As the world grapples with environmental pollution, Azeezat Abdulraheem is at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to water and soil contamination. A PhD student at Mississippi State University, Abdulraheem specializes in environmental and analytical chemistry, focusing on sustainable methods to remove pollutants.
Currently, she is conducting groundbreaking research on biochar-based materials to clean up contaminated water and soil. Her work explores how agricultural waste, such as rice husk and Douglas Fir biochar, can be repurposed to immobilize heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Through extensive lab testing, she has demonstrated how these natural materials can prevent toxic metals from entering the food chain, reducing environmental hazards.
However, her ambitions extend beyond academia. Abdulraheem envisions a future where sustainable chemistry revolutionizes resource recovery, particularly in addressing the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste). She is developing methods to extract valuable metals from discarded electronics using environmentally friendly approaches, such as modified biochar.
“E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams, yet it holds incredible potential,” she said. “By using innovative techniques, we can recover valuable materials without harming the environment.”
Her passion for sustainable technologies is rooted in years of hands-on experience. From her undergraduate days at the University of Lagos, where she researched green corrosion inhibitors, to her work as a research assistant analyzing industrial effluents, Abdulraheem has consistently pursued eco-friendly scientific solutions.
At Mississippi State, she has presented her findings at major conferences, including the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society and the Annual Green Chemistry Conference. These platforms have allowed her to collaborate with leading scientists and refine her research for real-world applications.
Her expertise in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX) has positioned her as a leader in material characterization and environmental monitoring.
But Abdulraheem is not just focused on technical advancements—she is also committed to mentorship. As a graduate teaching assistant, she trains undergraduate researchers and guides them in developing their own scientific projects. She believes empowering the next generation of scientists is crucial for driving long-term change.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Navigating a highly specialized field as a young researcher has required persistence and adaptability. “Science is full of unexpected results, but every failed experiment teaches you something valuable,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Abdulraheem aims to scale up her research on e-waste recovery, partnering with industries to develop commercial applications for her work. She envisions a future where discarded electronics are transformed into renewable resources, contributing to a circular economy that minimizes waste.
Her innovative approach has already caught the attention of environmental organizations and policymakers, who see her work as a potential game-changer in sustainable waste management.
She also hopes to inspire more African scientists to explore environmental chemistry. “We need more research tailored to local environmental challenges—solutions that address pollution in our communities while leveraging the rich scientific expertise we have,” she emphasized.
From water purification to e-waste recovery, Abdulraheem is shaping a future where chemistry and sustainability go hand in hand. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that science can be both innovative and ethical, solving environmental crises without creating new ones.
With her expertise, passion for sustainability, and vision for a cleaner world, Abdulraheem is paving the way for groundbreaking solutions in environmental chemistry. As she pushes the boundaries of research, the world eagerly awaits the impact of her work on a global scale.
