UJ Professor Pioneers Nanotechnology Solutions for South Africa’s Water Crisis and Green Cement

July 19, 2026

University of Johannesburg News South Africa

Overview

Professor Dlamini at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is deploying advanced nanotechnology to address two critical environmental challenges in South Africa: providing clean, safe water and significantly reducing CO2 emissions from cement production. Her team has developed efficient nanomaterial-based water treatment systems and a novel cement additive that cuts carbon emissions while maintaining performance, with a patent application already filed, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability.

In Depth

Background

South Africa grapples with severe challenges in water supply and sanitation, exacerbated by escalating water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. Concurrently, the global cement industry stands as a major contributor to CO2 emissions, facing immense pressure to reduce its carbon footprint in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professor Dlamini’s research directly addresses these multifaceted environmental and social issues through an innovative nanotechnology approach. Her work offers the potential to not only meet the specific needs of local communities but also to simultaneously reduce the environmental footprint of an entire industrial sector, setting a precedent for scientific and technological contributions originating from the African continent.

Key Findings

Professor Dlamini at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is leveraging nanotechnology to address critical challenges faced by South African communities: access to clean water and the problem of carbon dioxide emissions from cement manufacturing. Her research has yielded significant results, including the development of more sustainable water treatment approaches and the creation of additives that substantially reduce CO2 emissions in cement production, with related patent applications filed.

In the field of water treatment, Professor Dlamini’s research team is developing novel filters and adsorbents that efficiently remove a broad spectrum of pollutants (heavy metals, organic compounds, bacteria, viruses, etc.) from wastewater. This efficacy stems from utilizing the high surface area and unique adsorption/catalytic properties inherent to nanomaterials. Critically, given the inefficiencies of South Africa’s existing wastewater treatment systems, the research prioritizes low-cost, scalable nanotechnology-based solutions aimed at simultaneously addressing water scarcity and pervasive water pollution.

For cement manufacturing, Professor Dlamini has engineered nanoscale additives that not only enhance cement strength but also significantly reduce the required amount of clinker—the primary CO2-intensive component in production. This innovative additive has demonstrated a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional processes, all while maintaining equivalent or even superior cement performance. A patent application for this technology has already been submitted.

This research holds significant strategic importance, poised to serve as a vital model not only for South Africa but for other developing nations confronting similar challenges. The commercialization of these water treatment technologies promises improved access to safe drinking water, substantially enhancing public health. Similarly, the widespread adoption of the CO2-reducing cement additives could dramatically advance sustainability within the construction industry, making a tangible contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts. Future research will concentrate on ensuring the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and rigorous long-term environmental safety assessment of these nanotechnology solutions. Professor Dlamini’s pioneering work at UJ powerfully demonstrates nanotechnology’s potential as a potent tool for directly resolving pressing community problems and forging a more sustainable future.

Source: https://news.uj.ac.za/news/ujs-prof-dlamini-applies-nanotechnology-for-clean-safe-water-for-sa-communities/

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