H. Nyoni
Co-supervisors: Prof T.A.M. Msagati, UWC&WTT staff members
E-mail: nyonih@unisa.ac.za (Prof H. Nyoni)
Level: Master’s project
In this project, research will be conducted to develop, validate, establish and implement analytical techniques and approaches to support rapid and cost-effective testing, investigation, and control of biotoxins and pathogens of food-water safety, public health, zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance relevance. This research is necessary to facilitate global risk assessment as well as preparedness and ability to respond to current and future food-water safety and related emergencies associated with biotoxins and food-water borne pathogens. Food and water safety is increasingly a global concern due to its impact on daily life, public health, and trade. Worldwide, 600 million people fall sick and 420,000 die, annually due to foodborne illnesses attributed to among others, toxins of natural, microbial, plant, and certain animal sources. It is important that these biological hazards (biotoxins) are well controlled, and the risk of exposure regulated. A large proportion of the food and water-borne diseases are caused by microbes. A major global challenge today is for researchers, food and water safety laboratories and other stakeholders to be prepared to identify and characterize emerging food- and water borne pathogens (and related hazards such as biotoxins/non-infectious agents), that may be associated with epidemics/pandemics.
Main supervisor: Prof H. Nyoni
Co-supervisors: Prof T.A.M. Msagati, Dr C Moseki, UWC&WTT staff members
E-mail: nyonih@unisa.ac.za (Prof H. Nyoni)
Level: Master’s project
Although surface water constitutes less than 1.5% of freshwater supply, historical development of surface water sources continues to mark the landscape. However, overexploitation of groundwater is now at its highest, and 25% of the world’s 1.7 billion population live in water scare regions. As glaciers and snowpack disappear due to climate change, sea level will continue to decrease our access to freshwater sources. Since aquifers hold substantial groundwater, managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a suite of strategies designed to enhance recharge for later development, including augmentation of stream flows. Mean global residence time of groundwater is estimated to exceed 250 years, while water maintained in above ground reservoirs has an average residence time of less than 4 years. By retaining surface water with MAR, enhanced recharge can increase surface water residence time, especially in locations where excess flows can be captured before it is no longer available. The research approach here is a composition of various methods designed to assess MAR potential on different scales. Rooted in hydrogeological analyses, it is also very multidisciplinary, as it draws upon the fields of geology, engineering, spatial geography, water policy, and ecology. Research in MAR with a multidisciplinary approach is needed to enhance its use, yet it is in its infancy in South Africa as many locations lack groundwater data. With technological advances in geographical information systems, increased resolution of satellite imagery, and rapid data processing speeds, the boundary of our understanding of MAR potential on a spatial scale is being pushed at a considerable rate. In this work, MAR option to be assessed is the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), which injects and recovers water in the same well. The following methods of analysing suitability include an ASR site scoring system. This approach scores locations based on their hydrogeological properties, regulatory influences, and operational considerations suitable for ASR. Results will be coupled with analytical methods to approximate groundwater recharge rates. An analytical technique will also apply to estimate ASR potential within a principal confined aquifer. The development of a System Dynamics Model for the various watersheds in South Africa will be used for rapid data processing, enhanced policy scenario alternatives, and to provide local and watershed-scale MAR potential against historical surface flow conditions that varied under climate-induced changes. To properly understand local-scale MAR feasibility, ‘soft’ factors such as public perception and trust among stakeholders will be required, as these factors can obstruct, dampen, or dismantle prospective projects.
Main supervisor: Prof M.M. Nindi
Co-supervisors: Prof H. Nyoni and Dr Moema
E-mail: nindimm@unisa.ac.za (Prof M.M. Nindi)
Level: PhD project
Food safety and quality are an integral part of global trade, food security and consumer protection. The presence of undesirable and dangerous substances such as veterinary drugs, mycotoxin, and pesticides are of great concern to human health, global international markets, and the economies of the producing countries. Recently, the is growing interest on biotoxins and food borne pathogens. Sensitive and selective analytical methods play a very important role in monitoring these compounds in biological matrices. The research will focus on the development of green sample preparation and/or clean-up methods such as dispersive liquid liquid microextraction (DLLME), ionic-liquid dispersive liquid liquid microextraction (IL-DLLME), fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) and supported liquid membrane (SLM) which have inherently high enrichment factors. The developed sample preparation techniques will be incorporated to LC-MS/MS and/or MALDI-TOF/TOF for this project
Main supervisor: Prof E.F. Kankeu
Co-supervisors: Prof B. Rittman, Prof H. Atagana, Prof T.T.I Nkambule, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: fossoe@unisa.ac.za (Prof E.F. Kankeu)
Level: PhD project
In the environment, microbes interact with metals directly through various mechanisms. Microbe’s ability to transform heavy metals by metal speciation is rooted in their aptitude in mobilization or immobilization processes that are prompted for balancing metal species amidst their soluble and insoluble phases The proposed project will make use of most prolific tolerant extremophile microbes bioreactors because they are known to have significant roles in the geochemical cycles of heavy metals and have the most efficacy The aim is to rehabilitate, reclaim the land and recovery of precious metals/chemicals.
