The research equipment that one of the Faculty of Natural Sciences Research Professors at MUT secured from Germany’s Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has been delivered. The equipment was delivered by Pieter Du Preez from INNOV-X-Africa.
Professor Theophilus Davies said the Olympus Vanta Element Model hand-held XRF analyser with field stand and Ranger Radiation Monitor, would have a major positive impact on the faculty’s research efforts. Professor Davies said, “the equipment is capable of changing lives. At least now we can measure the toxic elements in the environment where people live”..
Professor Davies said that everyone was invited to their projects. He pointed out that the equipment would facilitate staff academic progression because they can now use it for their research work. He invited staff who intended to study towards their Masters and PhD degrees to contact him.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation approved the sum of 20,000 euros for the purchase of fieldwork equipment. The instrument is expected to last for at least 10 years.
Professor Davies is a co-founder of Medical Geology and investigates medical problems that emanate from the environment as a result of abandoned mines. Now Professor Davies and his team will be able to investigate conditions in these mines, and respond accordingly.
Professor Davies also highly recommends collaboration with professionals in the medical field, so there will be a complete understanding of medical issues, and thus proper solutions can be offered.
Staff at the University’s Technology Station in Chemicals, and Department of Chemistry, have already been trained in using the new equipment.