Published: 19.12.2023
A researcher from the University of Pardubice received one of the awards in the Czech Brains (Česká hlava) Awards, a prestigious national award for scientists. Ing. Barbora Kamenická, Ph.D. of the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the University of Pardubice received the Doctorandus Award in technical sciences. She received the award in recognition of her research into technology capable of eliminating drugs, dyes or other contaminants from water, and making them reusable. Barbora Kamenická is one of 7 laureates awarded this year.
“The Czech Brains Award means so much to me. It is great honour. Having said that, more than a recognition of my work, it is recognition of my research field. Water is a valuable asset and the award made it possible to communicate the message to the public,” says Barbora Kamenická of the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the University of Pardubice, who has received the award.
“It is great honour for our faculty as well as the entire university to have such a talented colleague among us, who contributes to the research at the faculty. Barbora sets an example for other students and colleagues and her work has great potential to be applied in practice,” said prof. Ing. Petr Němec, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the University of Pardubice.
Barbora Kamenicka’s research deals with non-conventional methods of eliminating undesirable pollutants from water. The growth of industrial activities implies a rising amount of hazardous chemical substances present in water due to human activities. Barbora looks into different methods for eliminating organic halogen compounds from water. Such compounds are often toxic, carcinogenic or hormonally active, and thus pose a serious risk for the environment and human health. Barbora Kamenická has focused on the use of quaternary ammonium salts, biochar, metal alloys and other substances for effective and economic water decontamination.
The research consisted of a closed circle of subsequent steps involving separation and degradation of the undesirable halogenic pollutants from water, including recycling the waste streams, and led to the development of an effective and economical process for waste water treatment that may be used in practice.
The Czech Brains Award is the top national award for researchers in the Czech Republic. It is awarded annually for excellent research results, discoveries and innovation in several categories. Barbora Kamenická received the Doctorandus Award intended for PhD students with excellent research achievements that have a potential of practical application. Ing. Barbora Kamenická, Ph.D. works at the Institute of Environmental and Chemical Engineering of the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the University of Pardubice. Her PhD dissertation was supervised by doc. Ing. Tomáš Weidlich, Ph.D.
In the past, the Czech Brains Award laureates included Antonín Holý, Josef Koutecký, Václav Hořejší, Pavel Hobza, Blanka Říhová, and many others.