Main supervisor: Dr M.M. Motsa
Co-supervisors: Prof B.B. Mamba, Prof B. Rittman, Prof T.T.I. Nkambule and Prof T.A.M. Msagati
E-mail: motsamm@unisa.ac.za (Dr M.M. Motsa)
Level: PhD project
Many Wastewater treatment plants including the ones under the city of Johannesburg in South Africa face the challenge on how to treat nitrites/nitrates and ammonia. This project, is thereby proposing the incorporation of Membrane aerated bioreactors (MABR) that will enhance the effectiveness of the plants in the treatment of Nitrites/Nitrates and ammonia
Main supervisor: Dr M.M. Motsa
Co-supervisors: Prof B.B. Mamba, Prof T.TI. Nkambule, Prof T.A.M. Msagati and Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: motsamm@unisa.ac.za (Dr M.M. Motsa)
Level: PhD project
The treatment of high salinity water has been dubbed as costly due to the nature of the required membrane and the composition of the feed water. It requires an extensive amount of amount of energy to overcome the osmotic pressure of seawater and internal resistance of reverse osmosis membranes. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop energy efficient membrane systems for high-water recovery during seawater desalination. This work aims at developing high performance porous membranes for water vapour transport during membrane distillation. The membranes will be prepared using electrospinning techniques and phase inversion to produce self-supporting mats and flat sheets. Furthermore, the membranes will be prepared in hollow-fibre configuration and prepared into modules. Part of the research will also focus on the post-treatment of the brine through recovery of rare-earth minerals and common salts.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof T.T.I. Nkambule, Prof B.B. Mamba and Prof E. Unuabonah
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: PhD project
The presence of plastics (micro- and nano) has been reported widely globally as an emerging environmental problem. Due to all the problems that are known to be caused by microplastics, the removal of microplastic is an essential research work since it has been found out recently that water bodies consist of microplastics and ingestion of them are detrimental. Due to this, sustainable and efficient ways to mitigate this pollutant must be provided.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof T.T.I. Nkambule, Prof B.B. Mamba, Prof V. Ngole-Jemme, Prof B. Van der Pool; Prof J. Van Der Pool, Prof H.O. Mokiwa
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: PhD or Master’s project
This is a multi and Trans disciplinary research involving various aspects of research toward a common goal. Candidates enrolled in this project will work on different aspects of the activities with some working with science aspects related to the development of scientific and technological processes to mitigate the environment from pollution (e.g., remediation of AMD contaminated environment, microplastic research, etc) (Prof Nkambule, Ngole-Jemme and Msagati, Science Campus, Unisa). Some will work on aspects of aspects that align the practice of the scientific/technological activities of the proposed project to the appropriate policies such that, they are relevant to the communities (science education)(Prof Hamza Omar Mokiwa, College of Education Unisa), and some will evaluate the Material flow cost accounting thus providing guidance for practical implementation in a supply chain (Prof Breggie and John Van Der Poll – School of Business Leadership – UNISA).
Main supervisor: Prof T.T.I. Nkambule
Co-supervisors: Prof H.M Kwaambwa, Prof T.T.I. Nkambule, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: nkambtt@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.T.I. Nkambule)
Level: Master’s project
This project will develop method for natural organic matter characterization and treatability approaches for various water systems in Southern Africa.
