Olivenhain MWD Celebrates Local Students for Water-Related Science Fair Projects

Milan Sanghvi of Rhoades School in Encinitas was formally recognized by Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors at its April 30 meeting for his entry in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Sanghvi was awarded OMWD’s “Water in Science” award and a prize for scientific exploration of water-related topics.

The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair was held March 25-30 at the Balboa Park Activity Center. Robert Topolovac, OMWD director and a retired educator, attended the fair for the sixth consecutive year, seeking exceptional projects relating to water supply or water quality on which to bestow OMWD’s annual “Water in Science” award. He selected two projects, one by Mr. Sanghvi and a second by Nicholas Schudder of Marshall Middle School, as positive contributions to a greater body of knowledge about issues facing the water industry.

“This program gives us the opportunity to encourage future leaders to protect and enhance our most precious resource,” stated Mr. Topolovac. “Milan and Nicholas performed some excellent scientific work, and we’re proud to recognize them today.”

Mr. Sanghvi investigated the use of basil seeds as a biomaterial to remove lead, chromium, and copper from water samples.  Finding eco-friendly and alternative methods of treating water is of growing importance as conventional methods used for water purification can be costly and cumbersome.

He credits science teacher, Ms. Roxanne Hunker, for his interest in science, stating, “She always has hands-on activities which make learning in her class fun and interesting.” A school science fair participant since fourth grade, he previously experimented in treating contaminated water using dried banana peels.

Mr. Schudder’s project dealt with using microporous, aluminosilicate minerals as an adsorbent for desalination.

More information about the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair is available at http://www.gsdsef.org.

—Olivenhain Municipal Water District