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12 June 2025 | Story University of the Free State | Photo Supplied
Dr Hossein Naghizadeh and Refilwe Lediga
Collaborative innovation in action: Researchers from the University of the Free State’s Green Concrete Lab have partnered with the University of Johannesburg to advance 3D printing technologies using sustainable concrete materials. Pictured (from left): Dr Hossein Naghizadeh, Senior Lecturer in Engineering Sciences at UFS, and Refilwe Lediga, Concrete Printing Research Expert in the Department of Civil Engineering Technology at UJ.

In an ambitious and interdisciplinary effort to address today’s Grand Challenges, researchers at the University of the Free State (UFS) are exploring how nature’s oldest life forms – stromatolites – can inspire cutting-edge innovations in industrial ecology and marine conservation.  Drawing from biomimicry, 3D printing, and microbial engineering, their work showcases the convergence of ecological insight with modern technology. 

“One such example is replicating the structures of stromatolites – some of the earliest evidence of life - using green cement and 3D printing, the latest technology in industrial ecology,” explains Dr Jacques Maritz, Head of the Unit of Engineering Sciences at UFS. 

 

Ancient structures, modern science  

Stromatolites are layered microbial formations created by ancient cyanobacteria and date back over 3.5 billion years. These living fossils, found in fossil records and rare modern environments like Shark Bay in Australia, grow through a combination of photosynthesis, sediment trapping, and calcium carbonate precipitation. Not only do they support biodiversity, but they also play a vital role in natural carbon sequestration. 

UFS researchers are harnessing the lessons from these ancient formations to address urgent environmental challenges. In particular, Dr Yolandi Schoeman, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Biogeochemistry, is leading efforts to cultivate hybrid stromatolites in controlled environments, using microbial consortia grown on 3D-printed scaffolds.  

“At UFS, we are reimagining stromatolite formation through both artificial structural replication and biological cultivation, bridging industrial ecology and microbial engineering to address modern environmental challenges,” says Dr Schoeman. 

 

Ecological engineering for reef restoration 

The rapid decline of marine biodiversity and the degradation of natural reef ecosystems have prompted ecological engineers to develop innovative solutions. At the UFS Green Concrete Lab, researchers are pioneering the design of artificial reefs using 3D-printed, low-carbon geopolymer concrete – a material formulated from industrial by-products such as fly ash and slag. 

Artificial reefs mimic natural reef complexity and serve as critical habitats for marine life, from fish and crustaceans to coral polyps and algae. Algae, in particular, are key to marine ecosystems due to their roles in nutrient cycling, oxygen production, and carbon capture. 

“Green concrete refers to concrete that utilises alternative binders and industrial by-products, significantly reducing the environmental footprint. At UFS, we are focusing on geopolymer concrete, which eliminates the high-energy processes associated with Portland cement, while offering greater chemical resistance - ideal for marine applications,” explains Dr Abdolhossein Naghizadeh from the Unit of Engineering Sciences. 

 

3D printing nature’s complexity 

One of the challenges in artificial reef development is replicating biologically inspired geometries that support diverse marine ecosystems. Traditional construction methods often fail in this regard, but additive manufacturing, or 3D concrete printing, is providing a solution.  

The UFS Green Concrete Lab, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, is developing reef modules with intricate geometries and natural surface textures. These features support coral and algae attachment, accelerate ecological colonisation, and enhance habitat functionality. Biochar-based compost filters are also being integrated to aid algae-driven wastewater treatment. 

A particularly novel avenue of research involves using 3D printing to recreate stromatolite structures. These serve as ancient blueprints for modern reef design, merging deep-time ecological understanding with advanced material science. 

 

Biologically engineered hybrid stromatolites  

In parallel to structural efforts, UFS is advancing biological approaches to stromatolite cultivation. From July 2025, researchers in the Unit of Engineering Sciences will initiate a large-scale experiment using microbial consortia in 60-litre tanks, scaling up to 1 m² hypersaline ponds. 3D-printed conical scaffolds, coated with materials such as PP-CaCO₃, hydroxyapatite, and silica gel, will accelerate microbial colonisation and lamination. 

The goal: to achieve stromatolite growth of 14-16 mm in just 28 days - over 150 times faster than in nature. These hybrid systems are expected to produce 7-8 mg/L/day of oxygen, sequester carbon at 3.2 g/m²/day, and remove up to 90% of nitrates and phosphates from water. The potential applications extend from terrestrial ecosystem restoration to extraterrestrial life-support systems. 

 

A multidisciplinary vision for sustainability 

This work exemplifies the strength of interdisciplinary research at UFS, combining civil engineering, mechatronics, marine ecology, chemistry, microbiology, and digital fabrication. The Ecological Engineering Sciences stream fosters a vibrant environment for postgraduate students to develop practical, impactful solutions.  

The Green Concrete Lab is central to these efforts, offering students and researchers access to advanced technologies and collaborative networks. Through their innovative work in 3D-printed green concrete and microbial systems, UFS researchers are addressing biodiversity loss, advancing sustainable construction, and contributing to the global climate agenda. 

“Whether it's rethinking materials, restoring ecosystems, or redefining what concrete can be, our research is laying the foundation for a better, more sustainable world beneath the waves,” concludes Dr Maritz. 

