Page 28 - DUT Excellence 2024 S1

surfaces, domestic and industrial sludges, polysaccharides from these sludges and individual microorganisms which include planktonic and filamentous bacteria.
Professor Swalaha then focused his presentation on methods of binding metals to microorganisms, the mathematical modelling of metal adsorption to microorganismsand chromate as a major pollutant.
Professor Swalaha further commented on chromate reduction using continuous upflow-packed columns packed with immobilised bacterial consortia and assessment of imported biomass for metal biosorption. He explored further on column biosorption cycles, sharing some conclusions saying that various microorganisms and their components displayed heavy metal binding and removal capabilities from contaminated water.
“Mechanisms are immensely complex and have many possible routes including uptake, chemical oxidoreduction, surface adsorption and enzymatic modification. Descriptive modelling methods help us to understand mechanisms and the potential of these organisms,” he stressed.
Professor Swalaha shared more on wastewater treatment-urban runoff.
“Accumulating various heavy metals in the roots of plants and Kyllinga nemoralis, had a greater propensity for adsorbing Ni Cu and Pb. Pathogens were also efficiently filtered out up to 98% efficiency were organisms such as Salmonella, Candida, and E. coli along with various coliphages. Also, Ascaris lumbricoides was more efficiently removed by the planted system of the rhizofilter,”he stressed.
Professor Swalaha commented that wastewater can be re- used to produce valuable products such as vitamins, food, and pharmaceutical products.
“Energy can be generated from wastewaters using microorganisms to close green cycle.Carbon can also be sequestered from environment with the microbial biomass having other applications.We are not tapping
the enormous potential of microbial factories at our disposal,” he said.
He highlighted on the hazards monitoring in water, saying that there are strong correlations between faecal indicator bacteria and coliphages. He emphasised that there is a poor correlation between indicator bacterial and viral pathogens, and treatments are available from the natural environment. Professor Swalaha gave a snapshot of what’s next in terms of the liquid future.
“Old tactics do not have applicability in new environment. Centralised water treatment is often the least advanced technology. Also, the hierarchical approach slows maintenance and upgrading,” he said.
Professor Swalaha indicated that decision-making was centralised leading to long delays in implementing change.
“Water integrity needs to be strategised to be the top of the political agenda. We need climate-sensitive solutions to ensure longevity of systems,” he stressed.
One of the possible solutions as mentioned by Professor Swalaha in his presentation, is to look at creating a model that is community- driven rather than company-driven, and in terms of the future, to delve into visualised solutions to problems, pro-action rather than reaction as well as response planning for future issues.
Rounding up his presentation, Professor Swalaha thanked the oganisers, colleagues,Dr Shan Ramluckan,Mr Harri Narismulu,Professor Faizal Bux, Professor Hamanth Kasan, Professor Bharti Odhav, Dr George Tivchev, his exceptional department, his family, his parents, and extended family.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Nemavhola concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
Photography: Khulasande Tshayile
Waheeda Peters
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DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY