Research Manager: Water Quality Management

Dr Kevin Murray studied chemistry at the University of Cape Town and spent a three year post-doc period at the University of Wales Institute for Science and Technology in Cardiff before joining the CSIR in 1985. At the CSIR he started by focusing on chemical modelling in aqueous solutions which led him naturally into the water field, specifically water quality. After 13 years at the CSIR he then worked as a private consultant, again for about 13 years. Dr Murray manages research that addresses the significant water quality problems in our natural water resources.  Water quality is generally reflected in concentrations of substances and microorganisms, physico-chemical attributes, radioactivity, as well as biological responses to these.  Water quality that has been compromised by human activities can have severe ecological, social, and economic consequences, all ultimately affecting quality of life.  Research will focus on consolidating and transferring the vast amount of existing knowledge in ways that directly support management of the priority water quality problems, including eutrophication, microbial contamination, increasing salinity, and contamination by a wide range of problematic chemicals.  However, there will also be attention given to important emerging issues to ensure South Africa remains alert to international trends and the changing environment in which we live.

kevinm@wrc.org.za