PHAULTY FOUNDATIONS

Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

The effect of acidic water on bridges and building materials was the foundation of a project by Breifne College student, Lewis Mohan, who was among the prize winners at this year’s Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Lewis Mohan presented his study ‘pHaulty Foundations’, which investigated how acidic water in our rivers and streams affects bridges and building materials such as concrete, limestone and sandstone.

The student clarified that his project was not about mica or pyrite blocks, rather it was inspired by older bridges over waterways.

Lewis revealed how he conceived the idea: “I was fishing one day and I caught my hook in the ivy in the bridge. The rod was dangling over the stream. I looked down and saw how the bridge eroded. It just clicked with me what the problem could be. So, I started researching it.”

Lewis is interested in a career in engineering, maths or technology. The student competed in the Intermediate category of the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences section. He found YSTE an excellent experience.

Dr Jenny McManus, his Biology and Ag Science teacher said Lewis is a hard worker.

“He started off in a sci-fest at the school fair, and it built from that to sci-fest at college. As he said, the idea sparked from the fishing trip to further explore acidification in local rivers. His last project looked at it in oceans, now he is developing it in his local area. It’s very interesting.”

Dr McManus observed that the project had real-life relevance in the context of the building and engineering industries.