Unilorin Doctoral Student Discovers Chemicals for Removing Toxic Deposits in Rivers

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A doctoral student of Industrial Chemistry at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr. Abdullahi Musa Rabiu, has discovered some agriculture-based materials and chemicals that are capable of removing toxins deposited in rivers by industrial companies.

Rabiu, who is a lecturer at the Bayero University, Kano, disclosed this yesterday, in Ilorin, at the Faculty Board Room while defending his Ph.D. thesis, titled, “Preparation and Characterisation of Mixed Iron Oxide Nanocomposites for Removal of Mordant Dye, Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution.”

He said some of the effects of the toxins on humans are skin problems, respiratory problems, cancer, and killing of aqua life.

The doctoral student stated that the benefit of his research was to eradicate the toxins from coming in contact with humans in order to avoid problems associated with it.

 He also said his research came to light as a result of a protest from Challawa, a community in Kano.

Rabiu, recommended that proper treatments of industrial effluents before their disposal in the environments should be employed as he proposed that the present studies should be extended to a pilot scale for industrial application.

The researcher advised that the absorption capacities of different absorbents should be investigated for the removal of other pollutants in both aqueous and real tannery effluents.

In a related development, Mr. Lakunle Olarewaju, who is also a doctoral student at the Department of Industrial Chemistry has recommended that there should be more interactions between the town and the gown, stating that the, “town creates the problem and the gown provides solutions for the town.”

Olarewaju, also implored the government to create a ministry that would be charged with the responsibilities of connecting the town with the gown.

He specifically advised the Ministries of Environment at state and federal levels to always be on their toes by discharging their duties as at when due and to the fullest.