2020 Finalists

Index

Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Each year, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize celebrates young scientists from all around the world who have designed new innovative solutions to the Earth’s increasing water challenges. Each of the national finalists competing for the ultimate title are thechampions of their national competitions and have been selected as winners from thousands of entries for their outstanding work.

About Stockholm Junior Water Prize
The 2020 edition is entirely held online and in spite of thecorona pandemic, 29 countries succeeded in organizing national
competitions. It is the winners of these national competitions whovie for the title Stockholm Junior Water Prize champion 2020.
This year we are proud to host the 24th annual competition and celebrate the winners of national competitions from thefollowing countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Republic ofKorea, Russian Federation, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom andUnited States of America.
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition proves once
again that given the opportunity, exceptional young minds cancome up with outstanding and original solutions to our planet’s
water related issues. Despite the ongoing crisis caused by Covid-19,
these bright students have looked beyond problems and have createdprojects with potential for long-term benefits. In this catalogue, you
can learn more about the innovative research and inventions thatearned each of the finalists a place to compete for the internationallyrecognized Stockholm Junior Water Prize Award.
You can learn more about all of the amazing projects from thefinalists, watch their videos and read all about them on the participants’ own web page WaterTank.
You can find more information about the award and previous
laureates on the Stockholm Junior Water Prize website.

Cover Photo:
Stockholm Junior Water Prize finalists 2019. Photo by Jonas Borg.

Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus
4
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile
5
China, Ecuador, Hungary
6Israel, Italy, Japan
3 7
Laos, Malaysia, Mexico
8
Netherlands, Nigeria, Republic of Korea
9
Russian Federation, Singapore, Spain
10
Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland
11
Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine
12
United Kingdom, United States of America
13
Stockholm Junior Water Prize Winners, 1997-2019
14-15
WaterTank
16-17
Stockholm Junior Water Prize Winners 2019 ________________18

The international jury
The competitions’ international jury includes experts within thefield of water who appoint the winner of the international final bycommittee consensus. The decision is based on the finalists’ written
report and a short interview with the jury, during which students
will make a short presentation of their project. The jury members
are appointed by Stockholm International Water Institute Board.
All members of the jury have extensive experience and represent a wide range of disciplines from natural to social sciences inorder to ensure all projects are equally reviewed and judged.

The 2020 International Jury Members:• Dr Victoria Dyring (Chair), Sweden• Ms Fabienne Bertrand, Haiti• Dr Paula Owen, UK• Prof. Krishna R. Pagilla, USA• Prof. Yoshihisa Shimizu, Japan• Mr Johan Bratthäll, Sweden• Mr Manuel Fulchiron, FranceNational
Organizer
Australian Water
Association
Sponsors
Xylem

Australia
CRACK for the FUTURE: The use of
eggshell waste as a bio-adsorbant
of phosphates for water and soil
quality
Emma SerisierThis study looked at potential
bio-waste adsorbents to decrease
the phosphate run-off into natural
waterways from agricultural fertilisers and animal manures.
Identifying eggshell waste as an effective adsorbent forphosphate, a mathematical model and website weredeveloped for farmers to calculate cost savings andapplication rates of eggshell on their soils. This free andaccessible tool will be available to help farmers counteract
their environmental footprint.

National
Organizer
Republican
Center of Ecology
and Local Study
Sponsors
Coca-Cola
Beverages
Belarus4

National
Organizer
House of
Volunteers
Foundation
Bangladesh
Co-organizer
WaterAid
Bangladesh

Bangladesh
Using naturally derived poly glutamic
acid in association with Moringa
oleifera seeds as a coagulant fortreating water
Adittya Kumar Chowdhury,
Iftekhar Khaled

Bangladesh is currently undergoing somemassive economic changes, and the riverbodies are being affected by pollution. Unethical practices are notaccounted and the rise in economic growth translates to moreindustries, which is good for the economy but bad for the water
bodies.In the current system, in order to tackle such issues, people
resort to many types of water purification measures. With about
63.37% of the total population living in rural areas and at a poverty
rate of 24.3%, expensive purification means, like reverse osmosis,
is not an option for them. We developed a method to carry out
flocculation with Naturally produced poly-glutamic acid withMoringa olifera seeds, which are abundant in nature.

