Jingyuan Luo of Chandler, Ariz. was named the U.S. winner of the 2007 Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) during a ceremony this afternoon at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The Water Environment Federation (WEF) sponsors the U.S. SJWP with support from ITT Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Air Lines, Inc.
The student's work, "Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Nanomaterials in Aquatic Species," sought to learn more about the toxicity of nanoparticles, since so little is known about the potential negative effects when using such particles in consumer products, medical treatments and environmental remediation techniques. Luo's experiments sought to understand nanotoxicity by testing small carbon particles (fullerenes) and nano-zinc oxide particles on two different aquatic species (green algae and water fleas).
The winning project was selected from more than 40 state SJWP winners at the national competition held in Phoenix, June 21-23.
"Ms. Luo's project dealt with an emerging technology and associated issues that were clearly state-of-the-art science," said Mohamed Dahab, president of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), primary organizer of the competition. "The winning project was indicative of the entire group with a very carefully designed experimental project, well-executed research plan and remarkably well-written report."
The Hamilton High School student was awarded $3,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Stockholm, Sweden, where she will compete against national winners from more than 30 countries for the international honor during World Water Week, August 12-17, 2007. HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden will present the international award - a $5,000 scholarship and crystal sculpture - during a royal ceremony held in conjunction with the Stockholm Water Symposium.
In addition, the student's school will receive a $1,000 grant toward enhancing water science education and Luo will present her research to more than 16,000 water quality professionals at WEFTEC.07 - the Water Environment Federation's 80th annual technical exhibition and conference - this October in San Diego.
Three U.S. finalists, Jordyn Wolfland of Bethesda, Md., Keely Goodgame of Logan, N.M., Yupeng Liu of Charleston, S.C. and Kelydra Welcker of Parkersburg, W.Va., also received a $1,000 award.
The Arizona Water & Pollution Control Association served as the 2007 host with support from the Salt River Project. ITT Corporation is also the global sponsor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize.
Source: WEF
