Nkateko Moyane, a learner from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale, prepares to represent South Africa at the prestigious Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) Global Symposium in India from 27 to 31 January.
Moyane is one of four top – performing young scientists selected to compete at the global event following an outstanding performances at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair held in October last year.
His research project, titled ‘ECOHARVEST: Integrated Phytoremediation for Contaminated Soil and Mining Wastewater’ focuses on addressing growing environmental and public health risks caused by soil and water pollution in mining-affected areas.
The study demonstrated that hyper accumulator plants are significantly more effective than ordinary plants in removing heavy metals from contaminated environments. Notably, the addition of cow dung enhanced the remediation process, reducing heavy metal levels by up to 63.5%.
The findings point to a natural, affordable and sustainable solution for rehabilitating polluted land, protecting ecosystems and supporting safer agricultural practices, an innovation with particular relevance for communities impacted by mining activities across South Africa and beyond.
As Moyane prepares to take his research to the world stage under the guidance of Eskom Expo Academic Director Dr Krishnie Naidoo his achievement stands as a powerful example of how young South Africans are contributing practical solutions to global challenges.
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