Belarus
Microplastics pollution of water in Belarus: from the problem to the solution
Kirill Veras
Nowadays the microplastic pollution is becoming a macro problem and all countries are held responsible.
In the results of the project it has been established that natural water ecosystems in Belarus are polluted by
microplastics. The laboratory researches proved the toxic effect of microplastics on aquatic organisms. This
result enriches the fundamental knowledge of the microplastics pollution. The creation of a special filter
for collection of domestic microplastics in sinks and washing machines arose as a consequence of a huge
research part of the project. The filters invented are easily used in all households, provided that owners
have a conscious approach.

National
Organizer
Embassy of
Sweden, La Paz
Sponsors
Agua Tuya,
Gaia Pacha,
Innofsweden

Bolivia
Training for 20 low-income families
from peripheral neighborhoods ofthe city of Cobija for the design andconstruction of greywater and rainwater purification modules, using
Brazil nut and coconut shells
Shanne Nashely Montenegro Poma,
Grover Velasquez

This project seeks to improve the healthof 20 low-income families from peripheral neighborhoods of the city of Cobija
who will have access to an alternative for self-management ofgreywater and rainwater. This project will ensure access to lowcost drinking water according to standards for water quality forhuman consumption in Bolivia. We seek to train 20 low-income
families from peripheral neighborhoods of the city of Cobija forthe design and construction of greywater and rainwater purification modules using Brazil nut and coconut shells. The material
is easy to obtain since the nuts grow naturally in the Amazonian
area of the department of Pando.

National
Organizer
General Water
Directorate
Sponsors
Dirección General de Aguas(DGA) del Ministerio de Obras
Públicas (MOP)de Chile

National
Organizer
Brazilian
Association of
Water, Sanitationand Environmental
Engineering(ABES),
Young Water
Professionals (JPS)

BrazilBioflocculant pectin activity extracted from the orange peel (Citrus
sinensis (L.) Osbeck) for wastewater
treatment
Daniel Victor Santos Silva,
Iago Martins Felipe

The principal flocculant agent used in
the water and wastewater treatment
process is the polyacrylamide, of whichmonomers are highly toxic. The purposeof this project is to solve this problem
by evaluating the behavior of the bioflocculant pectin extracted
from the orange peel. The pectin extraction made by the citricacid and characterized the obtained material with the degree of
esterification (DE) and galacturonic acid content (GAC) withthe method of neutralization volumetric. The Flocculation tests
made in synthetic residual water considering three values of initial pH: 3.3; 7.8 and 10.6. In pH 10.6, all the samples presented
flocculation activities better than 90%, that is, is the most favorable to the pectin flocculation process.
Sponsors
SABESP, SCANIA,
Xylem

Chile
Use of FCH Filters (Human Hair Filters) in fishing boats artisan for the capture ofhydrocarbons present in bilge maneuvers. Stage II
Nicolás Ignacio Sierralta Varas, Ferdy Guillermo Hernández González
Oil spills can cause serious damage to the resources of the fishing sector and the aquaculture
through physical contamination, toxic effects on fish and shellfish populations and by interruptionof business activities. In some cases, the application of effective protection measures and cleaning
can prevent or minimize damage. As a result of this, ideas arise to seek possible solutions. This is
how our research tries to contribute to the ecosystem, capturing the hydrocarbons present in the
Coasts of Caldera, with the use of human hair filters (FCH) in artisanal fishing vessels.

5National
Organizer
Center for
Environmental
Education andCommunications of Ministryof Ecology andEnvironment

China
A research on the basic formuladevelopment for marine environmental friendly sunscreen basedon edible ingredients
Zhang Baoxin

The synthetic chemical components ofsunscreen, such as benzophenone, areSponsors
harmful to marine environments. It
Xylem
has been proven that plant oils (olive,
jojoba, carrot seed, aloe, avocado,
grapeseed and coconut) have the characteristics of ultraviolet
absorption. The oils were mixed with the commonly usedphysical sunscreen materials (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
powder) to develop a self-made sunscreen. It has been proventhat the sunscreen produced can achieve satisfying sun
screening effect and can serve as substitute sunscreen formulaof the current chemical-based sunscreen to reduce the chemical additive pollution of the marine ecosystems.

