Lagos Landfills to the Hanford Site: Innovative Research Targets Heavy Metal Contamination

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

In a new scientific publication released on October 18, 2024, Ismail Abdulraheem, an enthusiastic researcher in civil and environmental engineering, presents a transformative solution to address widespread pollution from toxic metals.

His study, conducted as part of a team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, introduces metal-organic framework (MOF) and walnut shell biochar composites for the removal of lead and hexavalent chromium from contaminated water. This innovative approach could be essential for cleaning up sites like the Hanford Waste Site in Washington, where hexavalent chromium—a known carcinogen—poses a severe risk to groundwater and surrounding ecosystems. The research publication, now available in Chemosphere, a highly reputable Q1 journal in environmental science, can be accessed via DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere2024.143572.

What is a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)? A Metal-Organic Framework, or MOF, is a highly porous material made up of metal ions connected by organic molecules. These structures create a vast network of tiny, interconnected spaces or pores that can trap various substances, like pollutants, within them. MOFs facilitate ion exchange, a key adsorption mechanism that enhances their ability to capture heavy metals from water. Together with the biochar’s inherent physisorption properties—its natural tendency to adsorb contaminants on its surface—the MOF-biochar composite delivers a powerful solution for contaminant removal. Due to their high surface area and customizable structure, MOFs can efficiently capture heavy metals like lead and chromium from water, as shown in Abdulraheem’s study.

Abdulraheem’s journey in tackling heavy metal contamination began in Lagos where he conducted an assessment of water quality near a landfill in Alaba Rago. His findings revealed alarming levels of lead and chromium in local groundwater, underscoring the global reach of metal pollution and the need for effective, adaptable solutions. This background inspired him to explore sustainable materials, leading to the innovative use of agricultural waste in his current study in the United States.

By combining MOFs with modified walnut shell biochar, Abdulraheem and his team achieved a removal efficiency of over 99% for lead and 65% for chromium. The walnut shell biochar serves as a low-cost, eco-friendly adsorbent while also supporting a regenerative economy by repurposing agricultural waste. This research holds promise not only for U.S. cleanup sites like Hanford but also for global applications, bringing a sustainable edge to water remediation and setting a new standard in environmental engineering.