A Professor of Environmental Chemistry and Management, Aderonke Okoya, has called for the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to monitor water quality and combat pollution in Nigeria.

Okoya made this call while delivering the 415th inaugural lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, titled: ‘Managing the secret life of waters for one health: A waste to wealth approach’.

Okoya highlighted the devastating impact of water pollution on human health and the environment.

She noted that untreated urban runoff and industrial wastewater contribute significantly to surface water pollution, contaminating water used for drinking and recreation.

Okoya stressed that the use of IoT technologies was crucial to addressing this issue, as several Nigerians die from contaminated water.

Her research showed that an IoT-based approach ensured timely water quality assessment, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

She explained that the effects of contaminated water are felt first by aquatic life, but soon extend to humans.

“Several people die each day due to the consumption of polluted water. Bacteria and other pathogens wash into waterbodies, causing health hazards for humans, animals, and plants,” she said.

Okoya also highlighted the impact of sediment and nutrients in waterways, noting that excess sediment causes cloudiness, making it difficult for aquatic plants to receive sunlight.

She stressed that sustainable water use and conservation are critical for ensuring safe and abundant water for future generations.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria is the 10th-largest producer of unmanaged plastic waste in the world, accounting for 2.7 per cent of the global total, and is expected to generate the most unmanaged plastic waste in Africa by 2050.

Okoya noted that Nigeria’s waste management challenges exacerbate the problem: the country produces an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with only about 20 to 30 per cent collected and managed properly, while the rest ends up in unauthorised dumps or waterbodies, contributing to pollution and health risks.

She added that prevention, remediation, and continuous monitoring are all essential.

“Improving water quality is not just about environmental conservation; it is about protecting human health, sustaining ecosystems, and building a resilient Nigerian economy,” she said.

Okoya said the use of IoT technologies was expedient as several Nigerians.

She noted that her research proved that an IoT-based approach ensured timely water quality assessment, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.