National
Organizer
GWP Hungary
Sponsors
Hungarian Water
Utility Association, Budapest
Water Works,
Xylem

6

National
Organizer
SR3 INVENT
Sponsors
Tesalia cbc;
FONAPA -Fondodel Agua para laConservación dela Cuenca del Río
Paute; CELEC-EP
HIDROPAUTE;
Produbanco Grupo Promérica

EcuadorA Hybrid Artificial Wetland System, for the Treatment of Domestic
Wastewater in Rural Areas
Halberth Andrés López Córdova

Wastewater generation is a current environmental and public-health problem. In
this project, the influence of the species
Canna indica and Racinaea fraseri on theremoval of contaminants present in domestic wastewater was studied, throughartificial wetlands, using concrete filtering
media. The methodology was based on
an experimental model of a hybrid continuous system wetland,
fed with wastewater with 2 individuals of Canna indica and twoof Racinaea fraseri. The system was monitored using physicalchemical parameters: pH, chemical oxygen demand, phosphates,
ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrates, and total suspended solids.
Simultaneously, the apical growth of the plant was monitored.
The results demonstrated that plants capture nutrients from thewater, therefore contributing to the elimination of contaminantsin the wetland.

Hungary

Sponsors
Faculty ofEngineering, Tel
Aviv University, Raquel andManuel Klachky
Fund, JNF USA,
Water Authority,
Water ResearchCenter, Tel Aviv
University

IsraelThe Effectiveness of Using Replacement Reactions of Carbonate
Minerals in Removing Groundwater
Pollutants
Nadav Elgrably
The aim of the research is removal of
metals from contaminated groundwater
via chemical reaction between the aquifer
rocks and oxalic acid injected in thewater. The research consisted of laboratory experiments demonstrating thatthe concentration of lead, zinc, nickel,
barium in the water could be decreased.
Further experiments are needed to better
understand the appropriate conditions
for the success of the method for various
metals, and for conditions prevailing ingroundwater.

National Organizer
Japan River Association

Detecting the Toxin Production of the Microcystis species in Hungarian Lakes
Dóra Alexandra Gyémánt, László Török
Algal bloom causes several damages to lakes allaround the word. The goal of this project was todevelop an efficient way to follow the toxin production during algal blooming at an early stage. The
goal of the study was to create a biosensor which
could detect the starting point of microcystin toxin
production of blue-green algae, namely, the toxic
Microcystis sp. population.

National
Organizer
Tel Aviv
University

Microcystin is synthesized non-ribosomally by
10 genes. Four BioBricks were designed with thepromoter of the genes. However, instead of thegenes, green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to
predict the transcription of the genes responsible
for microcystin synthesis. The students measured
the fluorescence density emitted by the GFP when
the toxin production had started.

Sponsors
CTI Engineering Co., Ltd.,
Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., Tokyo
Construction Consultants
Co.,Ltd, Pacific Consultants
CO., LTD., IDEA Consultants,
Inc., Yachiyo Engineering
Co., Ltd., Kyowa Concrete
Industry Co.,Ltd.

National
Organizer
FAST Federation ofscientific and technical associations
Sponsors
FOIST, Fondazione
Salvetti, Fondazione Cariplo, Ocmi
Group, Xylem,
Aica, British institutes Seregno,
Cielo stellato
Silvio Lutteri, Corepla, Erica, ETAss,
Museo nazionaledella scienza edella tecnologia
Leonardo da Vinci,
Unichim

Italy
Supramolecular chemistry a solution
for the environment: Betacyclodextrins and Liquidambar to improvewater quality and reduce waste
Fiorenza Baratti, Giorgia La Iuppa

Water is the most precious asset, andin our territory, it’s contaminated withtraces of pesticides and heavy metals. Our
project, based on environmental sustainability and in particular the reductionof water waste, uses beta-cyclodextrins(completely natural and starch-derived)
absorbed in Liquidambar berries (abundant material in nature) for the removalof heavy metals and polluting moleculesfrom the water. Our idea, in addition tousing abundant waste material as berries
are not used in other sectors, it is also
very practical. Because we could use beta-cyclodextrins absorbed
in berries, for water purification in the drainage channels of
the rice paddies present in our territory. If waters are clean, theaquifers also benefit.

