Budding scientists shine bright at expo

YOUNG scientists displayed their innovative research projects at the Kwazulu-natal central regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.

More than 260 pupils showcased their science, engineering and social investigations at the University of Kwazulu-natal’s Old Mutual Sports Hall.

It was one of 35 regional expos planned in all provinces.

Pupils from Star College received the most gold medals and highest number of medals overall.

Among the Eskom special award winners were Mikaeel Hassim (Grade 10) and Rishta Premlall (Grade 11) of Star College.

Mikaeel received recognition for best innovation project in the Environmental Studies category. The title of his project was “Mycoremediation: use of edible oyster mushrooms in remediation of chemically polluted soils and for the decomposition of waste hydrocarbons”.

Rishta’s project, “Production of charcoal from organic materials”, was in the Energy category.

Pupils in the region who advance to the Eskom Expo International Science Fair, which will be held in December, will compete against the best performing young scientists around the country.

They also stand a chance to be selected to showcase their research or innovation in an international science fair in the US, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.

Rishta, 16, of Newlands West, said the inspiration for her project came from her seeing waste, such as corn husks, being discarded.

“I thought it would be a good idea find a better use for them. This project affords a more environmentally-friendly solution for disposable of waste hydrocarbons, while growing mushrooms in a cost-effective manner.

“I was inspired when I looked online at efficient ways to reuse waste material and found a similar application for banana peels. This made me wonder if something similar could be done with corn husks and other similar materials,” she said.

She said it was her first time at the expo and was truly overwhelmed when she won the special award.

Mikaeel, 15, of Overport said the idea to use edible oyster mushrooms for the decomposition of waste hydrocarbons was inspired when he saw the large amount of waste oil being incorrectly discarded, proving harmful to the environment.

“This is an environmentally-friendly project as it takes material that would be discarded and reuses them. When I visited a family member’s automotive service centre I found out about the large amounts of waste oil being poorly discarded, which then inspired me to research this project,” he said.

Mikaeel and Rishta qualified to participate in the International Science Fair.

Rekha Gopichand, Eskom Expo regional science fair director for KZN central, said: “It was heartening to note that despite the challenges faced by the pupils, their attendance at the regional expo, and their enthusiasm demonstrates a thirst for knowledge that far exceeds the techniques gained from the formal lessons learnt during classroom teaching.

“All stakeholders can be very proud of the pupils’ efforts. It is my hope that this experience from the expo leaves an indelible mark which encourages the youth to seek careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, art and innovation,” said Gopichand.