Research published in Scientific Reports on Friday, 22 March, showing technology that will make it easier to filter pure water from waste produced during mining, oil and gas exploration coincided with World Water Day.

The technologywas developed by a team of researchers from Wits University, in collaboration with NASA.

According to the Head of the Wits School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Professor Sunny Lyuke, who developed the product in collaboration with two PhD students, the membrane module (similar to a household water filter) could be used to catch water waste from mines before it entered drains or the water table.

This technology could make huge inroads in dealing with the major issue of acid mine drainage in South Africa.

“Water is critical to sustaining life, and water scarcity is becoming a huge problem not just in South Africa, but all over the world,” said Lyuke. “This technology produces a win win situation, for industry and the environment.”