Japan
Controlling soil runoff and increasing food production by the functional water collection system using traditional Japanese soil solidification technology: “Ta-ta-ki”
Hiroki Matsuhashi, Takuma Miyaki
In this research, “Ta-Ta-Ki” soil, a traditional Japanese soil solidification technology, was successfully
applied to develop a novel multifunctional water collection system to control soil runoff and increase
food production with low environmental impact and low cost. Major functions of this system
include: (1) collection and retention of rainwater during the rainy season; (2) supply of nutrientsto poor soil; and (3) control of soil runoff caused by rainfall. This inexpensive soil solidification
technology with high operability can be an effective solution to various water and food shortage
problems in developing countries, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas.

7

National
Organizer
SirenaTechnologies
Laos

Laos
Treating Waste Water for Re-usage
Anisa Philasouk,
Sittiphon Pathammavong

Sponsors
Magic Palms
SchoolLast year, 2019, Laos was hit by oneof the worst droughts in a decade. We
thought of researching for a solution
to save water and an idea we came up
with was reusing the water from ourhousehold and using it for different
purposes. One challenge in achieving this goal was that thewater coming out of our household had a bad smell andwas discoloured. We found out that water can be treatedwith natural ingredients such as Alum, Hydrated-lime andCharcoal. These ingredients help make the water colour
more clear and remove the unwanted smell. This projectwill contribute to reducing the wastage of water. This costeffective project can be our key solution to several water
problems.

National
Organizer
Instituto
Tecnológico
y de Estudios
Superiores deMonterrey

8

National
Organizer
TalentDeveloping
Society

Malaysia
Smart Water Harvesting System
For Agriculture
Shiwaanee Jaga Jeevan

According to New Straits Times, about
100 farmers in Pinang Tunggal, Paya
Keladi and Pantai Kamloon in Penang,
are at risk of suffering major losses when
there is inadequate water supply to irrigate paddy fields. My innovative plan is
to harvest rain and runoff water by the usage of hi-tech solutions
such as IoT to supply water in the underground storage automatically during drought.This idea does not only put an end to
drought issues faced by the farmers but also increases the yieldof food in my beloved country. It achieves 3 UN SDGs which
are Goal 2- Zero hunger, Goal 13- Climate Action and Goal
15- Life on land. I believe that my project will certainly create abetter and greener future globally.

MexicoUse of ancestral Mazahua natural soaps for water sustainability
Miritza Merari Velásquez Rangel, Ingrid Fanny Ruiz Tapia
Mazahuas are an indigenous group that lives in asmall area in Central Mexico and have accumulated
centennial knowledge on the use of plant substrates as cleansing agents. In this project, students
interviewed the Mazahua community, documented
the artisanal soap making process, and compiled
a list of seven substrates, such as soda, sanacoche
and wood ashes, used by the Mazahuas in theelaboration of traditional natural biodegradable

soaps. Biodegradability and substrate performanceas cleansing agents were assessed by performing
phytochemical analysis, concluding that these soaps
comply with their purpose as detergents while having a lower environmental impact. Preservation of
the Mazahua culture can provide an alternative tothe use of commercial detergents, one of the main
sources of water pollution.

National
Organizer
Wetsus, Centreof excellence forsustainable watertechnology

Netherlands
Biomimicry: Nature’s Blueprint. Filtering water by imitating life.
Elise Hornstra, Nikki van Haasteren

Biomimicry is an art that uses processes
that are found in nature to solve humanproblems. Biomimicry can be used toclean water. During this research, theproblem-driven approach is used. Thisapproach starts with the essence of aproblem and follows various research steps to find a solution.
The filtration processes that were put in practice were filtration
through sedimentation, soil and plants. These processes showed
the most potential from processes that were researched. The
filtered water was then tested on various components. The conclusion was that the design for a water filtration system that is
broadly applicable and provides safe drinking water needs to be
based on the filtration processes in the kidneys, soil and plants.
Sponsors
Wetsus, TKI
Watertechnology

National
Organizer
Korean Water
Forum
Sponsors
Ministry of Environment, Ministryof Education, Embassy of Sweden
in Korea, K-water,
Korea Foundation
for the Advancement of Science &Creativity

National
Organizer
Nigerian
Young Water
Professionals
Sponsors
Embassy of
Sweden Abuja
Nigeria, Federal
Ministry of Water
Resources Nigeria, Atlas Copco
Nigeria Ltd,
Xylem

Nigeria
Natural Water Purifier with
GSM Monitoring Syste
Garuba Mustapha Ademola,
Adeola Elizabeth Adedokun

The use of chemicals in water treatment,
which is a popular practice all over theworld, contributes to climate change. For
example, chlorine reacts to form tetrahalo-methane which are greenhouse gases
and carcinogenic. This project used common plants (Moringa olifera and Jatropha
curcas) to treat various contaminatedwater and with GSM monitoring system we were able to evaluate the effectiveness of the pollution-control measures. With thistechnique, all the stations will operate in real time, and central
station can access data from any of the above stations using
GPRS/GSM and other cellular services. This work highlights thefact that our solution is in nature and this project if scaled-up, iscapable of meeting the safe water needs of communities.

