How Chika Okorie’s eco-friendly approaches advance water quality in Eleme

The water quality crisis in the oil-affected region of Ogoni, Eleme, Nigeria, has long been a daunting challenge. Chika Okorie, a young ambitious scientist and graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, is spearheading innovative approaches to address this issue.

Combining heavy metal determination with eco-friendly remediation techniques such as sugarcane bagasse, Chika is making strides toward a cleaner, safer environment. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey, innovative methodologies, and vision for a sustainable future.

Can you start by telling us about your work in water quality management and what inspired you to focus on this area?

My focus on water quality management is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up in Eleme, Nigeria, where the impact of oil spills was both visible and devastating. The contamination of water bodies led to severe health problems and destroyed local economies that depended on fishing and agriculture. Witnessing these challenges firsthand fueled my passion for environmental chemistry and motivated me to find solutions. I specialize in heavy metal determination, targeting pollutants like lead and mercury, while also exploring the use of sustainable materials like sugarcane bagasse for remediation.

How does heavy metal determination fit into your broader strategy for addressing water contamination?

Heavy metal determination is a critical component of my approach because it involves identifying and quantifying the toxic metals that are particularly harmful to both humans and ecosystems. Metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium are persistent pollutants, often found in water bodies impacted by industrial activities. By accurately determining the concentrations of these metals, we can tailor our remediation strategies to effectively target and remove these contaminants, reducing their impact on the environment and public health.

You’ve mentioned sugarcane bagasse as part of your remediation strategy. How is this material used, and why did you choose it?

Sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane, is a highly effective and sustainable material for water remediation. Its porous structure and high surface area make it excellent for adsorbing heavy metals from contaminated water. Additionally, it’s an abundant and low-cost byproduct in many agricultural regions, including Nigeria, which makes it an ideal choice for eco-friendly water treatment. By treating the bagasse to enhance its adsorption capabilities, we can create a powerful tool for removing heavy metals from polluted water sources.

Can you walk us through the process of how you identify and prioritise contaminants in the water sources of the Eleme Development Area?

Of course, I started by conducting thorough water quality assessments, including sampling from various sources such as rivers, boreholes, and reservoirs. We then analyse these samples in the lab to identify the presence of contaminants, focusing on parameters like heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants. Based on the findings, we prioritise contaminants based on their potential health risks and environmental impact.

How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your heavy metal determination methods and the effectiveness of sugarcane bagasse in real-world scenarios?

Ensuring accuracy and reliability involves strict adherence to protocols for sample collection, preparation, and analysis. Our heavy metal determination methods are validated using calibrated instruments and reference standards, and we often conduct repeated testing to confirm our findings. For sugarcane bagasse, we perform controlled laboratory experiments followed by field trials to assess its effectiveness under various environmental conditions. Collaboration with local universities and research institutions helps us refine our techniques and validate our results, ensuring they are both scientifically sound and practically applicable.

What progress have you made toward scaling up these heavy metal determination and sugarcane bagasse remediation techniques?

We’ve made significant progress in scaling up our efforts. Initially focused on small-scale pilot projects, we’ve now expanded our work to larger, more complex sites. Through partnerships with local industries and environmental agencies, we’ve implemented our techniques on a broader scale. These collaborations have allowed us to test the scalability and adaptability of our methods in different settings. The use of sugarcane bagasse, in particular, has shown great potential for broader application, given its cost-effectiveness and availability.

What are your future plans and aspirations for water quality management, particularly in relation to heavy metal contamination and sustainable materials?

Looking to the future, I plan to continue refining my heavy metal determination approaches and further explore the use of sustainable materials like sugarcane bagasse in water remediation. Additionally, I’m interested in potentially delving into nanomaterial-based approaches. The unique properties of nanomaterials, such as their high surface area and reactivity, offer promising opportunities for even more effective remediation strategies. By integrating nanotechnology with our current methods, I aim to create a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to water quality management that can address a wider range of contaminants. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a global reduction in water pollution and improve the lives of communities affected by contaminated water.

What advice would you give to young scientists like yourself who aspire to make an impact in environmental science?

My advice would be to stay curious and committed to finding solutions that are both innovative and sustainable. Environmental challenges are complex and addressing them requires persistence and a willingness to explore new ideas. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others, as teamwork often leads to breakthroughs. Above all, keep the well-being of the planet and its people at the forefront of your work, and remember that even small contributions can lead to significant change over time.

Thank you, Chika, for sharing your insights and inspiring journey with us. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your groundbreaking work.

Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to share my story, and I’m excited about the future possibilities in the field of water quality management and environmental science.