Africa's Water Quality - A Chemical Science Perspective

22 March 2010

The Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Syngenta UK, has come together to deliver a report entitled:

‘Africa’s Water Quality: A Chemical Perspective’ 

This unique report summarises the conclusions and recommendations emerging from the PACN’s ‘Sustainable Water Conference 2009’. It represents the opinions and knowledge from some of Africa’s best scientists and practitioners, from 14 countries in Africa, in the field of sustainable water research and development.

The recommendations presented in the report specify ‘fit for purpose’ solutions for water wherever it is used: for drinking, for growing food, and to satisfy domestic and industrial needs. The chemical sciences will be crucial, in particular through centres for analytical chemistry for the evaluation and monitoring of water quality. 

The vital role that Africa’s scientists must play in meeting water quality challenges cannot be overestimated. These challenges present the opportunity for genuine partnership and collaborations between scientific communities and governments, both across the African states and internationally.

The ultimate goal of the report is to raise the profile of water quality in policy agenda, so that water quality is always considered alongside water quantity. The report will be launch at The UN World Water Day event in Nairobi, Kenya. Events are being held by the PACN in Ethiopia and Kenya with follow up events in UK. The contents of the report will also be highlight in a special show on the Naked Scientists Africa.