Republic of Korea
Treatment of Metal Containing Wastewater using Eco-friendly
Alginate: Selective Recovery of Metal ionsHyunseok Hong, Jiung Nam
Heavy metal pollution from wastewater poses a
significant health risk. Conventional methodsof heavy metal removal from wastewater use a
coagulant to attract metal ions into sludge. The
treatment is long, costly and results in large water
loss, and is harmful to the environment. In thisstudy, a novel metal filtration system for wastewaterusing alginate, an algae-derived polysaccharide

which forms a hydrogel with metal ions and traps
them in place, is introduced. Using the motion ofelectrophoresis, the metal cations are moved througha compartmentalized alginate liquid filter and isseparated based on their affinity toward alginate,making recycling more viable. The practicality of thismethod is that the resulting material is more ecofriendly and less water and metal are disposed.

9National
Organizer
Environmental Projects
Consulting InstituteSponsors
Ministry of Natural
Resources and Ecologyof the Russian Federation, Federal Agencyof Water Resources,
Coca-Cola HBC Russia,
TVEL Fuel Company ofRosatom

National
Organizer
Ngee Ann
Polytechnic
Sponsors
Sembcorp
Industries,
Lien Foundation

10

Russian Federation
Pollution-induced changes in enzyme activity in aquatic ecosystems
Darya Derevyagina
The project goal was the improvement of therivers’ environmental monitoring using changes
in enzymes’ activity in the surface waters,
bottom sediments and hydrophytes. Activityof the following hydrolase enzymes has been
researched: urease and oxide reductase (nitrate
reductase and polyphenol oxydase). Enzyme
activity was measured by spectrophotometry
methods. The level of enzyme activity increases
with the concentrations of substances which

Singapore
A Novel Electrochemical
Enhancement of ActivatedCarbon Fibre for the Purificationof Contaminated PharmaceuticalEffluents
Low Jeen Liang, Yiu Yi Hin Kinsey

Adsorption by activated carbon is conventionally used for
wastewater treatment but is inefficient for pharmaceuticalwastewater purification. This study investigates a novel, lowcost electrochemical enhancement of activated carbon fiber(ACF). With 1.0V applied, ACF’s effectiveness in removing
acetone, a common pollutant in pharmaceutical waste, wasincreased by 107%. Over three cycles of adsorption and regeneration, the original effectiveness of unenhanced ACF plunged
by 39.2%, while that of electrochemically enhanced ACF
remained over 90%, demonstrating its increased reusability.
A self-constructed prototype integrated electro-sorption andregeneration into one central chamber, allowing wastewater tobe continuously purified as part of a cyclic process.

National
Organizer
Fundación
Aquae
Sponsors
Fundación
Aquae

form the enzyme-substrate complexes with these
enzymes. This level can indicate the presenceof certain substances in the water reservoir andprovide a measure for their concentrations.
Activity of polyphenol oxydase, nitrate reductase
and urease increased when the surface runoff andhousehold waste waters containing nitrates andphenols entered the water reservoir. This scientifically sound method is available for replication.

Spain
Remote Sensing Applied to Precision
Agriculture
Marc Pérez Aladrén, Manuel Martínez

We are Manuel Martínez, Joan Viñallonga and Marc Pérez, students from thetechnological field. Our research projectis called Remote sensing applied to precision agriculture. Our
goal is to reduce the high water consumption in agriculture withnew technologies. A multispectral camera coupled to a drone
alongside an analysis of data obtained after multiple flights canhelp to reduce this consumption. Besides, we have focused on
helping small farmers in our area monitoring and controlling
their crops to improve productivity and have a more efficient use
of water. In the long term, we would like to altruistically help
farmers around the world since the agricultural sector is wheremore water is used and also wasted.

