MSc Bursary in Environmental Studies
Professor Danny Simatele is looking for an MSc student to do research into public perceptions of nanotechnology for water treatment in South Africa. The bursary will mainly cover fees and a component of research costs.
Public perceptions of nanotechnology for water treatment in South Africa
Description of the project
Mining has been the mainstay of South Africa’s economy for more than a century now. In the Witwatersrand basin of Johannesburg, mining began in 1886 and continues to the present day, albeit at a much smaller scale. Although the economic benefits accrued from mining were enormous, there have been severe negative environmental impacts. Some of Johannesburg’s water sources are now contaminated by high concentrations of toxic metals, non-metal and radionuclide ions such as uranium, arsenic and mercury that leach into ground and surface water from waste storage facilities (McCarthy, 2010). This contaminated water is often used for potable and other domestic purposes by residents of informal settlements.
Nanotechnology offers a way of generating potable water from such contaminated sources. However, previous research shows that consumers may be apprehensive about applications of nanotechnology in the food domain. The purpose of this research project will be to investigate the acceptance criteria for nanotechnology-enabled water treatment in communities with limited access to safe drinking water.
Work to be performed by the bursary holder
- Conducting comprehensive literature reviews
- Development of data collection instrumentation
- Implementation of the project in the Johannesburg area, South Africa
- Data cleaning and analysis
- Reporting of research findings through dissertation and conference
For further information please contact
Prof Danny Simatele
School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies
Email: danny.simatele@wits.ac.za
Tel No. 0117176516