A chemical engineer, Akeem Akintola, has proposed innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle the severe environmental issues plaguing Nigeria.
He emphasised that these problems have led to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and depleted natural resources.
In a statement sent to PUNCH Online on Saturday, Akintola highlighted the growing demand for effective remediation strategies and advocated for the use of nanotechnology as a promising solution.
Akintola a lecturer at the University of Florida said “Environmental contamination has become a pressing global challenge, with Nigeria facing particularly severe impacts.
“The rapid industrialization and urbanization in our country have resulted in the release of hazardous substances into the environment, severely affecting our soil, water, and air quality.”
Akintola, who has been working to leverage nanotechnology for environmental remediation also stated that his recent paper, titled “Nanotechnology in Bioremediation: Synergistic Approaches for Targeted Contaminant Removal,” explores the potential of integrating nanotechnology with microbial bioremediation techniques.
He said the research highlights how nanomaterials, such as metal oxides and carbon-based nanoparticles, can significantly enhance the degradation and removal of hazardous substances.
“Nanoparticles possess unique properties that can improve microbial activity and increase the bioavailability of contaminants, facilitating their breakdown more effectively,” explained Akintola.
The engineer’s research details various applications of nanomaterials in targeting specific pollutants, promoting microbial growth, and enhancing contaminant uptake. This approach is particularly crucial for Nigeria, where traditional methods often struggle to address the scale and complexity of contamination.
While acknowledging the potential environmental and safety risks associated with nanotechnology, Akintola emphasized the importance of developing proper disposal methods and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective implementation.
Akintola is committed to finding solutions that not only address Nigeria’s environmental challenges but also contribute to global efforts in combating pollution.
“Our research offers practical solutions that can be applied in real-world scenarios,” he added. “I hope to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities to create sustainable and resilient ecosystems.”
