By Raphael Okhiria
A professor of Biochemistry department at the Edo State University Uzairue,
Prof. Ugbenyen Anthony Moses, has suggested the need to properly subject water to adequate treatment and disinfection processes before domestic use so as to reduce the risk of heavy metal toxicities as well as waterborne diseases.
Prof Ugbenyen made the suggestion while delivery the 16th inaugural lecture series of the Edo State University Uzairue at the Aliko Dangote Auditorium, said water is a very important natural resources needed for the survival of living organisms, production of food and also economic improvement, and is also prone to different contaminant/pollution that makes it difficult for use without treatment.
The Biochemistry professor whose lecture titled “Biopolymers As Eco-friendly Alternative In Water/Wastewater Purification: A Public Health Concern” further stated that the state government should put in more effort into setting up a monitoring and evaluation body to see to the periodic evaluation of natural waters as well as prevent excessive human anthropogenic activities that may result in contamination of waters.
According to him, this places water pollution among the chief environmental and public health problem associated with water bodies hence, flocculation using chemical and synthetic flocculant have been a means of purifying polluted water before usage.
He said the document was put together to share the breakthrough in using bioflocculants in purifying water/wastewater and to understand the nature of various biopolymers with great potential to flocculate polluted water.
Prof Ugbenyen said efficient flocculation is of prime important in the successful operation of a water treatment or wastewater treatment facility as bioflocculation and the subsequent sedimentation of the floc are essential before the treated water is discharged into the environment.
He said bioflocculants are widely used in the treatment of water and wastewater, in downstream processing, and processing of food and chemicals and are also useful in mining and milling operations and in petroleum refineries.
In conclusion, he said bioflocculants are essentially polyesters produced by microorganisms during their growth with their ability to flocculate directly dependant on the characteristics nature of the flocculants.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dawood Omolumen Egbefo, said the university since inception have been dedicated to fostering academic excellence, consistently aligning with its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in quality teaching, research, innovation and community development.
“Our institution leverages technology-driven educational resources for teaching, learning and evaluation, demonstrating our commitment to quality education saying this dedication reflect our university’s core values and has earned us recognition both domestically and internationally”.
Prof Egbefo further revealed that the university leads in academic excellence, supported by highly qualified and dedicated staff who impacted knowledge across various disciplines.
He said inaugural lectures perpetuated the tradition of senior academic staff sharing insights through their inaugural lecture series adding that the intention is to develop a tradition where professors present their inaugural lecture within the twelve months of their elevation to the rank.
The Acting Vice Chancellor however used the opportunity to encouraged young professors to take the advantage of the opportunity by sharing their knowledge through inaugural lecture as it will soon become a criteria for certain qualifications.
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