Dr Riona Indhur

Dr Riona Indhur completed her BSc in life and earth sciences and a Master’s in medical science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. At the end of May 2025, she completed her PhD in biotechnology at Durban University of Technology.

The pervasive contamination of aquatic systems with microplastics represents an escalating environmental and public health crisis, exacerbated by the inefficiencies of conventional water treatment infrastructures. Her work addresses a critical global challenge: the removal of emerging contaminants from drinking water and wastewater using advanced nanomaterial-based treatment technologies.

In particular, her research pioneers a novel solution using 2D ferromagnetic nanocomposites, integrated with iron oxide nanoparticles, to form a heterojunction system. This innovative system has strong potential for patent applications, highlighting the real-world impact. Her research not only supports ecosystem health and aquatic biodiversity, but also contributes to food chain safety and sustainable fisheries.

She was the Top Published Doctoral Student at her institution in 2024. She has also received a Top Achiever Award Certificate (2024); Mentorship Award Certificate (2024); and she actively contributes to scientific outreach programmes and community engagement.

Dr Indhur has published four peer-reviewed journal articles and has three additional manuscripts accepted in high-impact international journals. Other outputs include one book chapter and one conference proceeding.