Profile
Nationality : Nigerian
Keywords : Analytical Chemistry, Artificial intelligence, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Risk assessment, Computational techniques, Micro/Nanoplastics
Research advisor : Prof. Qingyue Wang (O Seiyo)
Why I entered GSC program
The issue of environmental contamination caused by microplastic (MPs) is a global concern at present. Plastic pollution has been observed in various environments worldwide, posing a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health. Additionally, plastics act as carriers for pollutants, as they have the capability to adsorb and accumulate pollutants from seawater. However, this particular characteristic presents an opportunity to utilize plastic waste as an adsorbent for removing pollutants from contaminated water. Hence, it is crucial to discover a viable and sustainable solution to eliminate these harmful substances. Given my research experience in wastewater and water treatment during my bachelor's and master's studies, I am particularly enthusiastic about exploring adsorption treatment methods for emerging pollutants. For this reason, I have applied for a Ph.D. through the GSC program, as my educational background aligns closely with the program's objectives. The GSC program, offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Saitama University, encompasses various research areas, including environmental and ecological engineering. Japan, being a developed country, upholds exceptional educational standards and incorporates cutting-edge technology. It is a source of pride for me to have the opportunity to study at a renowned Japanese university like Saitama University.
Research title
Adsorption and Toxicity Characteristics of different types of microplastics in different pollutant coexisting system
Research abstract
Microplastic (MPs) pollution of the environment is currently a global problem. In recent years, plastic pollution has been reported in all kinds of environments worldwide and is considered a threat to the health of the ecosystem and humans. Besides, plastics serve as vectors for pollutants as they are capable of adsorbing and accumulating pollutants from seawater. However, this particular ability exposes the tendency of exploiting plastic waste as an adsorbent for removing pollutants from polluted water. Considering the problems caused by plastic waste to ecosystems, this concept is very interesting and attractive as a way to protect the environment by recycling or reusing plastic wastes as novel low-cost adsorbents. In this study, the effect of the following factors such as pH, contact time, initial concentration and temperature which are significant parameters in adsorption processes will be tested for the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and phenol (PHE) on pristine, aged and modified MPs of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as single and mixtures. The process will be optimized using response surface methodology and machine learning algorithm while toxicity evaluated to zebrafish and human health via insillico studies. Results from this study provide information on the plastic/adsorbate interaction mechanisms and factors influencing the removal rates. An understanding of these processes will help in developing efficient plastic-based adsorbent that can be used in fields or large-scale clean-up. This will also help in reducing the amount of plastic wastes reaching the environment. Microplastic (MPs) pollution of the environment is currently a global problem. In recent years, plastic pollution has been reported in all kinds of environments worldwide and is considered a threat to the health of the ecosystem and humans. Besides, plastics serve as vectors for pollutants as they are capable of adsorbing and accumulating pollutants from seawater. However, this particular ability exposes the tendency of exploiting plastic waste as an adsorbent for removing pollutants from polluted water. Considering the problems caused by plastic waste to ecosystems, this concept is very interesting and attractive as a way to protect the environment by recycling or reusing plastic wastes as novel low-cost adsorbents. In this study, the effect of the following factors such as pH, contact time, initial concentration and temperature which are significant parameters in adsorption processes will be tested for the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and phenol (PHE) on pristine, aged and modified MPs of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as single and mixtures. The process will be optimized using response surface methodology and machine learning algorithm while toxicity evaluated to zebrafish and human health via insillico studies. Results from this study provide information on the plastic/adsorbate interaction mechanisms and factors influencing the removal rates. An understanding of these processes will help in developing efficient plastic-based adsorbent that can be used in fields or large-scale clean-up. This will also help in reducing the amount of plastic wastes reaching the environment.
Graphical abstract
