RYE BROOK, N.Y. — Xylem Inc., a sponsor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), congratulates Perry Alagappan of Houston, Texas, the newest winner of the prize, according to a press release.
Alagappan earned the 2015 honor with his project titled “Novel renewable filter for heavy metal removal: A practical application of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes,” noted the release. It “focused on developing an effective, renewable filter to remove toxic heavy metal contaminants that permeate our water supplies due to the proliferation of electronic waste.”
Fifty projects were entered into the national competition held June 19-20, stated the release. Alagappan will represent the U.S. as he competes with 30 other students from around the world in Stockholm, Sweden, in August. He will also receive a $10,000 scholarship.
Xylem has sponsored SJWP for 17 years, reported the release. The company seeks “to build awareness and demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers, particularly in the field of water technology,” through its Xylem Watermark program.
“Innovation and education are critical to creating social impact. Through Xylem Watermark, we are committed to providing solutions to communities in need of water and promoting education about water issues,” said Colin Sabol, chairman of the Xylem Watermark Committee at Xylem, in the release. “As a long-time supporter of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, we continue to be inspired by the next generation of water solvers.”
Natalie Bush of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earned a $1,000 scholarship as the winner of the 2015 Bjorn von Euler Innovation in Water Award, shared the release. Her project examined the relationship between diffused oxygen in water and the health of blue crab and crawfish.
You can find the entire release here.
