Contaminant reduction in dairy effluent: A cost-effective approach
Webinar discussion
Join us for a crucial webinar focused on the important issue of wastewater management within the dairy industry. The Durban University of Technology – Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology Management and the Institute of Natural Resources will be presenting the results of their research study, highlighting the key contaminants found in dairy processing wastewater. Furthermore, we’ll delve into a detailed analysis of treatment technologies tested in the field and in the laboratory as well as practical solutions to help dairy operations achieve environmental compliance while optimising operational costs. Discover innovative strategies for contaminant reduction and gain valuable insights into sustainable wastewater management practices that will benefit both your business and the environment.
Speakers
Dr Ncumisa Mpongwana is a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in chemical engineering, particularly focused on wastewater treatment. Her research addresses environmental challenges, with a strong emphasis on developing sustainable and cost-effective solutions. She has conducted research at both the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Durban University of Technology (DUT), with which she is currently affiliated. Her work includes studies on heavy metal removal, biological nitrogen removal, and treatment of industrial wastewater. She has also been involved in research ethics workshops and has collaborated with numerous researchers from various institutions. Her work is published in many peer-reviewed journals. She has a PhD in Chemical engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Dr Lohith Kumar Dasarahally Huligowda is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa. He holds a PhD in Biosciences and bioengineering from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, an MTech in Food Process Engineering from National Institute of Technology Rourkela, and a BTech in Food Science and Technology from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. His research focuses on sustainable wastewater treatment, biofuels production, and nanotechnology applications in food systems and agriculture. Dr Kumar has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and edited books, including Nanotechnology Applications in Dairy Science (2019) and Nanotechnology Applications in Agricultural and Bioprocess Engineering (2021). His work on bacterial oil production using halophilic strains and microwave-assisted extraction techniques, has been widely recognised. Dr Kumar has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting posters on topics such as nanoparticles in food, advances in packaging technologies, and microwave treatment effects on cinnamon oil.
Jon McCosh: Jon is an environmental scientist with expertise in ecological infrastructure, water resource management, and climate adaptation. With over 20 years at the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), he has led transformative and multidisciplinary projects, such as the uMkhomazi catchment restoration programme, and contributed to climate adaptation initiatives, pollution management, and strategic frameworks. Through applied research, community engagement, and policy development, Jon advances sustainability and resilience in agriculture and natural resource management.
Dr Faiz Ahmad Ansari is currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology (DUT), Durban, South Africa. His PhD research focuses on microalgae cultivation on a demonstration scale (300 000 L) using wastewater as a medium, optimising nutrients for significant metabolites, and biomass production. His research also focuses on microalgae harvesting using different techniques, the application of whole and lipid extracted algae in bioplastic, fertiliser, etc. He has presented his research works locally and internationally. Dr Ansari has published 34 papers, one authored book and 9 book chapters with more than 2 700 citations.