Mangosuthu University of Technology is celebrating another milestone in its research and innovation capacity following the graduation of Dr S’busiso Nkosi, who has earned his PhD in Chemistry. Dr Nkosi, the Acting Director of MUT’s Technology Station in Chemicals (TSC), completed his doctoral degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). His doctoral thesis, titled “Preparation and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Solid Phase Extractor for the Assay of Pharmaceutical Residues,” introduces an innovative analytical method to detect and extract pharmaceutical contaminants from environmental matrices.
Dr Nkosi’s research addresses a growing environmental concern: the presence and potential accumulation of pharmaceutical residues in natural water systems and plant life. By utilising molecularly imprinted polymers, his novel solid-phase extraction technique significantly improves the accuracy and monitoring of these trace contaminants, offering critical tools for environmental safety and water protection.
Dr Nkosi’s study aligns directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ‘Good Health and Well-being’, ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’, ‘Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure’, and ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’.
As Acting Director of the TSC, Dr Nkosi plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the station’s core mandate of translating raw scientific research into practical, industry-oriented solutions. The TSC serves as a critical bridge between academic inquiry and commercial application, offering specialised chemical analysis, technology transfer, and product development support to local entrepreneurs, businesses, and researchers.
Dr Nkosi’s advanced academic credentials directly enhance the station’s technical capabilities, positioning MUT to better serve regional industrial needs while advancing postgraduate research.