Dr. Dirk Jungmann: Water sampling and workshop on “MoRe WATER”

Applicant: Dr. Dirk Jungmann, Institute of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences | School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Period: 2022 – 2023
Participating partners: Dr. Marinda Avenant, Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa | Prof. Dr. Beatrice O. Opeolo, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

Climate change affects water quality and resources, creating new challenges for water management. Therefore, developing strategies and conducting research on the sustainable use of water resources is essential. While most of Germany is in the early stages of research, South Africa has extensive, long-standing experience in this field. "The country is already severely affected by climate change and has therefore developed strategies for the sustainable use of water resources, as reflected in numerous studies and applied research projects," explains Dr. Jungmann.

Landscape of a lake with flat mountains in South Africa

The cooperation with the partner universities in South Africa – the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – included a sampling campaign to investigate surface waters and a joint workshop at the South African Mountain Conference (SAMC).

To investigate the water quality of surface waters, a joint sampling took place in the QwaQwa region of the Free State Province in South Africa from March 7 to 11, 2022. The UFS was in charge of the on-site coordination. Despite difficult conditions caused by heavy rainfall, nine samples were collected from four watercourses.

Photo of the “MoRe Water” game documents

Each partner contributed their expertise to the analysis and assessment of the water samples. The evaluation of the data was incorporated into numerous publications* and a research project funded by the Water Research Commission. In addition, a workshop was held at the South African Mountain Conference (SAMC) with the partner universities. TU Dresden's role-play MoReWATER helped to introduce the issue of surface water quality management. The joint workshop was used to present the scientific activities and international collaborations of TU Dresden and to gain new partners for future international project applications.

Since the project began, the research partnership with the UFS in South Africa has evolved into a sustainable network focused on teaching, research, and supporting young talent. The close and long-term cooperation is underlined by further sampling campaigns, international conferences, and guest visits from Prof. M. Avenant and Dr. M. Erasmus as part of the Dresden Fellowship Program. In addition, joint applications were submitted for third-party funded projects at EU and BMBF levels.

The active involvement of students through bilateral study exchanges and co-supervision of doctoral students at UFS also promotes young talent. For example, South African scientist Ngitheni Nyoka visited TU Dresden in 2024 for a three-month research collaboration funded by a DAAD scholarship. Her doctoral thesis is also being supervised at TU Dresden by Dr. Dirk Jungmann.

"To me, internationalization means more than just cooperating across national borders. It's essential to truly understand global challenges, such as climate change and the use of water resources," emphasizes Dr. Jungmann. Internationalization is also a key component of teaching. Dr. Jungmann places particular importance on students learning to think beyond professional and cultural boundaries: “International experiences promote openness, flexibility, and an understanding of global contexts. This strengthens not only professional qualifications but also important personal skills."

The successful development of partnerships with universities in South Africa, particularly the UFS, is considered an impressive example of best practice in internationalization. TU Dresden's strategic vision is embodied by the motto "Connected to the world”. This vision involves taking on global responsibility and developing innovative solutions to serious challenges in collaboration with stakeholders from the Global South.

The heart of this collaboration is developing sustainable solutions in water research. TU Dresden benefits from its experience dealing with climate-related extreme events. This knowledge directly contributes to research, teaching, and funding applications, making the partnership highly effective and future-oriented.

Further information on research activities in South Africa can be found here.

* Avenant, M., Börnick, H., Graumnitz, S., Nyoka, N., Opeolu, B., Otomo, P. V., Schubert, A., Schubert, S., Vos, T. & Jungmann, D. (2024). Investigating a surface water quality monitoring approach for QwaQwa, South Africa, by combining biological in vitro tests and chemical analyses. Frontiers in Water, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2024.1408856

Carstensen, L., Zippel, R., Fiskal, R., Börnick, H., Schmalz, V., Schubert, S., Schaffer, M., Jungmann, D. & Stolte, S. (2023). Trace analysis of benzophenone-type UV filters in water and their effects on human estrogen and androgen receptors. Journal Of Hazardous Materials, 456, 131617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131617

Avenant, M. F., Belle, J. A., Börnick, H., Jungmann, D., Opeolu, B., Voua Otomo, P., Davis, N., & Schulze, R. (2023). THREATS OF EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS - Improving the Resilience of QwaQwa to the Multiple Risks of Climate Change - Volume 1. Report to the Water Research Commission. http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19798.46408

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