Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology

Congratulations, Professor Sheena Kumari, on your appointment as an NRF SARChI Chair! 🎉

This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering hard work, dedication, and outstanding contribution to research excellence. Your commitment continues to inspire those around you, and this recognition is well deserved.

Wishing you continued success 🌟
Durban University of Technology

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WATER QUALITY TESTS AT DURBAN BEACHES (1 April 2026) 🏖️
The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) conducted water quality testing at several of Durban’s popular beach destinations, including both swimming and non-swimming sites. Westbrook, Umhlanga Rocks (Bronze), and Umhlanga Rocks (Lighthouse) recorded ideal levels of E. coli. Water quality at Virginia, Addington, and uShaka Beach was classified as “critical”, while North Beach and Golden Mile were “poor”. The IWWT advises beachgoers to avoid using these beaches for recreational purposes. The map below shows the locations of the beaches included in the IWWT water quality tests.
Durban University of Technology

DUT SCIENTISTS CONDUCT INDEPENDENT SAFETY TESTS ON DURBAN’S DRINKING WATER 💧
Researchers from the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have sampled and tested water from multiple areas within the eThekwini Municipality. The water samples from the northern, southern, and western parts of Durban were collected on 4 March 2026 and 5 March 2026.
The water tests were conducted in accordance with the standard protocol for microbiological water quality analysis, as per SANS 241. Samples obtained included tap water from households and water supplied by standpipes from informal settlements. The areas tested had a consistent supply of water during the sampling period.
The results of the water analysis conducted by the institute indicated that no E. coli was present in any of the water samples tested (See Table 1 below). The findings confirmed that the water satisfied microbiological water quality standards at the time of sampling.
The IWWT has reiterated that these findings were in the interest of public safety and confirmed that the water analysis and sampling were not commissioned by any individual, organization, or entity, be it private, public, or governmental.
Durban University of Technology

The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at the Durban University of Technology hereby invites all prospective Masters and Doctoral students to apply for Postgraduate qualifications.

Research area: Algal Biotechnology

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:
* A comprehensive CV
* Full academic record
* A letter of motivation

Please email your application documents to [email protected].

Selection criteria
- Only students with a minimum 60% aggregate for the last immediate degree may apply
- Applicants will be shortlisted, and only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview
- Selection will be based on merit and performance during the interview stage.

Closing Date: 13 February 2026

Guest Lecture Part Two with Prof. Mahmoud Nasr.
Economic feasibility of wastewater treatment💧
Durban University of Technology Nasr

GUEST LECTURE📣📈
We extend our appreciation to Prof. Mahmoud Nasr for an insightful and inspiring guest lecture on Mathematical Modeling in Wastewater Treatment.
Durban University of Technology Nasr

Publication alert🔔
Nanocellulose: Harnessing Sustainability from Biomass to Biocomposites
Edited by: S.M. Sapuan, Imran Ahmad and Mohd Nurazzi Norizan

📘 Book link:

LinkedIn This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

Open Call for Postdoctoral Fellows

FOCUS AREA: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Preferred: A strong background in water quality assessment, wastewater-based epidemiology and/or pollutant removal in water and wastewater.

Minimum Qualification: Ph.D. in Biotechnology/Microbiology/Chemistry

REQUIREMENTS:
 Applicants should have a PhD obtained within the last five years.
 Proven ability to write and publish papers in accredited peer-reviewed journals.
 No prior Postdoctoral Fellowship

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit your curriculum vitae and all supporting documents as a single PDF file to: [email protected]
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview
CLOSING DATE: 5 February 2026

Municipal Engineers YECP Site Visit💧

IWWT recently hosted participants from the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP) at the Kingsburgh Wastewater Treatment Works. The visit covered key wastewater treatment processes, with a focus on algal treatment technology and its role in nutrient removal, effluent polishing, and sustainable wastewater management.

Durban University of Technology

🌍TUM Visit to IWWT🌿

The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology was delighted to host a delegation from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) for an intensive training visit from 19–23 January 2026.

We were especially pleased to welcome Dr Mariam Maku Swaleh and Mr Kennedy Agoi Litunda as part of the visiting delegation.
The week featured hands-on laboratory training and knowledge exchange covering algal biotechnology and wastewater treatment.

The programme also included insightful discussions on algae–bacteria interactions and a site visit to the Kingsburgh Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A sincere thank you to all students and staff who contributed to the success of this visit. We look forward to continued collaboration between IWWT and TUM!
Durban University of Technology