Environmental Biotechnologist and NRF rated scientist Professor Faizal Bux is applying his expertise in assisting industry and government in providing affordable water to the communities.

“Water is a primary necessity and the responsibility ultimately lies with municipalities and regulatory authorities to provide good quality water to the public,” says Professor Bux. He is the project leader and Head of the NRF funded Research Niche Area (RNA): Water and Waste Water Technology at the Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko campus.

Prof Bux was awarded a prize by the National Research Foundation in 2007 for being the leader of the longest funded RNA amongst Technikons in South Africa. He is invited to comment regularly in mainstream media on issues pertaining to pollution and environmental degradation. He was rated as the third most productive author out of nineteen others at DUT in 2005. He is an active participant in various other structures at the University. Professor Bux has been active researcher in water and wastewater technology for the past 17 years. His applied strategic research is of direct relevance to industry and community. He is a leader of five Water Research Commission Projects and is responsible for other researchers in the team.

He is a widely read and published scholar with endless list of journal articles, research papers and a chapter in a book to his credit. He serves on international associations and professional organizations on water and wastewater technology. These include the specialist group management committee of the International Water Association, a fellow to the Water Institute of Southern Africa, Water Research Commission Steering Committees and the Environmental committee of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He advises government and industry on numerous aspects of water and wastewater technology.

An acclaimed scholar, Professor Bux has supervised a large number of Masters’ and Doctoral students at DUT and actively collaborates with national and international experts in the field. He has peer-reviewed manuscripts and proposals for various international organizations in his field. He leads a core team of researchers including masters, doctoral and post-doctoral students. Some of his current projects include optimizing water and wastewater treatment technology for domestic and industrial application, biodiesel production using algae and trouble-shooting industrial wastewater treatment problems.

Driven by the expression “water and sanitation is an essential commodity for survival”, Professor Bux is sharing his knowledge at no cost with marginalized communities that require analysis and advice on water provision and quality issues.

For more information contact Professor Faizal Bux on 031 373 2597.