Co-organizers
DreamSpace
Academy,Sagacious
Youth Lead
Consortium Sri
Lanka, Sri Lankan
Tamil Student
Association ofChicagoSri Lanka
Syzygium cumini SeedExtractMediated Green Synthesis of Iron
Oxide Particles for the Removal of
Cadmium Ion in Wastewater
Thambipillai Thinojan,
Kanesamoorthy Abinaya

Water is an inevitable aspect of not only
humans but all living beings. On theother hand, contamination of water
results in many acute and chronic illnesses in humans, and environmental
pollution. In this study, the iron oxide particles were synthesized
in a simple aqueous-based technique using the seed extract of
Syzygium cumini as the source of both reducing and capping
agent. These particles show the magnetic character therefore, anexternal magnetic field was applied to separate the particle fromthe solution. The kinetic study showed that particles removed
92% of Cd ion in 30 minutes from wastewater. Moreover, thisresearch revealed that the synthesized particles could be a very
promising material to remove Cd ion from the wastewater.

National
Organizer
Swiss Toilet
Organisationand Swiss Water
Partnership
Sponsors
Skat Consulting,Ltd., Xylem,
seecon – society·economy·ecology
consulting

National
Organizer
SwedishFederationof Young
Scientists

SwedenStudying the Growth of
Phytoplankton in Thiamine
Enriched Water
Erika Eriksson

Sponsors
Xylem

A high mortality among animals dueto thiamine deficiency, also known as
vitamin B1, has recently been observed.
The cause of it might be phytoplankton.
Phytoplankton is the main producer ofthiamine and the share of thiamine auxotrophic phytoplankton, plankton who
are unable to produce thiamine, is likely to substantially affectthe thiamine deficiency. In this project it is examined how theconcentration of phytoplankton in a water mass changes upon
addition of thiamine. This is done by enriching water from theBaltic Sea with thiamine. The results indicated that the shareof thiamine auxotrophic phytoplankton was substantial when
and where the samples were collected, providing new ideas forfurther research.

Switzerland
First Evidence of Microplastics in the Waters of the Upper Engadine in Switzerland
Anna Sidonia Marugg
The objective of this study was to find out whether microplastic particles can be found at 8 locationsin the Upper Engadine with different population densities, types of land use, and distances to thesource of the river Inn at Lake Lunghin, a remote location in a major European watershed. A wooden,
low-cost, light, easily transportable, self-constructed LADI-trawl was used for sampling. Plastic residues
were detected in all locations, and the found particles were assigned to 22 different types of plastics,
showing that even seemingly remote regions and sparsely populated areas are affected by microplastic
pollution. The findings of this research are of key importance for alpine regions, as evidence of plastic
was found at over 2400 meters above sea level.

11National
Organizer
The Institute for
the Promotion ofTeaching Scienceand Technology(IPST)

ThailandMagnetic Fluid Biochar,
Eco-Friendly Novel from Sawdust
for Wastewater Treatment
Kridtapon Petkaewna,
Thipparada Berkban

Sponsors
The Institute for
the Promotion ofTeaching Scienceand Technology(IPST), Development and Promotion of Scienceand Technology
Talent Foundation (DPST), Government Savings
Bank (GSB)

This innovation was developed to
improve biochemical properties ofbiochar as adsorbent called Magnetic
Fluid Biochar (MFB) for removalof heavy metal, microplastics anddyes from wastewater. MFB canabsorb more than 83% of all types
microplastics, 95% of all heavy metals
and 90% of all dyes. The result of water
treatment in natural water, found that
MFB can absorb contaminants morethan 90%, which the pH, TSS, TDS
and turbidity had been improved up
to Surface Water Quality Standards. Therefore, MFB is a highabsorbent of contaminants from wastewater with low price0.02 $/g/L of wastewater. It is an eco-friendly absorbent due
to the best synthesized method. It can be reused up to 22 times
and recycled to supercapacitor.

National
Organizer
NGO WaterNet
Sponsors
SPC LLC Ecosoft

12

National
Organizer
General
Directorate ofState HydraulicWorks -DSI
Sponsors
DSI Foundation

TurkeyControlled Breeding and Selectionof Resistant Species Aegagropila
linnaei and Taxiphyllum Barbieri
for Preventing Petroleum Based
Pollution in Fresh Water ResourcesŞeymanur Genbay, Esila Burç

We produce a type of algae that can ensure the continuity ofaquatic life in freshwater sources which are directly polluted
by petroleum products. In order to ensure the selection ofthis algae type, we exposed algae to diesel concentrations invarious proportions and created the most durable colony thatcan survive even if the petroleum product surrounds the algae.
Special tanks have been designed with the aim of growing
them in a tank where they can grow in a controlled manner infreshwater. The improved algae may form a source of oxygen
which would ensure the continuation of many animal lives sothat we can protect the vegetation and fauna of petroleum-based
contaminated freshwater sources in the world.

