German Scientist Wins Stockholm Water Prize

German scientist Peter A. Wilderer recently won this year's $150,000 (US) Stockholm Water Prize for his research on sustainable water use and sanitation.

Wilderer, 64, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, will receive the award from King Carl XVI Gustaf August 14 in the Swedish capital.

In its citation, the Stockholm Water Foundation said Wilderer displayed "a rare combination of detailed technology development and a deep concern for the environment and human quality of life."

His discoveries have helped treatment facilities worldwide to clean and recycle wastewater from homes, businesses and industries, the foundation said.

It also cited his initiation of the "Safe Blue Danube" program to counteract flooding and pollution in the Danube river, its tributaries and delta in the Black Sea.

The award, which includes a crystal and silver sculpture, was founded in 1990. It is given annually to an organization, individual or company that has made a substantial contribution to the preservation, enhancement or availability of the world's water resources.

Last year's winner was Venezuelan-American Princeton University professor Ignacio Rodriguez-Iturbe for his pioneering research on floods, droughts and river basin organization.