Nigerian Scientist Toluwalase Ojeyemi Leads Innovative Water Pollution Research in the US

Toluwalase Ojeyemi, a Nigerian-born environmental toxicologist, is making waves in the fight against water pollution in the United States. With growing concerns over the safety of rivers, lakes, and streams many of which are now too polluted for drinking, fishing, or recreation, Ojeyemi is developing groundbreaking solutions to restore and protect this vital resource.

Her research focuses on identifying and treating emerging water contaminants such as microplastics, PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances), and Prymnesium parvum, a harmful algal species. These pollutants pose serious risks to human health and the environment, yet existing methods for detecting and removing them are often costly and complex.

Ojeyemi is working to change that. She is developing rapid, affordable, and easy-to-use techniques for assessing the toxicity of water contaminants.

A central part of Ojeyemi’s project is the use of biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from agricultural waste, as a sustainable and low-cost water treatment option. Through laboratory and pilot-scale tests, she is evaluating how biochar can be enhanced to effectively absorb and remove toxic substances from water.

“My goal is to create solutions that are not just effective in the lab, but practical and scalable in the real world,” she says. “Clean water should be a right, not a privilege.”

Beyond scientific research, Ojeyemi is passionate about public health communication. She aims to raise awareness about water contamination risks and provide communities with knowledge they can use to protect themselves and advocate for cleaner environments.

With a strong interdisciplinary approach and a commitment to environmental justice, Toluwalase Ojeyemi is emerging as a key voice in the global effort to ensure safe, accessible water for all.