In a little more than a week, young scientists from all over the world will be meeting in Sweden for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize. Their contributions include innovative research on the effects of global warming on water movement, using ultrasonic waves to remove algae, and inexpensive sanitation solutions. Here are a few highlights!
The finalists arriving in Stockholm represent winners of national competitions in 29 countries. Xylem is proud to be the founding global sponsor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, now in its twentieth year. Some of the innovative entries this year include:
1. China: The development of an environmentally friendly ultrasonic algae removal system. It has been show to effectively remove cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta, and inhibit the growth of algae. Finalists: Zeming Zhang, Zhongpei Luo and Shiyong He.
2. France: Investigated why ice melting from global warming can cause a dead water phenomenon that prevents ships from moving. Finalists: Harmand Thomas, Delorme Louis and Herve Titwan.
3. Nigeria: A water education program for school and communities to promote better understanding of water as a key social, economic and environmental resource. Finalists: Adeleke Victor Ademola and Idris Omogbolahan Musa.
4. Singapore: Dishwashing detergent: how much is enough? Given the use of harmful surfactants in detergent, this study aimed to find the minimal amount required. Finalists: Orion Lee Young Xun, Rasheed Muhammad and Muhamad Raimi Rosian.
5. U.S.: With 2.4 billion people worldwide lacking access to safe in-home toilets, this study explored how to turn a typical composting toilet into a safe environmental alternative. Finalist: Nishita Sinha.
The winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize will be announced on August 30 at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, during World Water Week in Stockholm. The winner will receive a $15,000 award, $5,000 for their school, and a prize sculpture.