School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Start main page content

Industrial and Mining Water Research Unit (IMWaRU)

Water is one of the most pressing requirements for all living organisms, including man. However, both the supply and quality of water have become threatened due to, amongst others, population expansion, climate change and the deterioration of quality water sources.?

As IMWaRU, we have identified water research as a focal thrust. This forms part of our drive to conduct world-class research and to support Wits' vision of becoming a top 100 University in the world by 2022. We do this by conducting relevant, high-impact research tailored to assist in solving water based problems. These include:

  • Responding to the threats posed to our environment by mine drainage;
  • Conducting water footprinting & accounting research at mine and industrial sites to assist industry in understanding their usage patterns and behaviour;
  • Delivering novel, tailor-made research solutions for specific water issues.  These include researching (1) biological passive solutions (such as constructed wetlands) tailored for conditions, (2) Physico-chemical passive solutions (such as slag leach beds for AMD treatment) and (3) Combinations of engineering & biotechnological solutions for specific effluents; and
  • Developing uniquetechnologies for providing cheap, potable drinking water for communities lacking such.

We strive to publish our work in relevant and appropriate journals for the optimum dissemination of our findings. We achieve this through a careful mix of international and internationally acclaimed peer reviewed journals as well as in trade and industry publications.

Industrial and Mining Water ResearchResearchers: 

  • Craig Sheridan (School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering)
  • Kevin Harding (School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering)
  • Geoffrey Simate (School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering)
  • Karl Rumbold (School of Molecular and Cell Biology)
Share