In the quiet laboratories of the University of the Free State (UFS), a groundbreaking solution to one of the world's most pressing environmental issues is taking shape.
Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, a senior lecturer and researcher in the UFS Department of Chemistry, is spearheading research into biodegradable polymers that could revolutionise our approach to plastic use and waste management.
Plastic pollution has reached crisis levels globally, with an estimated 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste finding its way into aquatic ecosystems annually.
Dr Mofokeng's work on biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules derived from renewable resources – offers a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
"My research is based on the preparation and characterisation of completely biodegradable polymers, their blends, and composites or nano-composites," Dr Mofokeng explains.
These materials have potential applications ranging from food packaging to electromagnetic interference shielding and even water purification.
The significance of this research extends far beyond academic circles. Dr Gregor Thompson, an environmental scientist at the World Wildlife Fund, emphasises its potential impact.
"Dr Mofokeng's work on biodegradable polymers represents a crucial step towards solving our global plastic crisis. It's not just about replacing plastics, but about creating sustainable alternatives that can seamlessly integrate into our existing production and consumption patterns."
One of the key advantages of biodegradable polymers is their ability to break down naturally in a relatively short time frame. While traditional plastics can persist in the environment for centuries, biodegradable polymers can degrade within months to a few years, depending on the conditions. "Biodegradable polymers can degrade by themselves under natural environmental conditions – in one to three years – or may require human intervention to degrade where compost is prepared or conditions are controlled," Dr Mofokeng elaborates.
This research is already making its way into everyday life. Many food outlets and restaurants in South Africa have begun using paper- and bio-based polymer materials in cutlery, straws, and takeaway packaging. The University of the Free State itself is taking steps to reduce plastic waste, aiming to phase out the use of plastic bottles on campus in the next three to five years by installing filtered water machines in all its buildings.
Dr Mofokeng's work goes beyond just creating biodegradable packaging. Her team is also exploring how these materials can be used to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from water bodies, potentially providing a dual solution to pollution and water quality issues. This aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including ensuring good health and wellbeing, providing clean water and sanitation, and protecting life below water.
Despite the promising advances, challenges remain in implementing widespread use of biodegradable polymers.
"We are now left with policymakers to enforce strict laws governing production; and retail industries to use biopolymers or biodegradable polymers in disposable packaging materials," says Dr Mofokeng. The transition from traditional plastics to biodegradable alternatives will require coordinated efforts from researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic pollution, the work of scientists like Dr Mofokeng offers a glimmer of hope. Her research not only provides a potential solution to the plastic waste crisis but also demonstrates the critical role of African scientists in addressing global environmental challenges.
The journey from laboratory to widespread implementation is often long and complex, but the potential benefits of biodegradable polymers are clear. As these materials become more prevalent in our daily lives, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new, more sustainable era in our relationship with plastics.
In a world where environmental concerns are increasingly at the forefront of public consciousness, Dr Mofokeng's work serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated scientific research can have on our planet's future. As biodegradable polymers continue to evolve and improve, they may well become a key weapon in the fight against plastic pollution, offering a path towards a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Weekend Argus