This research group, led by Prof Patricia Forbes, involves the development of novel sampling and analytical methods for environmental pollutants, primarily in water and air. We use our chemistry knowledge to assist in understanding and solving environmental problems as part of multi-disciplinary teams. We focus on improving existing analytical methods for target pollutants in terms of making them more affordable, faster, simpler, more accessible and portable compared to traditional methods, whilst ensuring they are fit for purpose in terms of selectivity and sensitivity.

Ongoing research includes the development and deployment of denuder based sampling techniques to simultaneously monitor gas and particle phase semi-volatile organic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in homes and underground mines, in order to assess potential human health effects thereof. Research involving passive samplers by the group includes lichen biomonitors and the development of novel sorbents for target pollutants including mercury. We conduct research to develop screening methods for emerging chemical pollutants in water, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, using quantum dot based fluorescence sensors. We also develop novel, greener sample preparation approaches for these compounds prior to comprehensive analysis thereof using chromatography and mass spectrometry.

 

Current postgraduate students

PhD students

Mr Josephate Bosire, based at the Maasai Mara University in Kenya, Analysis and Characterization of selected solid fuels used in Kenya homes and Associated exposure health risks.

Mr Reinardt Cromhout, Efficient extraction and analysis of dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental samples.

Mrs Maggi Loubser, Compilation of a database of the chemical composition of Anton van Wouw’s sculptures and linking it to the foundries that cast them.

Mr Geyan Kempkes, A quantitative approach to advancing mercury monitoring efforts in the South African terrestrial environment.

Miss Boitumelo Nokeri, Advances in the determination of atmospheric volatile organic compounds by online gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.

MSc students

Moses Leakwe is developing methods to monitor volatile organic compounds in air from waste water treatment facilities using passive sampling.

Amogelang Booysen is working on the prioritisation of emerging organic pollutants in South African drinking water.

Serena Joubert is monitoring airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in households to support air quality offset initiatives.

Chris-Mari Halley is working towards determining reagent stability towards greener commercial laboratories.

Neale Berkenbosch is investigating air emissions from domestic solid waste burning.

Marthinus Botha is using lichens as biomonitors of atmospheric mercury and manganese pollution.

Thea Smuts is working on an odour forensics project to investigate the relative odour contributions from a waste management facility and surrounding sources.

 

Recently graduated postgraduates

PhD graduates

Dr Eve Kroukamp, 2019, Optimisation of analytical methods for metal(loid)s in a lichen biomonitor.

Dr Hanieh Montaseri, 2019, Quantum dot - molecularly imprinted polymer nanomaterials for the fluorescence sensing of selected pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Dr Sifiso Nsibande, 2020, Development of quantum dot fluorescence sensors for detection of targeted pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Dr Chiedza Munyeza, 2020, Monitoring of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through optimization of analytical techniques.

Dr Geoff Brown, 2020, Determination of the influence of calcium levels in the hatching rate of captive Nile crocodiles.

Dr Adedapo Adeola, 2021, Adsorption of selected organic emerging chemical pollutants from aqueous media using graphene wool composites.

Dr Kapambwe Kabwe, 2022, Development of a fluorescent quantum dot-mycolic acid probe for use in Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibody detection.

Dr Genna-Leigh Geldenhuys, 2023, Novel methods for sampling organic air pollutants in mining environments.

Dr Abdallah Bakari Chaka, graduated from Maasai Mara University Kenya, 2024, Bio-sorption studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides from selected surface waters in Narok and Bomet Counties, Kenya using locally available biochar adsorbents.

MSc graduates

Miss G.-L. Geldenhuys, 2014, Characterisation of diesel particulate matter in underground platinum mines of South Africa.

Mrs B Castleman, 2014, Impact of pesticide usage on the Letsitele River.

Miss L van der Wat, 2015, Lichens as biomonitors of trace organic air pollutants, With Distinction.

Mr S Nsibande, 2015, Comparative pesticide air monitoring in the validation of air dispersion models, With Distinction.

Mr Fritz Petersen, 2016, Prioritisation of emerging chemical pollutants in South African water systems.

Miss Kedibone Mashale, 2019, Monitoring of selected pesticide concentrations in South African aquatic systems using the Chemcatcher® passive sampler.

Mr Basil Munjanja, 2019, Comparison of pesticide deposition sampling methods for spray drift of atrazine, With Distinction.

Miss Yvonne Mason (nee Wjono), 2020, Investigations into the use of a novel graphene wool sampler for organic air pollutants.

Mr Paul Myburgh, 2021, Development of solid phase extractants for pesticide analysis, With Distinction.

Miss Loreley Cairns, 2021, Fluorescence studies of binders used in paintings: ageing and pigment effects, With Distinction.

Miss Amanda Mahlangu, UP, 2022, Characterisation of semi-volatile hydrocarbon emissions from diesel engines, With Distinction.

Miss Ané Kritzinger, 2022, Development of an optical trap for fluorescent sensing applications, With Distinction.

Mrs Marilize Steyn, 2023, Synthesis of a manganese oxide catalyst for reduction of domestic fuel burning emissions.

Mr Napo Ntsasa, 2023, Development of primary reference gas mixtures for volatile organic compound monitoring in South Africa.

Miss Wilmé Putter, 2023, Development of a portable fluorescence sensor for environmental monitoring applications, With Distinction.

Mr Akhona Tyhali, 2024 Development of analytical methods for N-nitrosamine disinfection byproducts in drinking water, With Distinction.

Mr Geyan Kempkes, 2024, Development of a novel passive sampler for total gaseous mercury monitoring, With Distinction.

Mrs Petra van der Merwe, 2024, Analytical approaches for haloacetic acid disinfection byproducts in treated water, With Distinction.

Miss Boitumelo Nokeri, 2025, Advancing the analytical characterization of natural organic matter in water, With Distinction.

Miss Aritondaho Makhari, 2025, Investigation of rheological and particle characterisation techniques for the optimisation of accelerated stability testing of sunscreen emulsions.

 

Recent and current postdoctoral fellows

Dr Oluwasesan Adegoke, Development of novel quantum dot sensors for organic pollutants.

Dr Gugu Kubheka, Synthesis of new nanomaterials and organic molecules as fluorescent chemosensors for detecting anionic pollutants in water.

Dr Khethobole Sekgota, Synthesis and characterisation of polymeric coagulants for drinking water treatment.

 

For more information contact: Prof Patricia Forbes