Main supervisor: Prof T.T.I. Nkambule
Co-supervisors: Mr N.T. Moja, Prof H. Kwaambwa, Prof A.D. Sahij, Prof T.T.I. Nkambule
E-mail: nkambtt@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.T.I. Nkambule)
Level: Master’s project
This project will fabricate, characterize different nanobased composite materials for various applications in water and wastewater treatment
Main supervisor: Dr A.A. Muleja
Co-supervisors: Prof. H.M. Kwaambwa, Prof. T.T.I. Nkambule
E-mail: mulejaa@unisa.ac.za (Dr A.A. Muleja)
Level: Master’s project
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are manufactured chemicals known as “forever chemicals” with numerous applications in everyday products. Such applications result in their widespread presence in the environment/water hence raising concerns due to the toxicity. US EPA updated advisory levels, which are based on new science and consider lifetime exposure, indicate that some negative health effects may occur with concentrations of PFASs in water that are near zero. These chemicals have been found in drinking water influents in Southern African countries such as Namibia and South Africa. It is therefore imperative to remove PFASs from water due to their reported health effects. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are simple and low-cost produced nanostructured materials with reported fascinating physicochemical properties including ultra-small sizes, good biocompatibility, high chemical inertness, tunable hydrophilicity, rich surface functional groups and antifouling characteristics. These features make them highly desirable in membrane technology applications. This study seeks to develop a multilayer CQDs-Membrane from biomass of encroacher bush Dichrostachys cinerea and readily available polymeric feedstock into a standalone CQDs-Membrane system for the treatment of PFASs in water. The thermodynamics and kinetic aspects of the phase inversion and interfacial polymerization will be investigated to model the CQDs-Membrane system performance. Several performance parameters will be evaluated, and optimization studied will be conducted to ensure efficient performance is achieved.
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Prof H.M. Kwaambwa, Dr R. Hans and Prof T.A.M. Msagati
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: Master’s project
This project will seek to identify plant sources with the potential use as sources of nutritional or medicinal value. Valuable compounds will be isolated characterized and tested
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Dr J. Lusilao, Prof L.M. Madikizela and Prof T.A.M. Msagati
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: Master’s project
This proposed project is intended to develop analytical methods and procedures for the analysis of various contaminants of emerging concern in the environment, particularly in water and wastewater system
Main supervisor: Prof T.A.M. Msagati
Co-supervisors: Dr. D. Mogopodi, Ms I. Chibua, Prof T.A.M. Msagati, Prof B.B. Mamba
E-mail: msagatam@unisa.ac.za (Prof T.A.M. Msagati)
Level: Master’s project
The occurrence of microbial pathogens and their toxins in food and surface water threaten food and water security which is already a serious problem in Africa. Further they pose a threat to human and animal health. Water and foodborne illness place an undue burden on health and socioeconomics of society and this burden especially in marginalized communities. Microbial pathogens and their toxic secondary metabolites are of interest because of their known detrimental impact and due to their widespread in food and surface water respectively and their history of poisoning records of wild and domestic mammals, birds, and humans, which have been well documented over the past one century. This proposed project will thus seek to develop analytical procedures for the identification of toxic secondary metabolites as well as the remediation strategies to ensure safety of consumers.
Main supervisor: Dr T.J. Malefetse
Co-supervisors: UWC&WTT staff members, Dr B. Nkoane (UB)
E-mail: maleftj@unisa.ac.za (Dr T.J. Malefetse)
Level: Master’s project
Coagulation is one of the efficient primary chemical treatment methods that could be used to remove pollutants from polluted water. Natural coagulants are derived from either plants, animals, or microorganisms. They have gained popularity in the water and wastewater treatment industry owing to their advantage over chemical coagulants Natural coagulants can be applied to remove the turbidity, colour, heavy metals, and improve the chemical oxygen demand (COD), remove total suspended solids (TSS), nitrates and sulfates, alkalinity, conductivity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), total phosphor, total organic carbon, sulfides, phosphates, Escherichia coli and total coliforms. The aim of this research work is to explore the potential use and optimization of the effectiveness of eco-friendly and sustainable plant-based natural coagulants extracted from different plant materials. The turbidity removal efficiency is significantly influenced by the active components from natural coagulants. Therefore, the work will involve the extraction and characterization of the active compound as well as the application of the isolated natural coagulant in the remediation of water and wastewaters. Furthermore, opportunities exist for the active component of the natural coagulant to be modified and thus improve its effectiveness.
