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Hey! My name is Valentina, and I am 17 years old. I am passionate about biology and proud to be Argentina’s Junior Water Prize representative. I believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of collective effort. My aim is to inspire others to believe in their potential and work towards a common goal. Just as my grandpa Tito’s words, ”always put your heart and faith in what you do,” inspired me as an 8-year-old girl, I don’t believe in telling people what to do. Instead, I have an unwavering belief that mountains can be moved when hearts are set on a shared purpose!
Tell us what the water concern in your country is!In Argentina, water issues stem from geography, climate change, and poor management, having a negative impact on humanity and biodiversity. Urbanization and industrialization pollute streams and lakes with untreated waste. Many rural areas lack potable water. Hopefully, growing awareness will inspire innovative solutions to tackle these challenges.
This is what I think is one of the solutions for a sustainable future:Education and community empowerment are key to truly effective solutions for a sustainable future. Our planet demands global cooperation; individual efforts alone fall short. We must act with urgency and unity, confronting this crisis head-on to ensure a resilient and thriving world where innovation is not limited to a few.
Immobilized Microalgae Bioremediation: A Sustainable Solution for Contaminated Water
This project investigates the use of immobilized Chlorella vulgaris, encapsulated in agar-agar spheres, to bioremediate freshwater contaminated by industrial discharges. Utilizing a 2-liter bioreactor, significant results were achieved over six days, including a 96% reduction in chromium and a 90% reduction in copper concentrations. The process also showed substantial decreases in total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, proving its high effectiveness. This technology offers practical advantages, including high contaminant removal efficiency, low cost, and ease of use in various environments. The research emphasizes supporting vulnerable communities dependent on water. In regions with limited access to advanced technologies, this cost-effective solution enables self-sufficiency and sustainability in water management. By leveraging locally available materials and accessible methodologies, it provides sustainable water…
