The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) held the 7^th Public Seminar on Thursday August 6, 2015 at the Avani Gaborone Hotel and Casino main conference room.

The guest speaker for the Seminar was Professor Thalappil Pradeep, a renowned Professor of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras and a leading expert on the development of affordable technologies for drinking water purification, some of which have been commercialised.

The topic for the seminar “Affordable point-of-use water purification using nanomaterials” could have not been more relevant since availability and quality of potable is a topical issue in Botswana, and indeed the whole globe.

Professor Thalappil Pradeep presented technical information on nanotechnology and demonstrated the limitless capabilities that the technology presents in relation to manipulation of matter. The presentation culminated with a focus on the nanoparticle water filtration system that he and his team developed for people in the state of West Bengal, India. The system blocks macroscale water contaminants such as lead and arsenic and ensures that even the poorest families in remote areas receive potable safe to drink water. Furthermore, is said to be able to be customized to rid water of microbial contaminants, chemical contaminants or both, depending on the user’s needs.

Speakers and members of the audience highlighted the relevance of the topic and implored BITRI to work around the clock to find solutions to the various water-related issues affecting communities in Botswana, including but not limited to desalinated saline borehole water.