Phuti Mokgehle
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Age:
23
Project Name/Description:
University of Limpopo Exemplary Alumnus
More info:
https://m.facebook.com/people/Malome-Phuti/100079290813185/
Mokgehle, 23, from Batlokwa, Limpopo, is one of the distinguished graduates from the University of Limpopo. In 2018, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Science in Water and Sanitation at the institution to help resolve water scarcity and contamination issues in his province and the country. “I wanted to explore water science since water in South Africa is one of the most limited resources, especially in many rural areas,” says Mokgehle. “I also wanted to learn more techniques of cleaning water since the one we get in Limpopo isn’t purified – it’s too salty.” During his honours and final year last year, Mokgehle invented a water decontamination method that improves the quality of water while saving thousands of rands. The project was undertaken at the university’s laboratory in collaboration with Vitaone8, an industry partners and a water treatment plant based in Sandton, Gauteng. Called the adoption method, the technology improves the quality of water at Limpopo’s Roodeplaat Dam to prevent eutrophication, which leads to the growth of plant life like algal blooms, a green mat-like plant that prevent sunlight from reaching the bottom of the water, limiting the amount of oxygen available in the water. The technology could save the cost of purifying water (about R1.2-million per year) to drinking levels at the Magalies Water (Wallmansthal Water Treatment Plant), Pretoria, Gauteng. As we speak, the University of Limpopo, Magalies Water and Vitaone8, are working on a more detailed and bigger pilot before implementing the project at a larger scale. The project will involve Masters and PhD students. “As water scientists, when we improve water systems we improve the lives of ordinary people so they can have access to safe, clean water,” says Mokgehle.
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