National
Organizer
Chartered Institution of Water andEnvironmental
Management
Sponsors
Jacobs, Environment Agency

UnitedKingdom
Hydro-Filtricity
Sofia Wright, Joe Thompson

The amalgamation of both hydro-electricity and microplastic filtration is an areathat is currently unexplored. Our projectprovides a new alternative ultimately
making sustainable energy even more environmentally friendly.
Both concepts combined, meet several of the UN’s sustainable
development goals. We have optimised our target market toappeal to both LIC’s (Lower income countries), where clean
energy will elevate living conditions, and to the HIC’s (Higher
income countries), who are the largest production point of
microplastics. With minimal prevention of contamination of
bodies of water for both locations from household wastewater,
our product will tackle this due to its promise of clean energy ina world currently prioritising sustainable energy and the prevention of plastic pollution.

National
Organizer
Water
Environment
Federation
Sponsors
Xylem

USA
P.E.N.G.U.I.N.S: Promoting
Emulsion Nullification Greenly Using
Innovative Nucleation Surface
Zoe Gotthold

Oil spills are environmental catastrophes-yet much of the danger comes from theless-famous emulsion that forms between
spilled oil and seawater. This emulsion increases the volume of the spill, and floats underwater,
threatening animals, especially penguins. But, if we can separate
the emulsion, the oil will float back to the surface, where it is fareasier to remediate. I developed prototypes to do exactly that:
reduce overall emulsion stability (by up to 25%) by passively attracting oil/water particles. Think of emulsions like a-card towers, and my demulsifying devices as “card magnets” that pull out
certain cards and destabilize entire towers. These devices can thenbe added to spill areas to protect sealife and the environment.

UkraineAI FRESH STATION - Platform for Growing Eco-Green
Oleh Bielous
AI Fresh Station (AIFS) - is an artificial intelligence home kitchen appliance that grows organic food
all year round. It can save water, help keep soil clean and eliminate waste and CO2 emissions. AIFS isequipped by computer vision + neural system that can detect different types of plants diseases. The station
also has software for monitoring the status of cultivation and receipt’s date of the crop. AIFS is modular
and has individual growth control, which makes it possible to receive the crop not all at the same time,
but according to a schedule. AIFS saves water because it irrigates certain plants with certain doses, this also
makes it possible for an individual approach to each plant.

13

Stockholm Junior Water Prize Winners, 1997-20192019 | Macinley Butson, Australia

2010 | Alexandre Allard and Danny Luong, Canada“Research on biodegradation of he plastic polysterene””The SODIS Sticker”
2009 | Ceren Burçak Dag, Turkey“A solution to energy-based water contamination:
Rain as an alternative environmentally friendly energy
source”

The Jury noted that ”This year’s winning project addresses publichealth through renewable energy and water. The project embodies simplicity and affordability leaving no one behind. Water
for society: including all! This invention is practical, ready andglobally deployable. The project demonstrates experience andexpertise by a dedicated and creative young scientist.””Amazing people have inspired me so much this year and I never
expected this outcome Everyone here is doing so much amazing
things and I feel confident the future is in good hands and I will
never forget the connections I made here in Stockholm” said
Mackinley Butson.

2018 | Caleb Liow Jia Le and Johnny Xiao Hong Yu,
Singapore“A new method to produce reduced graphene oxide(rGO), a material that has huge potential to purify
water”
2017 | Rachel Chang and Ryan Thorpe, USA“A novel approach to rapidly and sensitively detect andpurify water contaminated with shigella, e.coli salmonella, and cholera”
2016 | Sureeporn Triphetprapa, Thidarat Phianchat andKanjana Komkla, Thailand“Natural innovative water retention Mimicry Bromeliad(Aechmea aculeatosepala)”
2015 | Perry Alagappan, USA“Novel renewable filter for heavy metal removal”

2008 | Joyce Chai, USA“Modelling the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles
under varying environmental conditions”

H.R.H Crown Princess Victoria presents the 2019 Stockholm Junior Water
Prize to Macinley Butson, Australia.

