The Water Boys Secure Successful Place At Unesco Eco Award

A team of SERC students have been attracting attention and praise for their environmental project. ‘Water Boys’ was one of 150 teams selected from more than 500 from across Ireland for the final stages of the UNESCO Eco awards, an amazing feat of dedication and hard work, although they did not win a prize. On top of that they have reached the semi-finals of the Catalyst Inc Invent Programme 2020.

“The Water Boys” who are currently studying on the BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science at SERC’s Lisburn Campus, are Johnny McQuillan (Glenavy), Paul French (Lisburn) and Martin McKeown (Moira) and they are all past pupils of St Patrick’s Academy, Lisburn. The trio has designed and prototyped a low-cost, low-tech solution to the problem of water contaminated by nitrates and phosphates. Their solution is a physical and chemical filter which removes 90% of nitrates from polluted water and a high level of phosphates. The by-product of the chemical reaction, calcium nitrate, can be used as a fertiliser for soil.

The young men have been working remotely on their studies for their Applied Science course whilst preparing for the Catalyst Inc Invent Programme 2020 and have made it through to the semi-finals following a successful group pitch by live video to a panel of judges from education and industry followed by a question and answer session.

Paul, Johnny and Martin said, "We have all worked tremendously hard to progress through to the semi-finals of Invent 2020. We plan to put even more effort and hard work into the next phase and would be thrilled to reach the finals of this prestigious event which would be a reflection on, not only our work, but the help, support and encouragement we have received during this difficult time. We would like to thank everyone for their continuous support."

Michael Homes, SERC Science Lecturer and Project Mentor said, “Paul, Johnny and Martin are setting a fine example of what can be achieved even during lockdown. They have been working tirelessly on developing their ideas and still completing their assignments for their qualifications. It is great that this dedication is being recognised with their achievements. It is a massive boost for everyone at SERC to hear about their success to date including reaching the finals and semi-finals of such prestigious competitions.”

The Eco-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards is an all-Ireland programme which recognises and rewards young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment.

Apply now for courses commencing September 2020. For more information visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be #BetterOffAtSERC

#OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.