UP scientists lead Mpumalanga study of natural hydrogen gas discovered under Earth’s surface

Posted on November 29, 2023

Scientists at the University of Pretoria (UP) are leading a study of natural hydrogen gas discovered under the Earth’s surface in Mpumalanga – a source of renewable energy that could contribute to the national energy budget and help address the energy shortage in South Africa.

UP hydrogeologists use isotopes to pinpoint root of Hartbeespoort Dam’s water hyacinth problem

Posted on November 21, 2022

For years now, invasive water hyacinth plants have clogged up the North West’s Hartbeespoort Dam, which lies downstream from Pretoria and Johannesburg. In new research, hydrogeologists from the University of Pretoria (UP) have used the internal workings of the plants themselves to reiterate...

Could green spaces be a crime-fighting tool for South African cities?

Posted on November 09, 2022

South Africa is a global crime hotspot. But, as residents put up higher walls to stay safe, a new South African study suggests that greenspaces can be an important tool in creating safe and sustainable cities.

Smallholder farmers are aware of climate change, but are still struggling to adapt

Posted on September 23, 2022

Smallholder farmers are the most in touch with the earth’s changing climate patterns, and they are the most vulnerable to increased temperatures and reduced rainfall.

Dangerous air pollution detected with machine learning

Posted on April 11, 2022

Researchers found high levels of air pollution in areas of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. UP’s Rebecca Garland helped create an artificial intelligence tool to monitor and predict daily air pollution against national air quality standards.

West Africa should prepare for strong earthquakes, UP scientists warn

Posted on October 27, 2021

Research by UP’s Natural Hazard Centre has helped settle an old debate about the seismicity of West Africa, with the results showing that the region should expect strong earthquakes from time to time.