In what has become a landmark research breakthrough in plastic pollution, Elizade University, Ilara Mokin has developed a plastic waste solution in agricultural systems known as customized biodegradable mulch (AgriBioMulch) for natural soil conditions, which is now being put up for adoption.
The university’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Williams Olufunmi, disclosed this in a statement.
He said that the research, undertaken in conjunction with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa was sponsored through a grant on Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) by UK-aid and four other European bodies.
The research work Bio-Degradable Mulch (BDM) Films with Customized Biodegradation Rates in Natural Soil Conditions: Can bio-degrade completely in soil and enrich agricultural soil without any negative impact?
Pioneered by Dr. Omotola Dada, an Associate Professor at Elizade University in collaboration with Dr Vincent Ojijo, Specialist in Environmental Engineering and Lead Applicant, SMEP Research from CSIR, South Africa, the research benefits include the removal of micro-plastics from agricultural soil systems; weed, pests and disease control as well as water moisture conservation in agriculture soil.
At a blended stakeholder meeting on the adoption of the research breakthrough with a field experience from Nigeria, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Ijadunola noted with delight that the gathering provided an opportunity to address the global and pressing concern that threatens the well-being and survival of mankind.
He noted that plastic pollution has infiltrated lands, oceans, and even the remotest corners of the planet with far-reaching consequences on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
Ijadunola said the agricultural systems have equally not been spared, particularly through the use of non-degradable plastic mulch films to cultivate crops, which release microplastics and other chemical pollutants into the food chain thus rendering farm produce unsafe for human consumption.
According to him, toxic gases are emitted when plastic mulch films are burnt on the farm after use, and the undisposed ones left on the farm produce residual fragments of plastic films that remain in agricultural soils for 200 to 400 years.
Prof Ijadunola noted with satisfaction that the innovative and novel research findings to solve the problem in Nigeria are being first implemented in Ondo State through the Elizade University pilot research farm project of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) program.
He said the University is committed to promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness among students, faculty, and staff. He pledged to intensify efforts at reducing plastic waste, implementing recycling programs, and advocating responsible consumption.
The Vice-Chancellor challenged students to engage in research, develop innovative solutions, and influence policy changes that can make a lasting impact on the environment.
He called for a network of like-minded individuals committed to a sound plastic-free future, noting that the fate of our planet lies in our hands, stressing that, it is our collective responsibility to act as guardians of the environment, to preserve its beauty, and therefore secure a flourishing future for generations to come.
The Dean of the Faculty of Basic and Allied Sciences, Prof Festus Adebiyi described the research work of Dr. Omotola Dada as coming at the hour of need for global solutions towards environmental protection and food security.
He charged other scientists and researchers to develop more breathtaking innovations to impact the Nigerian environment and the global community.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oseni Oyeniyi expressed happiness that the research breakthrough will reduce the menace of plastic waste pollution, just as it serves as a homegrown solution to farmers’ dilemma with non-degradable plastic mulch films in agricultural land.
The convener of the Blended Stakeholders Meeting on The Adoption of Customized Biodegradable Mulch Films For Natural Soil Conditions, Dr. Omotola Dada, was delighted that farmers are enthusiastically embracing the breakthrough initiative which she explained will lead to increased farm yield and enriched soil fertility among others.
The Stakeholders meeting drew participants from various divides including the academia, policy, and decision-makers, environmentalists, agriculture experts, farmers, technocrats, Community-Based Organizations, (CBOs), and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
