PhD Candidate Seeks Solutions for Sustainable Water Purification

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Kenyan national Dr Caren Kurgat undertook research in the field of environmental chemistry to earn a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Kurgat’s study, ‘Synthesis and Characterisation of Bismuth Oxyhalide-Based Composites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceuticals’, focused on the development of innovative materials for water purification and was supervised by Professor Bice Martincigh and Professor Vincent Nyamori.

Having completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Kenya, Kurgat was motivated to pursue her PhD in a new academic and cultural setting. She identified UKZN as the ideal environment, drawn by its strong research profile, excellent facilities and supportive academic community. “I saw it as an opportunity not only to grow as a researcher but also to gain valuable international exposure and broaden my perspective,” she said.

Kurgat’s PhD research centred on developing photocatalysts - materials that harness light energy to drive chemical reactions. “These materials use light, especially sunlight, to break down harmful pollutants into less harmful substances,” she explained.

Kurgat designed and studied these materials with the aim of improving their efficiency in cleaning contaminated water and the environment. Her research addressed a critical global issue: the persistence of pollutants that conventional water treatment systems struggle to remove.

“This research is important because many harmful contaminants, especially pharmaceuticals and other emerging pollutants, are not effectively removed by conventional water treatment systems. As a result, they accumulate in rivers, groundwater and even drinking water, posing risks to both environmental and human health,” Kurgat stated.

By advancing the effectiveness of photocatalysts, Kurgat’s work contributes to the development of sustainable, solar-driven water treatment technologies. These innovations have the potential to reduce environmental pollution significantly while supporting global efforts to ensure access to clean and safe water.

Her passion for this area of research is rooted in a desire to tackle real-world environmental problems. Kurgat highlighted the increasing burden of pollution resulting from modern lifestyles and industrial activities, noting that many contaminants remain difficult to eliminate with existing technologies. “This motivated me to focus on research that looks for better and more sustainable ways to clean water and protect the environment,” she explained.

Reflecting on the broader significance of her work, Kurgat emphasised its contribution to environmental sustainability and public health. “My research contributes to global efforts to improve water quality by developing efficient, environmentally friendly, solar-driven technologies that can remove pollutants that current systems cannot. This is especially important for ensuring access to clean, safe water and for supporting long-term environmental sustainability,” she said.

Kurgat credited her success to the guidance she received throughout her journey, acknowledging the ‘immense contributions’ of her two supervisors. She also recognised the unwavering support of her family, whose encouragement played a vital role in her achievements.

Looking ahead, Kurgat plans to pursue postdoctoral research, strengthen her publication record and expand into related research areas such as advanced oxidation processes and scalable water treatment systems. Long-term she hopes to establish herself as an independent researcher, contributing to the development of sustainable technologies that address water pollution and improve access to clean water. She is also interested in interdisciplinary collaboration and engaging with industry and policy stakeholders to translate research into practical applications.

Beyond the laboratory, Kurgat enjoys going for nature walks and visiting new places.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to study at UKZN,” said Kurgat. “During my time here, I have learned a great deal, both academically and personally. I have also had the chance to experience different cultures, which has broadened my perspective. Overall, it has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.”

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini