“Development of a high efficiency antifouling nanocomposite polymer membrane for water treatment”
Country of Study
Zimbabwe
Institution
National University of Science and Technology
Expected Year of Completion
2026
Thematic Area
Climate Change, Natural Resources and the Environment
Education
Nqobizitha is pursuing a PhD in Fibre and Polymer Materials Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology where she is also a Senior Lecturer. She has an MPhil in Textile Technology from the same institution and will complete her studies in 2026.
Research Summary
Nqobizitha’s research seeks to develop sustainable technologies based on efficient, environmentally friendly materials for treating drinking water. . Many polymers have been used for water treatment technologies, however most of these polymers are non-biodegradable in nature and lack antifouling properties. Her research proposes to use environmentally friendly nanocomposite polymer membranes with improved antifouling properties for treatment of drinking water. The high cost of treating water and its high energy input is prohibitive to most industries and factories in developing countries and as such they release untreated wastewater into neighbouring streams, thereby polluting many fresh water bodies. Estimates reveal that water borne diseases contribute to the death of approximately four million children in developing countries every year. The emerging nanofibrous membranes with high separation performance, broad applications and low costs are mostly prepared by electrospinning, which is rapidly emerging as a facile and powerful technique to prepare smooth nanofibers with adjustable morphology and functionality from various polymers. This research will provide scientific data that can be used to solve the societal problem of lack of access to clean water sources.
Publications:
1. Membrane Technology in Tannery Wastewaster Management: A Review. Zimbabwe Journal of Science and Technology
2. Development of Starch/Keratin/Chitosan Composite Material as a Substitute for Polystyrene in Food Packaging
3. Contamination of Zimbabwean Seed Cotton with Endosulfan Pesticide Residues
