FWIS 2024: Waste-to-wealth approach to combat Africa's water pollution

African women scientists are at the forefront of cutting-edge research, yet they still only represent about a third of researchers globally, often lacking recognition for their groundbreaking work. Each year, the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards celebrates these exceptional African women scientists for their innovative research in crucial fields such as health, climate change, and technology. One such laureate making significant strides in the realm of water quality improvement in Nigeria is Blessing Olagunju. Olagunju's research centers on addressing the pressing issue of water pollution in Nigeria, where over 70% of water is contaminated at the point of consumption, primarily due to untreated industrial effluents being discharged into rivers and streams. Her approach involves utilizing agricultural waste to create materials that can effectively remove harmful contaminants from industrial wastewater before it is released, thereby safeguarding the overall water quality. Despite facing challenges such as limited funding and access to state-of-the-art equipment, Olagunju has persevered in her research by leveraging opportunities like scholarships and funding from organizations such as L’Oréal UNESCO Women in Science. Through rigorous testing and experimentation, Olagunju has demonstrated impressive results, achieving over 90% removal efficiency of target pollutants like dyes, pharmaceuticals, and organic contaminants using various agricultural waste materials. By combining these waste materials with nanoparticles, she aims to enhance their effectiveness in purifying water sources. Olagunju's work exemplifies the critical role women scientists play in advancing solutions to environmental challenges and underscores the importance of supporting their research endeavors. With a commitment to driving positive change and ensuring access to safe water for communities in Africa, Olagunju's groundbreaking approach offers hope for a sustainable future in the fight against water pollution.