Research in materials chemistry: a solution for heavy metal pollution in the environment

Tosin Clagg

In a landmark study, coauthors Babatope Olufemi and Omolola Eniodunmo made significant strides in addressing the critical issue of heavy metal pollution in wastewater.

Their research, titled “Adsorption of Nickel (II) Ions from Aqueous Solution using Banana Peel and Coconut Shell,” was featured in the peer-reviewed “International Journal of Technology.” This pioneering work explores a sustainable approach to mitigating heavy metal contamination in water bodies, a pressing environmental challenge.

Growing up in Ota, Ogun State, Omolola Eniodunmo was influenced by her mother, a physical and health educator, who instilled in her the importance of minimizing waste and utilizing natural resources efficiently. Their backyard farm exemplified sustainable living, as nothing went to waste, and food scraps were repurposed creatively. This upbringing, coupled with Eniodunmo’s internship experience in the safety, health, and environment sector at Mobil Nigeria, fueled her passion for environmental health. Witnessing firsthand the procedures for wastewater and waste treatment, she was inspired to use sustainable raw materials to address water treatment challenges.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Babatope Olufemi, an expert in the field, Eniodunmo embarked on research that utilized food waste—specifically banana peels and coconut shells—as adsorbents to remove Nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions. This innovative approach not only aligned with her environmental values but also tapped into her deep-rooted understanding of sustainability.

The journey was filled with challenges that required perseverance and innovation. Achieving the desired texture for the banana peels through drying was a meticulous and time-consuming process, demanding careful attention to detail. Furthermore, the department’s lack of a functioning spectrophotometer posed a significant obstacle. To overcome this, Eniodunmo utilized private laboratories, where she not only conducted her experiments but also gained invaluable practical experience with advanced equipment. Her proactive involvement in these labs ensured that the results were accurate and reliable, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high scientific standards despite the limitations she faced. This resourcefulness and dedication were crucial in advancing the research and achieving its groundbreaking findings.

Heavy metals in untreated wastewater present severe risks to human health and marine life, necessitating urgent and effective solutions. Nickel, a common pollutant, is particularly harmful as it can cause significant kidney and liver damage in humans. In marine environments, nickel disrupts the reproductive systems of fish, leading to population declines and affecting the entire food chain. This disruption not only impacts marine biodiversity but also poses a threat to human populations that rely on fish as a primary food source. The research undertaken in this study underscores the critical need for innovative and sustainable methods to address heavy metal contamination, emphasizing the importance of developing effective strategies to safeguard both environmental and public health.

The study conclusively demonstrated that banana peels and coconut shells are effective materials for removing Nickel (II) ions from wastewater, with banana peels typically exhibiting higher removal efficiencies. Detailed experiments identified optimal conditions for the adsorption process: a 4.5g dose, 30-minute contact time, and 25°C for coconut shells, and a 4.5g dose, 120-minute contact time, and 25°C for banana peels. The research further revealed that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a monolayer adsorption mechanism on the adsorbents’ surfaces. This finding suggests a chemisorption process, where chemical bonds are formed between the adsorbate and the adsorbent, ensuring effective and stable removal of Nickel (II) ions. These insights provide a robust foundation for developing practical, low-cost water purification methods that utilize readily available and sustainable materials.

This research represents a groundbreaking contribution to several disciplines, such as chemical engineering, materials chemistry, agricultural sciences, and sustainable technologies. By offering a low-cost and highly effective method for removing harmful nickel ions from water, it utilizes environmentally friendly alternatives that surpass traditional purifiers, which are frequently toxic and costly. The innovative use of banana peels and coconut shells not only reduces waste but also provides a sustainable solution to a critical environmental problem. The practical implications of these findings extend to large-scale applications, demonstrating a scalable approach that can significantly impact water purification practices worldwide. This work highlights the potential for substantial environmental benefits, promoting healthier ecosystems and safer water supplies while advancing the principles of sustainability and resource efficiency.

The use of low-cost, eco-friendly materials in this research tackles the intertwined challenges of heavy metal pollution and waste management. By ingeniously repurposing food waste, such as banana peels and coconut shells, the study introduces a sustainable and economical method for water purification. The comprehensive analysis of operational parameters, including adsorbate dose, contact time, and temperature, lays out a precise framework for optimizing the adsorption process. This detailed groundwork ensures that the method is not only effective on a small scale but also scalable for large-scale implementation, making it a viable solution for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. The research paves the way for widespread adoption of these sustainable practices, potentially transforming water purification systems and significantly reducing environmental contamination.
In summary, the research by Babatope Olufemi and Omolola Eniodunmo is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and sustainable practices in tackling environmental challenges. Their work not only advances scientific understanding but also offers practical solutions that promise a cleaner and healthier future.