Applied Sciences
Conservation and Marine Sciences
Business & Management Sciences
Education
Engineering & the Built Environment
Health & Wellness Sciences
Informatics & DesignChemistry Research
Staff are involved in a number of research areas. There are currently 50 postgraduates students in the department.
Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
Industrial and anthropogenic activities are responsible for the elevated levels of pollutants in the environment. These pollutants, whether organic or inorganic, have been shown to be a threat to human health and the ecosystem.
Researchers in the department are focusing on:
- assessing the level of organic and inorganic pollutants in soil, plants and water in the Western Cape
- investigating technologies for the remediation of water resources.
Radiochemistry
Radiochemistry is important in the production of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals. Radiochemistry includes:
- the separation of a radionuclide, produced by an accelerator or by a nuclear reactor, from the target material and other unwanted radionuclides and
- the preparation and the chemical quality control of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic studies at nuclear medicine clinics and departments of hospitals as well as for cancer therapy at oncology centres.
Ion exchange separations
Ion exchange separations are used in many fields, such as waste management, removing toxic materials in industry, water purification, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Ion exchange separations include:
- the determination of distribution for elements on a cation or anion or a chelating ion exchange resins in various media, such as an acid or an acid mixture containing an organic solvent, etc
- elution curve experiments with some elements, using a resin column, to determine the optimum conditions for separations of these elements by column ion exchange chromatography
- experiments to separate elements from each other or from a group of elements
- the development and preparation of new ion exchangers, such as nanoparticles.
Natural Products Chemistry Group
The research group interested in different aspects of natural products chemistry and green nanotechnology. The main research focus is to understand the chemical and physical interaction(s) of different natural capping agents at the interface of the metal nanoparticles, to design new nanoparticles with potential application in biomedical field. Additionally, the group is dedicated to unlock the potential of cape flora for new and potent natural bioactive compounds with health benefits.
The group also working on the isolation and characterization of new biologically active natural compounds for different biological targets especially ageing related diseases including cosmetics, in addition to validation of traditional medicine and safety measurements.
Researchers
Prof V Somerset
Position: Full Professor Email: Field of Chemistry: Environmental Chemistry; Electrochemistry and Analytical Chemistry Research Interest: Research activities focus on the sources, transport pathways and fates of inorganic and organic pollutants in the environment. Pollutants of interest includes: NRF Rating: C2 NRF Rating Professional Affiliations: Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Vernon S. Somerset
Dr C Eze
Position: Lecturer Email: Field of Chemistry: Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Research Interest: I am passionate about waste valorisation. My research focuses on the beneficiation of waste products and assessing the environmental and health safety of their potential reuse. Professional Affiliations: SACI Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Chucks Eze
Dr C van der Horst
Position: Lecturer Email: Field of Chemistry: Electroanalytical Chemistry; Environmental Chemistry Research Interest: Research focuses on using electroanalysis to determine pollutants in environmental, pharmaceutical and beverage samples.
Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Charlton van der Horst
Dr M Makhaba
Position: Lecturer Email: Field of Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Research Interest: Medicinal Plants, Natural Products, Isolation, NMR, Structural Characterization Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Masixole Makhaba
Ms Notemba Silwana
Position: Lecturer Email: Field of Chemistry: Supramolecular and Molecular Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Research Interest: Green Synthesis of nanoparticles and their application in either food or environmental remediation. Professional Affiliations: Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Notemba Silwana
Dr M Yalo
Position: Lecturer Email: Field of Chemistry: Organic/Medicinal Chemistry/Natural Products Research Interest: My research interest lies at the interface of fundamental, organic/medicinal chemistry in natural product structural studies, with a focus on indigenous medicinal plants in South Africa. This includes a wide variety of common natural products such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, as well as complex carbohydrates, particularly those with biological or pharmacological activities. Professional Affiliations: Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Masande Yalo
Dr Z Nate
Position: Lecturer Email: Field of Chemistry: Electrochemistry Research Interest: My current research focuses on developing diagnostic tools such as electrochemical sensors and biosensors for neglected tropical diseases. I also develop different synthesis strategies for nanomaterials and their applications in wastewater treatment. Professional Affiliations: Research Outputs: 
Name and Surname: Zondi Nate