2014 | Hayley Todesco, Canada“Waste to water: Biodegrading naphthenic acids usingnovel sand filters”
2013 | Naomi Estay and Omayra Toro, Chile“Psychiobacter: Antarctic co-operation on bioremediation of oil-contaminated waters”
2012 | Luigi Marshall Cham, Jun Yong Nicholas Lim,and Tian Ting Carrie-Anne Ng, Singapore“Investigation of the use of sodium-activated bentonite clay in the removal and recovery of non-ionic surfactants from wastewater”
2011 | Alison Bick, USA“Development and evaluation of a microfluidic co-flow
device to determine water quality”

2007 | Adriana Alcántara Ruiz, Dalia Graciela Díaz
Gómez and Carlos Hernández Mejía, Mexico“Elimination of Pb(II) from water via bio-adsorption
using eggshells”
2006 | Wang Hao, Xiao Yi and Weng Jie, China“Application research and practice of a comprehensive
technology for restoring urban river channels ecologically”

2002 | Katherine Holt, USA“Cleaning the Chesapeake Bay with oysters”
2001 | Magnus Isacson, Johan Nilvebrant and Rasmus
Öman, Sweden“Removal of metal ions from leachate”
2000 | Ashley Mulroy, USA“Correlating residual antibiotic contamination in public
water to the drug resistance of Escherichia Coli”
1999 | Rosa Lozano, Elisabeth Pozo and Rocío Ruiz,
Spain“Echinoderms as biological indicators of water quality
in the Alborán Sea coast”
1998 | Robert Franke, Germany“The Aquakat – A solar-driven reactor for the decontamination of industrial wastewater”
1997 | Stephen Tinnin, USA“Changes in development, sperm activity and reproduction across a 105 exposure range in Lytechinus
Variegatus Gametes exposed to pesticides in marine
media”

2005 | Pontso Moletsane, Motebele Moshodi andSechaba Ramabenyane, South Africa“Nocturnal hydro minimiser”
2004 | Tsutomu Kawahira, Daisuke Sunakawa andKaori Yamaguti, Japan“The organic fertilizer – An alternative to commercial
fertilizers”
2003 | Claire Reid, South Africa“Water wise reel gardening”
2019 Diploma of Excellence | Diana Virgovicova, United Kingdom

WaterTank

WWW.WATERTANK.SE

The world’s best young water minds,
their water projects, and the global
community that supports them.
WaterTank is a community for the finalists of the Stockholm
Junior Water Prize competition. It allows participants to keep
in touch, seek advice and advance their careers and projects inwater. Would you like to join WaterTank? Participation is open
to finalists of Stockholm Junior Water Prize as well as mentorship opportunities for senior professionals. We also welcomeorganizations to join us as partners.
Get involved!
Contact Ania Andersch at ania.andersch@siwi.org

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WWW.SIWI.ORG/STOCKHOLMJUNIORWATERPRIZEStockholm Junior Water Prize
Finalists 2019

Stockholm Junior Water Prize gathers innovative young minds from all over the world. In 2019, 56 finalists came from 35
countries to World Water Week to participate in the international final of Stockholm Junior Water Prize and to discuss theirprojects with a wide range of conference attendees including researchers, politicians and media.

Water challenges are escalating around the globe, placing people and communities, our environment,
and our future at risk. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water
scarcity. We are a Fortune 1000 global water technology provider with one mission: to solve water throughthe power of technology and expertise so we can help make water more accessible and affordable, andcommunities more resilient. Let’s create a world that is more water-secure and sustainable for all. We havethe opportunity of a lifetime to solve water. Let’s work together and lead the way.

#LetsSolveWater

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Do you want to be part of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize?
For more information about leading a national competition in your country or
opportunities on how you can contribute, please contact ania.andersch@siwi.org
If you are interested in taking part in a national competition, please contact
your national organizer. You can also meet previous participants and learn moreon the SJWP online community, WaterTank.

FOUNDING GLOBAL SPONSORCOMMUNITY PARTNER

Stockholm International Water Institute, SIWIBox 101 87 | SE-100 55, Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address: Linnégatan 87a
Phone +46 8 121 360 00 • Fax +46 8 121 360 01
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