The proposed investigations will include: (i) Development of the calibration curves for different elements using laboratory prepared solutions; (ii) Testing of samples obtained from a coal preparation plant and an acid mine drainage site and validation of the method employing other analytical techniques; and (iii) Development of a portable unit for on-site detection. The project will benefit from the collaborations provided by the Consolidation Coal Co. (letter attached) and Prof. Fujishima of the University of Tokyo where the BDD electrodes are synthesized. Sufficient facilities and expertise are available in our laboratory at WVU to immediately initiate this project.

Gunderboom, Inc. designs, builds and installs engineered aquatic filter barrier systems for diverse conditions and applications. From simple, permeable curtains to complex structures, Gunderboom systems allow water passage while filtering particulates, debris, contaminates and/or aquatic biota such as fish, fish eggs and larvae.

Developed by Rhodes University’s Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit over the past eight years with the support of the Water Research Commission, ERWAT and BioPAD, the Rhodes BioSURE®  Process removes sulphate from acid rich mine water. Instead of expensive carbon and electron donor sources, primary sewage sludge, a by-product from ERWAT, is being used. Together, the two waste products ensure improved water quality before being discharged into the Blesbokspruit Ramsar site. At the same time, safe and stable biosolids are produced.
The WRC CEO, Dr Rivka Kfir, was one of the speakers at this event. The technical presentation was done by Prof Peter Rose of Rhodes University. Prof Rose was the project leader of this project. Guests were entertained by the TWC theatre group.