Six grade 11 pupils from Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) blew the competition out of the water in Tokyo recently after claiming top honours in three categories at the Water is Life 2018 conference.
Lauren Poole, Jules Murray, Mandie Gambiza and Lucy Schlebusch – all from Diocesan School for Girls – as well as Euan Stokes from St Andrew’s College returned home on August 1 after successfully representing South Africa at the week-long conference.
Laaiba Anjum of DSG could not attend the conference.
The team presented to a panel of judges and a hall of about 500 people on their scientific research regarding “The Effects of Natural, Bio-absorbent Substances on Heavy Metal Removal”.
The project involved testing water samples from local sources known to be contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium and lead.
The water samples were filtered through various combinations of plant materials in a filter system that was designed to fit ordinary bottle tops.
The positive results illustrated that it is possible to develop a simple and relatively cheap way to improve local drinking water quality.
The research outclassed 43 other countries to win the Toyota Challenge Award, for best solution to their local challenges and the African Society of Japan Award for best solution to benefit the African water crisis.
The team was also announced as the gold medallists in the Engineering and Technology category.
Poole said the project had been initiated about 18 months ago in preparation for the Eskom Science Expo.
The project won at the regional level and was further developed and placed second nationally before being researched even further and going on to claim international accolades.
“Water shortages have affected many parts of South Africa, including the Eastern Cape, so this project that aims to improve the quality of the little water that we have in a manner accessible to all sectors of society was very relevant,” Poole said.
“Japan was so different in the best way. I admire the order and discipline the country has and how closely linked the Japanese are with nature and their surroundings.
“But overall, making new friends and interacting with different people from all over the world was the best experience for me.”
Hosted by the Shibuya and Makuhari senior high schools in Shibuya, Japan, the purpose of the international conference was to bring high school pupils together from around the world to discuss and solve the current and future problems relating to the world water crisis.
Murray said while they were there to attend the Water is Life conference, it had not stopped the team from experiencing the city and all of its hidden treasures.
“First of all, the food is ridiculously good. I have actually developed an obsession for matcha [powdered tea]. The people are so friendly and welcoming,” Murray said.
“But I deem that the most remarkable part is that Tokyo has been able to keep its traditions, while still becoming more and more developed and technological.”
Clinton York, environmental portfolio head at DSG and accompanying teacher, said the international conference had been a great way to interact with people from different countries and schools.
“Sharing the customs and rituals with the friendly people of Japan was something special. Being a part of this award-winning team was truly a privilege and they have done their school and South Africa proud,” York said.