How solid waste can boost Nigeria’s economy, improve water treatment— OAU Professor
A professor of Environmental Chemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Aderonke Okoya, has explained how the conversion of common solid wastes into valuable industrial products could significantly
A professor of Environmental Chemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Aderonke Okoya, has explained how the conversion of common solid wastes into valuable industrial products could significantly boost Nigeria’s economy while improving water treatment processes.
Okoya, who is Director, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, delivering the 415 inaugural lecture of the institution titled ‘Managing the Secret Life of Waters For One Health: A Waste to Wealth Approach’, noted that materials derived from waste such as chitosan, activated carbon and keratin can serve as raw materials for industries.
The don said that although water may seems abundant but only 2.5% of the Earth's water is fresh out of which 0.3% is available for plants, animal and human use while the rest is frozen in glaciers or too far underground to be access.
She lamented that accessible water to humans is often used in an unsustainable manner, stressing that “water pollution is caused by introduction of any substance into the water that makes it unfit for intended use and also cause hazard for the user.”
Okoya disclosed that several people die every day for consumption of polluted water due to the runoff that drains directly into the receiving waterbodies without treatment contribute to surface water pollution and that most basic effect of water pollution is directly suffered by the organisms and vegetation.
She revealed that “many common solid wastes in Nigeria, long considered environmental nuisances, can be converted into valuable raw materials for industries such as water treatment, medicine, cosmetics and soap production, this could help tackle pollution while boosting economic growth if properly commercialised.
“This will enhance the national economy as many small-scale business investors will prioritize bulk manufacture of these products. The biosorbents developed can as well be of interest to investors who can produce them on large scale for household and industrial uses.”
It was added that apart from the usefulness of the surface water pollution status data obtained from research results, the baseline data obtained could be useful for Environmental Impact Assessment of industries to be located in such areas in the nearest future.
“Government and households can make use of our findings to improve the conventional water supply treatment facilities in line with SDG 3, 6 and 12.”
