Can Nanotech Clean Up Contaminated Water?

We've seen it in the news: The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation repeatedly highlights its concern regarding the continued pollution of South Africa's river streams due to the inability of municipalities to operate and maintain water and sanitation infrastructure. In addition, contaminated run-off from industrial and agricultural activities and waste that has not been disposed of properly adds to the pollution of our water sources.

Monitoring water quality is vital. Researchers at the University of Johannesburg believe that most of South Africa’s water contamination problems stem from inadequate monitoring.

They are using nanotechnology to identify the problems in different sources, like wastewater or river water. Contaminants of emerging concern include:

• pharmaceuticals (medicines) and personal care products (soap, shampoo and others)

• pesticides from farming

• cyanotoxins (toxic substances that are produced by blue-green algae)

• endocrine-disrupting chemicals (they interfere with the normal functioning of natural hormones of the body, causing problems like infertility).

(Nomngongo, P. (2025) [Internet]. Tiny technology that can find pollution in South Africa’s water and trap it.)

Prevention remains better than cure. By using bio-enzyme and eco-friendly personal care and cleaning products, related water contaminants can be eliminated.