Main supervisor: Dr M.M. Motsa
Co-supervisors: Prof R.M. Moutloali, Dr S. Chigome, Dr Ngonye
E-mail: motsamm@unisa.ac.za (Dr M.M. Motsa)
Level: PhD or Master’s project
Salinity in drinking water is one of the widespread challenges in the world. Not only, it is widespread but quite challenging to resolve. To remove salt from water often requires hydrophobic membranes coupled with intensive energy input usually through reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, membrane distillation (MD) and capacitive deionization (CDI) processes. Among these processes, MD has great potential for commercialization. However, there are few membranes which have made it to market for use in these processes. The reasons ascribed to lack of appropriate membranes to be scaled up, use of expensive polymers which are not sustainable as well as improper, and inefficient module design [1]. Thus, there is a need to employ a multidirectional approach to develop membranes for removal of salt. The aim of the project is to address issues of salinity by exploring the use of cellulose as a base membrane material for MD and other desalination applications.
Main supervisor:: Prof R.M. Moutloali
Co-supervisors: Dr C. Tshangana, Dr S. Chigome, Dr Ngonye
E-mail: moutlrm@unisa.ac.za (Prof R.M. Moutloali)
Level: PhD or Master’s project
Over the last few years, the increase in the number of invasive plants has not only been considered a global environmental concern but has also been thought to be a major threat to the ecosystem. In addition to destabilizing the natural fauna and flora, these invasive plants also negatively affect the biodiversity. There has been a need to valorize these invasive plants (using the circular economy) and explore the possibility of exploiting them as cheap, renewable, and easily accessible source of cellulose [1]. The isolation and use of biobased nanomaterials such as cellulose which is driven by numerous emerging and established technological and commercial applications is increasingly becoming an area of great interest in materials science research. Unlike synthetic fibers which have an undesirable impact on the environment, human health, and the escalation of the global energy crisis, cellulose is of low density, biocompatible, renewable, and biodegradable. Moreover, it is abundant in nature with a yearly production of more than 7.5 x 1010 tons [2]. At the lab scale, cellulose can be isolated from a wide variety of natural resources including various plants, some bacteria and algae. Despite the successes reported of extracting cellulose on a bench-scale, to have sufficient stock of cellulose at affordable prices for application in, amongst others, packaging industries, nanofiltration and tissue engineering, it is vital to shift the isolation processes from small volume lab scale (g/day) processing to higher volume (kg/day) and eventually to industrial scale quantities (tons/day). This project therefore seeks to enhance the efficiency of the existing bench scale cellulose extraction process from the abundant feedstock of invasive plant material by creating a pilot scale production process that should ideally be cost-effective and scalable. It is expected that the scaled-up cellulose production will facilitate the commercial scale processing of biobased nanostructured products and valorize the invasive species by using them as raw material to produce high value-added products and at the same time mitigates their adverse ecological impacts.
Main supervisor: Prof E.N. Nxumalo
Co-supervisors: None
Email: nxumaen@unisa.ac.za (Prof E.N. Nxumalo)
Level: Master’s project
Although several methods have been reported for the fabrication of fibrous membranes [1], the project will focus on two membrane fabrication techniques. The first technique is electrospinning, a nanofiber membrane fabrication technique that relies on repulsive electrostatic forces to draw a viscoelastic solution into nanofibers [2]. The second will be based of hollow-fiber membrane fabrication. Both these membranes will be based on hydrophobic polymer materials such as PVDF. Formulation that incorporates cellulose-based components into the formulation will be explored to unlock new opportunities in lowering the overall membrane costs as well as increasing the exploitation of locally derived materials in filtration membranes. Furthermore, several ways of functionalization and controlling of intra-fiber pore structure will be investigated. Ultimately, the project seeks to explore ways of developing electrospun and hollow fiber membranes from new or alternative low-cost materials and testing their water purification ability at the pilot scale.
Main supervisor: Prof L.A. de Kock
Co-supervisors: None
Email: dkockla@unisa.ac.za ( Prof L.A. de Kock)
Level: Master’s project
Feed water used in the boilers during the generation of electricity must meet the specific standards required. These requirements are necessary to ensure that the boilers do not experience damage during the generation of power. One aspect of desalination is the removal of cations and anions by ion exchange processes. Will ion exchange is an efficient process, once the ion exchange sites are saturated, the ion exchange resins need to be regenerated. The frequency of regeneration will depend on the concentration of cations and anions in the feed water as well as the ion exchange capacity of the resins. In order to minimize operating costs due to frequent regeneration, there is a need to evaluate different resins for demineralization, and to optimize the regeneration of the resins.
Last modified: Mon Oct 02 06:04:39 SAST 2023