News Archive

Verslag: SA studente atletiek (Afrikaans)
2005-04-28

Absa-kovsieatletiek
SA studente atletiekkampioenskap - 22 en 23 April 2005 Johannesburg Universiteit

 

Weereens baie goed!!! Dit is hoe ons die Kovsieatlete se vertonings op en af van die baan af kan beskryf. Die 22 medaljes vanjaar teenoor die 25 van 2004, die 14 van 2003 en die 10 van 2002 spreek boekdele, veral as ons in ag neem dat ons in die laaste week 4 van ons top atlete weens beserings verloor het (Antonie Rossouw, Nico Oosthuizen, Jaco Claasen en Renè Kalmer).

Ons het op 20 April om 09:00 vanaf Pelliespark per bus na Johannesburg vertrek en tuisgegaan in die Randburg Road Lodge hotel.

'n Totaal van 43 atlete – 18 vroue en 25 mans het die Kovsies verteenwoordig (spanlys aangeheg).

Die bestuurspan het bestaan uit Danie Cronjé bestuurder mans, Sarina Cronjé bestuurder vroue, Bertus Pretorius afrigter mans, Ans Botha afrigter vroue, Hendrik Cronjé (Video), Jan du Toit, Sidney van Biljon, DB Prinsloo sportbestuurder.

Die mediese span het bestaan uit Dr. Org Strauss en Daleen Lamprecht(bio).

Die volgende lede van die ABSA KOVSIESPAN het medaljes verwerf.

GOUD    
     
Jan vd Merwe  400   46,37
     
Johan Cronjé    1500 mans   3:50.20
     
Boy Soke  10000   30:23,40
     
Charlene Henning   Driesprong vroue  12.62m
     
Francois Potgieter      Tienkamp  6862 punte
     
Magdel Venter    Diskusgooi vroue     46.94m
     
Kovsiespan mans   4x400 Aflos  3:10,17
     
(Dirk Roets, Francois Lötter, Johan Cronjé, Jan van der Merwe)
     
     
SILWER    
     
Charlene Henning  Verspring vroue    6,16m
     
Magdel Venter  Gewigstoot vroue  13,21m
     
Sanè du Preez   Hamergooi vroue     44,71m
     
Boy Soke     5000m    14:36,60
     
Francois Potgieter  110 Hekkies mans    14,00sek
     
Christine Kalmer  1500m vroue    4:35,40
     
Cobus Marais    3000m hindernis   9:32,80
     
     
BRONS    
     
Gustav Kukkuk     110 Hekkies mans    14.00sek
     
Mariana Banting    Driesprong vroue  12.36m
     
Helen-Joan Lombaard   Sewekamp vroue    3354 punte
     
Clive Wessels   Paalspring   4,05m
     
Johan Cronjé  800m  1:52,01
     
Kovsiespan vroue   4x100 Aflos    47,56
     
(Denise Polson, Elmie Hugo, Carlene Henning, Minette Albertse)
     
Kovsiespan mans    4x100 Aflos   42,21
     
( Tiaan Pretorius, Gustav Kukkuk, Marno Meyer, Wiaan Kriel)
     
     
Kovsies wat ook onder die eerste 8 geëindig het sien as volg daaruit:
     
     
4de Plek    
     
Mariana Banting   Hoogspring vroue  1.70m
     
Stefan van Heerden   Driesprong  15,12m
     
Elmie Hugo   200m   24,12sek
     
Ronè Reynecke     400m  57,31sek
     
     
5de Plek    
     
Jackie Kriel    100 Hekkies    13,90sek
     
Jackie Kriel     400 Hekkies   65,40sek
     
Riana Rossouw    Gewigstoot    10,59m   
     
Kenny Jooste   Verspring   7,23m
     
Elmie Hugo    100m  11,86sek
     
Helen-Joan Lombard  Paalspring    3,25m
     
Ronè Reynecke     800m   2:17,58
     
Christine Kalmer   5000m      17:38,32
     
     
6de Plek    
     
Tiaan Pretorius  Verspring   7,21m
     
Francois Pretorius    800m     1:52,67
     
Riana Rossouw   Spiesgooi      38,12m
     
Kovsiespan vroue   4x400 Aflos  4:06,56
     
(Ronè Reynecke, Denise Polson, Lise du Toit, Elmie Hugo)
     
     
7de Plek    
     
Gerda Rust    Hamergooi   36,37m
     
Schalk Roestoff     1500m      3:55,80
     
Francois Lotter    400m       47,94
     
Pienaar j v Rensburg    10000m   32:12,21
     
Kovsie mans  ”A”  en  B span  4x400     3:15,44
     
     
8ste Plek    
     
Charles le Roux   Verspring   7,06m
     
Tiaan Pretorius  Driesprong  14,06m

In die spankompetisie het die Vroue 4de geëindig en die mans 4de. In die algehele kompetisie het die Kovsies ook die 4de plek behaal (aangeheg).

Die gees en gedrag van die toergroep was uitstekend en was die atlete goeie ambassadeurs vir die Kovsies.

Danie Cronjé     Sarina Cronjé
Spanbestuurder  Mans   Spanbestuurder Vroue

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