Centre for Sustainable Oceans

16/08/2026

Meet Abel Kabelo Matlala—MSc Candidate at the Center for Sustainable Oceans, District Six CPUT campus.

Kabelo is passionate about marine pollution research, sustainable aquaculture, and protecting seafood safety in South Africa.

Kabelo’s research examines the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in farmed mussels in Saldanha Bay, South Africa.

His current project, “Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in Farmed Mussels in Saldanha Bay, South Africa,” investigates how microplastic pollution accumulates in mussels grown across different aquaculture systems and how this may impact seafood safety and marine environmental health.

His work includes field sampling, laboratory analysis, and microplastic identification. This includes collecting mussels and seawater samples from aquaculture farms, chemically extracting microplastics from biological tissue, and using FTIR spectroscopy to identify plastic polymers. The project contributes to marine pollution research, sustainable aquaculture management, and seafood safety monitoring in South Africa.

So far, Kabelo has completed the research proposal and developed the study methodology for seasonal field sampling and laboratory analysis.

With his team, he contributes to refining sampling strategies and preparing for field and laboratory work in Saldanha Bay.

Next, he plans to conduct seasonal sampling, analyze microplastic contamination patterns in mussels and seawater, and complete thesis writing and scientific publications.

“Kabelo says, ‘What excites me most about this research is the opportunity to contribute to protecting South Africa’s marine ecosystems while improving our understanding of seafood safety and microplastic pollution.’

15/05/2026

04/05/2026

On the 23rd of April 2026, we had the privilege of showcasing our student projects to our valued funders at our inaugural workshop. During this session, students presented both past and current projects supported by FEDRATI, Sea Harvest Foundation and the Transport Education and Training Authority.

Students across the Conservation and Marine Sciences as well as the Food Sciences departments, came together to share their work too and engage in meaningful discussions. Sessions like this provide a platform to not only deepen student’s understanding of their research, but also strengthen and refine their presentation skills, fostering collaborations and opening doors for future projects. -We extend our sincere appreciation to our funders for their continued support in enabling such initiatives that empower our students, while advancing our sustainable development goals!

28/04/2026

Meet Venecia van Balla, an Ecotoxicology Microplastics Technician & MSc Student at the Bellville CPUT campus. Venecia is at the forefront of advancing marine pollution research. She plays a vital role in supporting and coordinating cutting-edge ecotoxicology and microplastics projects within the laboratory, contributing to everything from experimental design and laboratory setup to sample preparation, method development, and complex analytical workflows.

Her expertise lies in refining and optimizing laboratory methodologies, where she leads efforts to improve microplastic exposure systems, enhance particle quantification techniques, and strengthen tissue processing protocols—ensuring that research outputs are both high-quality and reproducible.

Alongside her technical contributions, she is currently completing her Master’s research, focusing on the uptake and accumulation of environmentally relevant microplastics in marine mussels under controlled conditions.

Through her work, Venecia is helping to build critical capacity in marine pollution and ecotoxicology research, contributing to a deeper understanding of microplastics and their impact within South Africa’s marine environment. With her passion and expertise, the next chapter of her work is one to watch.

As the Ecotoxicology Microplastics Technician at the Belville CPUT campus, my primary role is to support, coordinate, and contribute to ongoing ecotoxicology and microplastics research projects within the laboratory. This includes assisting with experimental design, laboratory setup, sample preparation, method development, and analytical workflows related to microplastic exposure and marine ecotoxicology projects currently hosted by the CSO.

A key aspect of my work involves leading the refinement and optimization of laboratory methodologies for microplastic ecotoxicology research, with a strong focus on improving experimental exposure systems, particle quantification techniques, and tissue processing protocols to support high-quality and reproducible research outputs.

Through both my research and laboratory responsibilities, I contribute toward strengthening the Centre’s capacity in marine pollution, ecotoxicology, and microplastics research within South Africa.

-By Venecia van Balla, Ecotoxicology Microplastics Technician & MSc Student