Ms Nerissa Rajkumar’s research into pharmaceutical pollution demonstrates both academic excellence and a commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Rajkumar, who graduated with a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), was supervised by Professor Olatunde Stephen Olatunji.
Said Rajkumar: “I chose UKZN because of its strong reputation in scientific research and the supportive academic environment within the Discipline of Chemistry. UKZN provides excellent laboratory facilities and mentorship, which allowed me to develop advanced analytical chemistry skills while working on research addressing real environmental challenges.”
Rajkumar tackled the growing global concern around pharmaceutical contamination in water systems in a thesis titled: ‘Optimisation and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Method for the Quantification of Contaminants of Emerging Concern – An Investigation of Seven Selected Pharmaceuticals’.
“I focused on detecting pharmaceutical drugs that end up in wastewater,” she explained. “Medicines that people use, such as painkillers, antibiotics and antiviral drugs, can pass through the body and eventually enter sewage systems.
“Wastewater treatment plants are not always designed to remove these compounds completely, which means they may end up in rivers and other water sources.”
Adopting a precise analytical approach, Rajkumar used a laboratory technique called high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyse wastewater samples to identify and measure the presence of certain pharmaceutical compounds.
Her work contributes to a broader understanding of environmental systems. “It helps scientists understand how these substances move through the environment and highlights the importance of monitoring them to protect ecosystems and public health,” she explained.
Rajkumar has always been interested in environmental chemistry and how human activities impact natural systems. “The growing use of pharmaceuticals worldwide means that more of these compounds are entering water systems,” she said. “My understanding of this problem motivated me to pursue research that can better inform environmental practices.”
Rajkumar emphasised the broader impact of her work: “Research like this contributes to a better understanding of emerging pollutants in water systems. By identifying and quantifying pharmaceuticals in wastewater, scientists and policymakers can better assess environmental risks and consider improvements to wastewater treatment processes. This type of work supports efforts to protect water quality and aquatic life.”
Rajkumar plans to continue pursuing research in analytical and environmental chemistry, particularly in areas related to emerging contaminants in water systems. Her long-term ambition is clear: further her studies at the doctoral level and contribute to research that improves environmental monitoring and water quality management.
She credited her success to the support system around her. “My supervisors and lecturers at UKZN played a significant role by providing guidance, mentorship and encouragement throughout my studies,” she shared. “I am also very grateful to my family and friends for their constant support and motivation during my academic journey.”
Outside her academic commitments, Rajkumar maintains a balanced lifestyle, spending time with family and friends, exploring new music and films, and keeping up with current trends on social media.
“Completing this degree has been a rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunities and support I received at UKZN,” said Rajkumar. “I hope that my research contributes in a small way to advancing environmental science and encourages continued efforts to protect our water resources.”
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini